Bungie has finally unveiled new details about its highly anticipated PvP sci-fi extraction shooter, Marathon, during a livestream event on April 12, 2025. This marks a significant moment for fans, as the game is the first new entry in the Marathon franchise since 1996's Marathon Infinity.
During the Marathon Gameplay Reveal Showcase, Bungie confirmed that the game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on September 23, 2025. In addition, a Closed Alpha test is set to take place on April 23, 2025, allowing players to sign up now via the Marathon Discord server.
The game introduces players to the role of a Runner, a cybernetic mercenary exploring the remnants of a lost colony on Tau Ceti IV. Teams of up to three players will compete against both NPCs and rival teams to loot valuable equipment. The unique extraction mechanic means that players who survive a run can keep their loot for future encounters, while those who perish will lose their gear, making every decision critical.
Players will start with a roster of six Runners, but the Closed Alpha will only feature four of them: the soldier-type Locus, the reconnaissance-based Blackbird, the agile disrupter Glitch, and the sneaky Void. Each Runner comes with unique abilities that players can leverage to gain an advantage in the game's fast-paced environment.
The gameplay mechanics are designed to encourage quick thinking and teamwork, but players can also opt for solo runs if they prefer to go it alone. The game promises dynamic events, variable weather, and the unpredictability of other players to ensure that no two runs will feel the same.
As Bungie moves away from its traditional live-service model, the company aims to create a fresh experience with Marathon. This shift comes after the studio's acquisition by PlayStation in 2022 and reflects a desire to explore new gameplay mechanics and storytelling methods.
In addition to gameplay details, the reveal showcased a cinematic short directed by the award-winning Alberto Mielgo, further emphasizing the rich storytelling that will accompany the game. Mielgo remarked, "When I first read about Marathon's universe and characters, I found everything strangely poetic and mysterious. The concepts of futility and endurance immediately came to mind, and I felt an urgent need to write about it."
Fans can also look forward to interactive elements during the reveal event, including Twitch drops and subscription rewards. Viewers can unlock a special cat badge by subscribing to anyone streaming in the Marathon Twitch directory from April 11 to April 13, 2025, and earn a unique Marathon emblem in Destiny 2 by watching 15 minutes of Marathon-related streams.
The excitement surrounding Marathon is palpable, especially as Bungie has been teasing information about the game for weeks. With its combination of tactical gameplay, stunning visuals, and engaging storytelling, Marathon seems poised to capture the attention of both veteran players and newcomers alike.
As the Closed Alpha approaches, fans are eager to dive into the world of Tau Ceti IV and experience the challenges that await them. Will you be signing up for the Closed Alpha? What are you most looking forward to in Bungie's return to the Marathon franchise? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
