Bungie’s highly anticipated shooter, Marathon, is officially slated for release on March 5, 2026. This announcement was made alongside a new trailer on January 19, 2024. Originally scheduled for a release on September 23, 2025, the launch was delayed due to developmental challenges, including a dispute over artwork.
The game, a reboot of the classic Marathon series from the 1990s, promises to bring a fresh perspective to the extraction shooter genre. Players will explore the planet Tau Ceti IV, seeking valuable loot while engaging in intense squad-based combat.
Platform Availability and Pre-Orders
Marathon will be accessible on multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Unfortunately for gamers using last-generation consoles, it will not be available on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One. A potential port for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 has not been confirmed, but the possibility remains open depending on the game’s success.
As for pre-orders, they are currently available across all platforms, with two editions on offer. The Standard Edition is priced at £34.99 / $39.99, while the Deluxe Edition costs £49.99 / $59.99. For collectors, Bungie is also offering a premium Collector’s Edition, which retails for a substantial €236.99 / $299.99. UK customers should be aware that this edition is only available in Euros, necessitating currency conversion fees.
Gameplay and Story Elements
Marathon is poised to deliver an exhilarating experience in the extraction shooter category, drawing comparisons to titles like Escape from Tarkov. Players will form squads of up to three as they navigate the hazardous landscape of Tau Ceti IV, scavenging for weapons and upgrades while fending off competing teams and hostile security forces. Bungie’s official description identifies players as “Runners,” cybernetic mercenaries in pursuit of fortune and power.
The gameplay will feature a persistent narrative, reminiscent of Bungie’s successful Destiny franchise. Players can expect a story that evolves through in-game seasons and events, although specific plot details remain under wraps.
Multiple trailers have already been released to give fans a glimpse of what to expect. The initial cinematic trailer debuted during the PlayStation Showcase in May 2023. Subsequent trailers, including a gameplay reveal and an in-depth overview, followed on April 14, 2025. Most recently, the pre-order trailer provided further insights into the game’s mechanics and visuals.
As the launch date approaches, excitement is building within the gaming community. Marathon represents a significant return for Bungie to a beloved franchise, and the new direction promises to re-engage both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
