Bungie, the renowned developer behind Destiny and Halo, has officially announced the release date for their eagerly awaited first-person extraction shooter, Marathon, during its gameplay reveal showcase. Dive into the details of what to expect from the game and learn about the upcoming Marathon Closed Alpha Playtest.

Marathon Coming on September 23

Returning to Tau Ceti

On April 13, Bungie unveiled the gameplay for Marathon, their upcoming first-person extraction shooter set to launch on September 23, 2025. In Marathon, players will engage in intense multiplayer battles, with six teams of three competing against each other and AI-controlled enemies to secure valuable loot and successfully extract items from the map.

This marks a significant shift from the original Marathon trilogy, which began with the release of the first game in 1994, followed by Marathon 2: Durandal in 1995, and Marathon Infinity in 1996. Unlike the original games, which were focused on single-player, story-driven experiences, the new Marathon emphasizes multiplayer dynamics.

In a recent PlayStation.blog post dated April 12, Bungie's developers provided insights into the new Marathon. Despite the move to a multiplayer-centric approach, Marathon Narrative Leader Jonathan Goff emphasized the game’s commitment to Bungie's tradition of experiential storytelling.

Goff remarked, "The interweaving of narratives, events, and characters in the original trilogy delivered a world of discovery, wonder, and misdirection." He further explained, "Our goal with Marathon is not to tell a story, but to build worlds in which stories can and will unfold."

Making Marathon a "Story Engine"

During the reveal stream, fans noticed a strong focus on in-game economics, with every item in a player’s inventory having a sell price and clear indicators of what can be extracted. However, Bungie clarified that accumulating wealth is not the sole objective of the game.

The developers aim for Marathon to serve as a "story engine," fostering memorable experiences and lasting narratives, even in the face of mission failures or exiting the map empty-handed. Marathon Game Director Joe Ziegler, in an interview with PC Gamer, highlighted the importance of the survival challenge and the stories that emerge from players' adventures.

Ziegler noted, "What we're trying to do is say, 'how do you go on adventures and then feel that survival challenge, that survival story that you're making?' Some of the best survival stories and moments I've had in gaming are actually failures or weird things that have happened, right?" He emphasized that success in Marathon isn't solely about surviving but about crafting a compelling story from each run.

Working With Fans and Creators

Throughout Marathon's development, Bungie has actively engaged with fans and content creators, incorporating their feedback from early playtesting sessions. One recurring concern was the unpredictability of maps, where players could camp spawns or find that desired loot had already been taken.

Responding to this feedback, Ziegler explained, "After hearing this feedback, we moved to the design we have today, where each match is a fresh start for everyone. This consistent starting point means you and your teammates can better strategize before each run, and then you can race enemy teams to fight for the loot you’re looking for."

Marathon Closed Alpha Playtest

Bungie is set to launch a closed alpha playtest for Marathon from April 23 to May 4, exclusively for residents of the U.S. and Canada. The alpha will feature four distinct Runners for players to explore: Blackbird, similar to Destiny 2’s Warlock; Void, with tactical invisibility; Locus, equipped with a tactical shield; and Glitch, known for exceptional mobility. Players can test their skills on three maps: Perimeter, a woodland setting for five crews (15 players), and Dire Marsh, a more expansive map accommodating six crews (18 players).

To participate in the closed alpha, players should join the official Marathon Discord server, navigate to the alpha-access channel, and use the "/alpha" command. Invitations are not guaranteed, as this is the game's first public playtest. No further playtests have been announced for regions outside the U.S. and Canada.

Marathon is scheduled for release on September 23, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates by following our ongoing coverage of the game!