
Release Date: March 5, 2026
An online FPS set in the distant future and the next installment in the Marathon series, developed by Bungie since 1994.
Marathon is an online FPS by Bungie, the developers of the early Halo games (up to Halo: Reach) and the Destiny series, published by Sony Interactive Entertainment.
Not counting ports - such as one of the second game, developed in 2007 by Freeverse - it's the fourth installment of the series. The previous games, that is, Marathon, Marathon 2: Durandal and Marathon Infinity (a prequel) were released in 1994-1996 on Apple's Mac platform (back then known as Macintosh).
Marathon is set in the distant future. As opposed to the previous installments, the game doesn't have a story campaign - it's a multiplayer extraction shooter. Competing teams must complete objectives, then escape the area, The faster squad wins.
Nevertheless, Marathon does have a main storyline of sorts - one shaped by the players. Just like other games by Bungie, it features intriguing lore portrayed through notes scattered around the world and through environmental storytelling.
The original Marathon games feature many tropes and elements archetypical to the science fiction genre, many of which have been later reused in the Halo series. One such trope is an artificial intelligence gone mad.
Marathon supports cross-play between the PC, PS5 and XSX/S.
Platforms:
PC Windows
PlayStation 5
Xbox Series X/S
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Marathon, the upcoming extraction shooter from Bungie, has detailed major changes in a new 20-minute video along with a March 2026 release window.
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Matt Buckley
December 15, 2025
The developers will soon let you check out Marathon after considerable changes and a long period of silence following the problems of this online shooter.
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Jacob Blazewicz
October 7, 2025
Marathon's next playtest gives players the chance to earn $500 in compensation. However, it's not open to everyone, and it's not easy to get the full payout.
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Matt Buckley
August 29, 2025
After years at the helm of the legendary studio, Pete Parsons is leaving Bungie. Fans celebrated the departure, remembering the mistakes the former CEO made.
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Matt Buckley
August 22, 2025
Alpha test is a great opportunity to check out Marathon early. Here you will learn how to apply for those. There are some limitations though, so make sure to read this guide thoroughly.
How to
Aleksander Kartasinski
April 24, 2025
Is this gonna flop harder than Concord? The Marathon reboot is here, but it’s an extraction shooter and no one’s feeling it.
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Olga Racinowska
April 14, 2025
Bungie hosted a live stream event this morning to showcase gameplay and a release date for their upcoming first-person shooter, Marathon.
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Matt Buckley
April 12, 2025
Bungie Studios will soon showcase its next game with a gameplay presentation from the latest installment of the Marathon series.
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Jacob Blazewicz
April 7, 2025
Bungie employees report on Sony's plans to take full control of the studio.
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December 7, 2023
We have learned more about the situation at Bungie. New reports talk about the scale of layoffs, the financial state of Destiny 2 and the condition of the team's upcoming projects.
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System Requirements for Marathon Video Game:
PC / Windows
Minimum System Requirements:
Intel Core i5-6600 / AMD Ryzen 5 2600, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 4 GB GeForce GTX 1050 Ti / Radeon RX 5500 XT, Windows 10 64-bit.
Recommended System Requirements:
Intel Core i5-10400 / AMD Ryzen 5 3500, 16 GB RAM, graphic card 6 GB GeForce RTX 2060 / 8 GB Radeon RX 5700 XT, Windows 10 64-bit.
Game Ratings for Marathon Video Game.
Game is Recomended by 86% of Critics. There are 115 Critic Reviews.
GamesCreed: 3.7 / 5 by Mahi Araf
Marathon isn’t for everyone, and it shouldn’t be. Its first impression is harsh, but its long-term experience is rich, rewarding, and full of moments that will make you want to come back again and again. Once you learn its systems, understand its maps, and invest in its progression, you’ll see why it’s one of the more compelling extraction shooters released in years.
Gamer Social Club: 9 / 10 by Adam S. D. Stewart
Coming from someone who is completely new to extraction shooters, Marathon is a triumph. The excellent visuals, audio design and gameplay creates a game and world that wants you to have “just one more run”. Hell, I’m only writing this during the server maintenance downtime, otherwise I’d struggle to tear myself away! Bungie have succeeded in creating a world that is begging to be explored and experienced even if the lore and storytelling feels slightly secondary. It may feel overwhelming at first, but a little perserverance, and not much at that, will open up a game that is incredibly well made and demonstrates a lot of love and work.
Completexbox: 85 / 100 by Jordan Campbell
Once the gameplay loop of Marathon clicks with you, it is a fantastically polished experience with exceptional gunplay. Sure, there is a big learning curve, and a lot doesn’t make sense at first. What I enjoyed about the fact that your hand isn’t held here whatsoever is that you’re left to learn it all alone or with friends. Whilst the gameplay does have some Destiny similarities, it isn’t a direct clone and stands on its own feet. Aesthetically, it’ll please most, while others dislike how it’s presented. Diving into runs, ticking off challenges, unlocking rewards, and gathering currency for unwanted loot is an addictive, rinse-and-repeat loop. It won’t be for everyone, but it’s a promising start to a solid shooter with well-grounded foundations. Playing with your mates is obviously the way to go here. But you can go lone soldier as a rook, or see out runs with randoms. The atmosphere of constant tension, chaotic gunfights and exploring the small but detailed worlds on offer is an enjoyable feat. My only concern is how long the fun lasts before it becomes stale, but after 30 hours, I’m still plugging away and enjoying it. Fingers crossed, Bungie will support this one for the long haul, but this will only be with Sony’s blessing.
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