Bungie, the acclaimed developer behind Destiny and Halo, has officially announced the release date for their much-anticipated first-person extraction shooter, Marathon, during its gameplay reveal showcase. Dive into the details below to discover what awaits in the game and how you can participate in the upcoming Closed Alpha Playtest.
Marathon Coming on September 23
Returning to Tau Ceti
On April 13, Bungie unveiled an exciting gameplay showcase for Marathon, setting the stage for its release on September 23, 2025. This new iteration of Marathon diverges significantly from its predecessors, transitioning from a single-player, story-driven experience to a multiplayer-focused extraction shooter. In Marathon, six teams of three players will battle against each other and AI-controlled foes to secure loot and successfully extract valuable items.
The original Marathon trilogy, comprising Marathon (1994), Marathon 2: Durandal (1995), and Marathon Infinity (1996), was renowned for its narrative depth and single-player focus. However, the new Marathon aims to blend this storytelling prowess with a dynamic multiplayer environment.
In a PlayStation.blog post dated April 12, Bungie's developers shed light on the game’s direction. Despite the shift to multiplayer, Marathon Narrative Leader Jonathan Goff emphasized maintaining the experiential storytelling that has defined Bungie's games. "The interweaving of narratives, events, and characters in the original trilogy delivered a world of discovery, wonder, and misdirection," Goff explained. He further stated, "At the end of the day, our goal with Marathon is not to tell a story, but to build worlds in which stories can and will unfold."
Making Marathon a "Story Engine"
During the reveal stream, the game's focus on in-game economy was evident, with every item in the player's inventory having a sell price and clear indications of what can be extracted. However, Bungie assures that accumulating wealth isn't the sole purpose of the game.
Marathon is designed to be a "story engine," fostering memorable encounters and lasting memories, even if players fail missions or exit maps empty-handed. Marathon Game Director Joe Ziegler elaborated on this approach in an interview with PC Gamer, stating, "What we're trying to do is say, 'how do you go on adventures and then feel that survival challenge, that survival story that you're making?' Some of the best survival stories and moments I've had in gaming are actually failures or weird things that have happened, right?" Ziegler highlighted that success in Marathon isn't just about survival but about crafting a compelling narrative from each run.
Working With Fans and Creators
Bungie has actively collaborated with fans and content creators throughout Marathon's development. From the early stages, even before full production, players have been involved in playtesting prototypes and providing valuable feedback.
A notable concern from early playtests was the unpredictability and perceived unfairness of map designs, with issues such as spawn camping and contested loot. In response, Ziegler explained, "After hearing this feedback, we moved to the design we have today, where each match is a fresh start for everyone. This consistent starting point means you and your teammates can better strategize before each run, and then you can race enemy teams to fight for the loot you’re looking for."
Marathon Closed Alpha Playtest
Starting April 23 and running until May 4, Bungie will host a Closed Alpha Playtest for Marathon, exclusively for residents of the U.S. and Canada. This alpha will introduce four distinct Runners for players to experience: Blackbird, resembling Destiny 2's Warlock; Void, with tactical invisibility; Locus, equipped with a tactical shield; and Glitch, known for its exceptional mobility. The playtest will also feature three maps: Perimeter, a woodland setting for five crews (15 players), and Dire Marsh, a more open environment for six crews (18 players).
To participate in the alpha, players can join the official Marathon Discord server, navigate to the alpha-access channel, and use the "/alpha" command to sign up. Keep in mind that this is a closed alpha, and receiving an invitation is not guaranteed, as it marks the game's first public outing.
No further playtest announcements have been made for regions outside the U.S. and Canada. Marathon is slated for release on September 23, 2025, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay updated with the latest on Marathon by checking out our dedicated coverage.
