Bungie, the renowned game development studio, has officially announced the system requirements for the closed alpha testing of its upcoming shooter, Marathon. This highly anticipated game is set to undergo closed testing from April 23 to May 4, 2025, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Players from the United States and Canada will be the first to experience the game during this phase.
As excitement builds for Marathon, Bungie has clarified that the system requirements for the alpha test may change by the time of the game's full release. However, early assessments suggest that the shooter will not be overly demanding, potentially allowing it to run on older PC hardware. The minimum system requirements for the alpha test include an Intel Core i5-6600 or AMD Ryzen 5 2600 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a graphics card such as the GTX 1050 Ti (4 GB) or RX 5500 XT (4 GB). Additionally, players will need to ensure they have at least 6 GB of free disk space.
To participate in the alpha testing, players must join the official Discord server for Marathon. Once on the server, they need to navigate to the alpha access channel and enter the command /alpha, after which they will receive further instructions from the server bot. However, Bungie has noted that joining the Discord server does not guarantee selection as an alpha tester.
In an effort to maintain the confidentiality of the testing process, all participants will be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). This means that they will not be allowed to stream or share any information regarding the game during the testing period.
As for cross-platform play, Bungie has confirmed that the alpha test will support this feature, allowing players on different gaming platforms to play together. This move aligns with the studio's commitment to fostering a more inclusive gaming environment.
Game director Joe Ziegler has previously shared insights about Marathon, indicating that the game will not include a chat feature for players to communicate with nearby gamers. This decision is likely aimed at focusing gameplay on the action rather than on social interactions.
The full release of Marathon is scheduled for September 23, 2025, and while the game will be a paid title, details regarding its price have yet to be disclosed. An open test may also take place in the summer of 2025, providing more players with the chance to experience the game before its official launch.
As the gaming community eagerly awaits the alpha testing phase, Bungie’s commitment to transparency and player involvement in the development process is evident. The studio's proactive approach in sharing system requirements and testing procedures reflects its dedication to ensuring a smooth experience for players.
With the closed alpha just around the corner, anticipation for Marathon continues to grow. Fans are hopeful that the game will deliver an engaging and innovative experience that lives up to Bungie's storied legacy in the gaming industry.
