Bungie, the renowned developer behind Destiny and Halo, has unveiled the release date for their highly anticipated first-person extraction shooter, Marathon, during its gameplay reveal showcase. Dive in to discover more about the game's features and how to participate in the upcoming Closed Alpha Playtest.

Marathon Coming on September 23

Returning to Tau Ceti

On April 13, Bungie showcased Marathon, a game that shifts the series' focus from the narrative-driven, single-player experiences of its 1994-1996 trilogy to a thrilling multiplayer arena. In this new iteration, six teams of three players will vie against each other and AI-controlled adversaries to secure valuable loot and successfully extract it from the map.

In a recent PlayStation.blog post, Bungie's developers hinted at preserving the experiential storytelling that has defined their games. Marathon Narrative Leader Jonathan Goff emphasized their commitment to creating an environment where narratives naturally unfold, echoing the original trilogy's legacy of discovery and intrigue.

Making Marathon a "Story Engine"

During the reveal stream, it became clear that Marathon places a significant emphasis on in-game economics, with every item in a player’s inventory having a sell price and clear indicators of what can be extracted. However, Bungie's vision for Marathon extends beyond mere wealth accumulation. Marathon Game Director Joe Ziegler highlighted the game's goal to serve as a "story engine," where memorable battles and experiences arise even from mission failures or empty-handed exits.

Working With Fans and Creators

From the early stages of development, Bungie has actively collaborated with fans and content creators, incorporating their feedback into the game's design. Responding to concerns about map fairness and unpredictability, Ziegler explained that they've implemented a design where each match starts anew, allowing teams to strategize from a consistent starting point and race against others for desired loot.

Marathon Closed Alpha Playtest

Bungie is set to launch its Closed Alpha Playtest for Marathon from April 23 to May 4, exclusively for U.S. and Canadian residents. Participants will have the opportunity to test four unique Runners: Blackbird, reminiscent of Destiny 2’s Warlock; Void, with tactical invisibility; Locus, equipped with a tactical shield; and Glitch, offering superior mobility. The playtest will feature three distinct maps: Perimeter, a woodland setting for five crews (15 players), and Dire Marsh, a more open environment accommodating six crews (18 players).

To join the Closed Alpha, players should visit the official Marathon Discord server, navigate to the alpha-access channel, and use the "/alpha" command to register. Keep in mind, invitations are not guaranteed as this is the game's initial public exposure.

While no further playtests have been announced beyond the U.S. and Canada, Marathon is slated for a September 23, 2025 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting title!