The Important Details

Marathon is a PvPvE extraction shooter developed by Bungie, scheduled to release on March 5, 2026.
It will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC with Cross Play and Cross Save.
You’ll be a Runner, a cybernetic mercenary, dropping into dangerous zones on the planet Tau Ceti IV to collect loot, complete various objectives, and escape.

February 17, 2026

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Marathon is a Player vs Player vs Environment (PvPvE) extraction shooter developed by Bungie (the makers of Halo and Destiny).
Set on a (somewhat) abandoned alien-infested colony world called Tau Ceti IV, Runners (cybernetic mercenaries) will be deployed on a planet with the goal to gather resources, collect loot, complete various objectives all while fighting other players and PvE combatants.
- If you manage to survive, you’ll make your way to an extraction location and bring in your haul.
- If you fail and die, you lose your loot. This game is all about high risk and high reward!

Marathon is set on the planet Tau Ceti IV in the year 2893, over 99 years after the events of the original Marathon game.
Human colonists from the UESC Marathon, a ship made out of the moon Deimos, had started a new colony but due to an anomaly, many of these colonists have since disappeared.
The remaining few to survive have formed various factions, all of which now fight for resource control and well, survival!
These factions have hired mercenaries called Runners to face off against combatants (humans and other alien foes) and to gather resources and data.

An extraction shooter is best described as a high-stakes “loot-and-scoot” game.
Unlike a standard team deathmatch where you just respawn or a Battle Royale where you’re the last one standing, the goal of an extraction shooter is to enter a map, grab valuable resources, and get out alive at a specific “extraction point”.

The Risk/Reward Loop: If you die before you extract, you typically lose everything you found in that match, as well as the gear you brought in from your permanent stash. If you succeed, you keep the loot to upgrade your character for the next run.
PvPvE: In Marathon, you aren’t just fighting other human players (PvP); the world is also populated by dangerous AI enemies and environmental hazards (PvE).
Gear Fear: Because loss is permanent, every decision – whether to take a shortcut, engage in a fight, or loot one more room – carries real weight.

Hero-Based Runners: You play as “Runners” who use different cybernetic “shells”.
- These act like character classes with unique abilities and moddable implants that you can customize over time.
Combat Over Looting: While looting is necessary, Marathon is heavily PvP-focused, prioritizing fast-paced, “hero-shooter” style gunplay.
Persistent World Events: The story isn’t a separate campaign; instead, player actions in the world can trigger seasonal narrative shifts and “raid-like” security escalations that affect everyone.

Marathon is scheduled to release on March 5, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Before the full launch, Bungie is hosting a Server Slam (open playtest) that will be available to all players:
- Dates: February 26 to March 2, 2026.
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam.
- Rewards: Participating in the Server Slam allows you to earn exclusive rewards for the full game, including a unique emblem, player background, and various “Arrival Cache” loot rewards based on your progression level.

The game is currently available for pre-order at a $39.99 USD price point, which includes access to all gameplay updates throughout the year.
The Deluxe Edition is $59.99.
The Collector’s Edition without a game code is $170.00 USD (meaning you get the collectible items and no code to play the actual game)
The Collector’s Edition with the game code is $229.99 USD.

Pre-ordering any edition of Marathon before March 17, 2026 grants a specific set of digital rewards for use in both Marathon and Destiny 2.
Marathon In-Game Rewards: These items are primarily cosmetic and will be available to you when the game launches on March 5, 2026:
- ZERO STEP 004 CE Tactical Sidearm Style: A unique skin for your sidearm.
- ZERO STEP RC Weapon Charm: A decorative attachment for your weapons.
- ZERO STEP SHIFT Weapon Sticker: A custom decal for gear customization.
- APOGEE INTERCEPT Emblem & Background: Customization options for your player profile.
Destiny 2 Crossover Rewards: If you link your Bungie.net account, you can immediately claim these Marathon-themed “UESC” (United Earth Space Council) items in Destiny 2:
- UESC Echo-type Exotic Ghost Shell
- UESC Rover Exotic Ship
- UESC Sprinter Exotic Sparrow
- Note: These can be picked up at the Special Deliveries terminal in the Tower in Destiny 2.

Marathon will be available in three primary editions: Standard, Deluxe, and Collector’s, each offering different combinations of digital and physical content.

Provides access to the full base game experience and all future gameplay updates for a flat price of $39.99 USD.
- Base Game: Access to the core Marathon game.
- All Gameplay Updates: Includes all future maps, Runner shells (classes), and events as they are released.
- Pre-order Bonuses: The ZERO STEP cosmetic set for Marathon and UESC themed items for Destiny 2 (if pre-ordered before March 17, 2026).

The Deluxe Edition, priced at $59.99 USD, is for players who want a cosmetic boost and a head start on the seasonal content.
All Standard Edition content, plus…
- Premium Rewards Pass Voucher: Unlocks the premium track for Season 1.
- 200 SILK Rewards Pass Tokens: SILK is the game’s premium currency, which can be used to unlock rewards in the battle pass or purchase cosmetics.
- “Midnight Decay” Cosmetic Set:
- Weapon Styles: Misriah 2442 Pump Shotgun Style and Overrun AR Style.
- Runner Shell Styles: Vandal, Destroyer, Assassin, and Thief Shell Styles.

Exclusive to the Bungie Store, the Collector’s Edition is the premium option and is priced at $229.99 USD (a version without the game code is also available for $170 USD).
All Deluxe Edition digital content (in the game code version), plus…
- 1/6-scale Thief Runner Shell Statue: A highly detailed statue with LED lights.
- Collectible Sekiguchi WEAVEworm Miniature: A replica of the in-game parasitic tech.
- Embroidered Patch and Set of Postcards.
- Premium Packaging: Designed to mimic the in-game “shell-weaving” process.
- SteelBook Case.