New Extraction Shooter Marathon: Release Date, Trailer and What You Need to Know
Bungie, the legendary studio behind Halo and Destiny, is returning to the franchise that started it all. However, the new Marathon is not a remake of the 1994 classic; it is a bold reimagining designed as a sci-fi PvP extraction shooter. Set on the colony ship Marathon orbiting Tau Ceti IV, players will step into the cybernetic bodies of "Runners" – mercenaries competing for survival, riches, and renown in a world where every run could be your last.
With a unique art style that breaks away from the gritty military aesthetic of modern shooters, Marathon promises to deliver high-stakes gameplay where intensity meets vibrant, psychological horror. Below, we break down everything you need to know about the launch, the Marathon release date, and which platforms will support this next-gen experience.
Marathon Release Date and Launch Details
After months of speculation and leaks, Bungie has officially broken its silence. The confirmed Marathon release date is set for March 5, 2026. This announcement came alongside a stunning new gameplay trailer that showcased the frantic energy of the extraction loop, confirming that the game has moved past the concept phase and is deep into production.
Bungie has opened pre-orders immediately, offering two distinct versions of the game: the Standard Edition ($40) and the Deluxe Edition ($70). Players who pre-order will gain instant access to the "Manifesto," a digital lore book, and exclusive cosmetic skins for their Runners. With the Marathon release date now locked in, the countdown has officially begun for fans eager to explore the secrets of the lost colony ship.
Supported Platforms and Cross-Play
Bungie is targeting a truly unified community at launch. The confirmed Marathon platforms include PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store). True to Bungie’s recent philosophy, the game will feature full cross-play and cross-save functionality from day one.
This means you can team up with friends regardless of their console or transfer your progress seamlessly between your PC and living room. As we approach the launch, keep an eye out for upcoming beta tests, which are expected to roll out in late 2025.
High-Stakes Survival: Gameplay Loop and Mechanics
At its core, Marathon is an extraction shooter, a genre popularized by games like Escape from Tarkov. However, Bungie is injecting its signature "gunplay feel" into this unforgiving formula. The loop is simple but brutal: drop into a zone on Tau Ceti IV, scavenge for alien artifacts and loot, and reach an extraction point alive. If you die, you lose everything you carried – your loot, your weapons, and your upgrades.
Oxygen and Injury Systems: Survival isn't just about dodging bullets. Leaks and official teasers suggest a robust survival mechanic involving Oxygen supplies. Your O2 acts as both a match timer and a resource; run out, and you perish. Additionally, a localized injury system means taking a hit to the leg will slow you down, while arm injuries will affect your aim, forcing players to play tactically rather than rushing in blindly.
Leaked Customization: The Massive "55 Skins" Roster
One of the most significant leaks covered by The Game Post reveals that Bungie is aiming for an unprecedented level of cosmetic depth at launch. Unlike many live-service games that start with a barebones shop, Marathon is reportedly set to debut with approximately 55 unique Runner skins ready for the release window.
According to the leaked "First Look" details, these are not merely simple color palette swaps (shaders). The skins appear to be full model overhauls that drastically change the silhouette and aesthetic of the Runners. This aligns with Bungie's focus on "Fashion" as the true endgame, allowing players to express distinct identities in the extraction zone.
Style Categories & Deluxe Content
The leak suggests that these 55 skins will be divided across various Runner archetypes (Classes) and likely categorized by rarity or faction themes:
- Tactical & Grounded: Skins that resemble high-tech military gear, appealing to fans of traditional tactical shooters.
- Cyber-Horror: Designs that lean into the unsettling, synthetic nature of the Marathon universe, featuring exposed wiring and robotic limbs.
- Vibrant "Street" Style: As seen in the trailers, many skins feature bright neon colors and graffiti-like patterns, emphasizing the punk aesthetic of the Runners.
This massive library of cosmetics explains the value proposition of the Deluxe Edition. The leaked images indicate that the "Exclusive Deluxe Skins" mentioned in pre-order materials are likely some of the most intricate designs from this pool of 55, giving early adopters an immediate visual status symbol.
Summary: A New Era for Extraction Shooters
With a firm Marathon release date of March 5, 2026, Bungie is poised to redefine the extraction genre. By combining high-stakes survival mechanics – like the tension-building Oxygen system and realistic injury models – with an unprecedented level of customization (including over 55 leaked Runner skins), the game aims to capture both the competitive shooter market and fans of deep sci-fi lore.
Whether you are a veteran of the original 1994 trilogy or a Destiny player looking for a grittier challenge, Marathon promises a distinct experience. The confirmation of full cross-play and cross-save functionality ensures that the community will be united across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC from day one. Prepare your loadout, secure your oxygen, and get ready to drop into Tau Ceti IV.
FAQ
Bungie has officially confirmed that Marathon will launch on March 5, 2026.
The game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam and the Epic Games Store). It features full cross-play and cross-save support.
No. Unlike Destiny 2, Marathon is a premium title. It is available for pre-order in Standard and Deluxe Editions, meaning you must purchase the game to play.
No. Marathon is a dedicated PvP extraction shooter. While it features deep lore and narrative elements delivered through the environment and voice lines, there is no traditional single-player offline campaign.
Change Log
- 21.01.2026 - New Extraction Shooter Marathon: Release Date, Trailer and What You Need to Know published.