A wave of excitement builds around Bungie’s newest game. Almost three decades after the first set of games, the team behind Halo and Destiny dives back into Marathon – though not quite how anyone predicted.
A fresh look at what’s coming with the new reboot as release day draws near.
What is Marathon?
On the far-off planet Tau Ceti IV, a fresh take on sci-fi combat unfolds. Runners move through ruins, not just fighting but searching – cyber-enhanced loners chasing old secrets. Riches hide where civilization once stood, now broken and quiet. Survival means knowing when to push forward, when to vanish into shadows. Each mission feels different, shaped by choices made under pressure. This is less about winning, more about getting out alive.
Out here, it’s nothing like those solo missions from the 90s shooter days. Instead of going at it alone, most action happens in shared spaces – other people are always lurking nearby. Drop into dangerous areas where supplies are scarce but valuable. Grab what you can while keeping an eye on threats moving in from all sides. Getting out alive matters just as much as what you carry. Survival means timing your escape right, because storms shift and enemies close in fast.
Key Launch Details
- Release Date: March 5, 2026.
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (Steam).
- Price: $39.99 (Standard Edition).
- Cross-Play/Save: Full support across all platforms.
Gameplay: High Stakes and Cybernetic Shells
Bungie is leaning heavily into its “sandbox” expertise to create a tense, high-stakes loop.
1. Runner Shells (Classes)
In Marathon, your character is defined by their “Shell.” These are customizable bodies with different playstyles. Confirmed Shells include:
- Locus: The frontline soldier for aggressive play.
- Void: A stealth specialist with active camouflage.
- Glitch: A disruptor focused on sabotage.
- Thief: A high-mobility scavenger.
2. The Oxygen Mechanic
Not every second counts – some vanish faster than others. Each Runner carries only so much air, nothing more. A hit to the chest might start a slow bleed of oxygen instead of blood. Stay too long and breath runs out like sand through fingers. Survival means hunting canisters or heading toward extraction before it’s too late.
3. Factions and Contracts
You’ll work for six competing factions (like MIDA and Traxus), completing contracts to earn season-long rewards, expanded vault space, and better starting gear.
Why the Hype is Real
Something big shifts when players solve tough puzzles together. Bungie says Marathon won’t stay the same – choices made in-game spark changes felt by all. A group cracking a raid-level challenge could open fresh areas overnight. The world reacts, rewritten by what people do. Each event reshapes both terrain and tale for everyone else. Story unfolds differently because of who acts first.
Funny how such bright colors feel so rare in this type of game. Instead of shadows and grime, everything pops with intensity. This look sets it apart without trying too hard. Bright does not mean shallow here. A lot of detail hides inside each vivid scene. You notice more the longer you stare. Most shooters play it safe with gray tones. Not this one. It stands out simply by being different.