Bungie Sets Marathon Release Date, Opens Alpha Sign-Ups
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- Marathon launches Sept. 23, 2025, with alpha testing starting April 23.
- Bungie adds faction-based progression that rewards failed runs.
- The game supports cross-play, and features four starting classes.
Bungie announced that its upcoming extraction shooter, Marathon, will launch on September 23, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The announcement was made during today’s livestream event, which also revealed that a closed alpha test will commence on April 23, 2025. Players can sign up for the alpha through the official Marathon Discord server. You can watch the cinematic reveal trailer here.
Set in the year 2850 on the abandoned colony of Tau Ceti IV, Marathon casts players as “Runners” — cybernetic mercenaries competing to retrieve and extract valuable artifacts and data. The game features both player-versus-player (PvP) and player-versus-environment (PvE) elements, with matches supporting up to 18 players divided into teams of three. Players must navigate hostile environments, combat AI-controlled enemies, and extract their loot before being eliminated.
Bungie also revealed new design features aimed at easing the harshness typically associated with extraction shooters. In Marathon, players won’t lose all progress if they fail to extract. Instead, the game introduces a faction system where completing objectives tied to faction missions will still grant progression — even if a run ends in death. Each faction offers its own set of passive perks, such as faster looting or improved scanning abilities, allowing players to gradually improve their capabilities over time.
“We’re building a game that won’t feel disappointing if you had a bad run,” Bungie developers said during the livestream. “We want you to progress even if you failed.” This approach is designed to reward players for their time and effort, regardless of outcome, offering a more forgiving and engaging loop for those new to the genre while still maintaining the high-stakes tension fans expect.
During the alpha test, four distinct Runner classes will be available: Void, specializing in stealth; Glitch, focusing on speed and disruption; Locus, a tank-like class with shield abilities; and Blackbird, designed for reconnaissance. At launch, two additional classes will be introduced. The game will support full cross-play and cross-save functionality across all platforms.
Bungie has not yet disclosed the pricing model for Marathon, leaving it unclear whether the game will adopt a free-to-play structure or a traditional purchase model. Unofficial sources earlier suggested that retail price of Marathon is going to be $40.
