It's fair to say extraction shooters are always a risky bet. However, sometimes, exciting projects arise: and we may be in front the most thrilling one in years.
Almost two years after its announcement, Bungie's Marathon has finally been revealed. With outstanding visuals and a promising storyline, Marathon could have what it takes to survive gamer's high expectations.
Marathon is finally here; and no, you won't have to run a huge distance first to play it. Keep on reading to know more about Bungie's first brand-new IP in over a decade!
What's Marathon?
Marathon is a sci-fi team-based PvP extraction shooter developed by the creators of Destiny and Halo. It's Bungie's first brand-new IP in over a decade, so it's fair to say expectations are high.
Here's Bungie's official description of Marathon, as per the team's official press statement:
Marathon is a team-based extraction shooter and the first completely new project from Bungie, the creators of Halo and Destiny, in more than a decade. Set on the mysterious planet of Tau Ceti IV, Marathon will see players inhabit the bodies of Runners, cybernetic mercenaries who have been designed to survive the planet’s harsh environments. While exploring the lost colony that once inhabited the surface, players will search for valuable loot including new weapons and gear.
Additionally, there's more information about Marathon in the game's official website:
a massive ghost ship hangs in low orbit over a lost colony on tau ceti iv. the 30,000 souls who call this place home have disappeared without a trace. strange signals hint at mysterious artifacts, long-dormant ai, and troves of untold riches. you are a runner, venturing into the unknown in a fight for fame… and infamy. who among you will write their names across the stars?
Plain and simple, in Marathon, players will have to survive and discover a new world called Tau Ceti IV. While we still don't know what Runners exactly are, these cybernetic mercenaries can survive the planet's extreme conditions. However, you won't be able to get distracted by the beauties of Tau Ceti IV; danger could be just around the corner.
When will Marathon be released?
Bungie's Marathon will be released on September 23, 2025. While the game's full release is in five months time, players will be able to try out the game by joining Marathon's Closed Alpha Test, which will take place between April 23 and May 4.
Marathon's Gameplay Reveal
Marathon's gameplay was officially revealed in the Marathon Showcase, which took place on April 12, 2025. There, some of the game's developers and designers talked about the game, its storyline, visuals, and characters: the Runners. Keep on reading to know more about them:
What are Marathon's Runners?
Marathon's Runners are cybernetic mercenaries with unique abilities. Although as of now only four Runners have been revealed, it has already been confirmed that the game will include six Runners when it's released in September 2025.
As of now, we know Locus, Blackbird, Glitch, and Void. Here's a quick look at them:
- Locus: Locus is the team's entry, players who love action and gunfights should take it. Its function is simple: using its loadout to open a path across the enemy lines.
- Blackbird: Blackbird's main role is to locate the enemy's position. Having that information helps the team to know what's the best strategy to use.
- Glitch: Glitch is here to be disruptive and trying to make the opponents' lifes as uncomfortable as possible.
- Void: Void is a mysterious Runner that's all about being sneaky. Void can use smokes to take the enemy by surprise.
When was Marathon first announced?
Marathon's first teaser and official announcement was made in May 2023. While almost two years have passed since then, Bungie has kept Marathon a secret... until now.
Excited about Marathon? Make sure to keep your eyes peeled as Marathon's first gameplay will be revealed on April 12, 2025, at 10 AM PT. For more information about Marathon, don't forget to bookmark the site and follow us through our social media pages.