Bungie has officially revealed Marathon, a brand-new multiplayer shooter scheduled to launch in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Known for shaping modern shooters with franchises like Halo and Destiny, Bungie is now entering the extraction shooter genre with an ambitious and fresh approach.
Marathon is not a sequel in the traditional sense, but a modern reimagining of Bungie’s classic IP, rebuilt from the ground up for today’s competitive multiplayer audience.
What Is Marathon?
Marathon is a team-based extraction shooter set in a mysterious sci-fi universe. Players enter hostile zones, collect valuable resources, complete objectives, and attempt to extract safely — while facing both AI-controlled threats and rival players.
Unlike traditional battle royale games, survival in Marathon is not just about being the last team standing. Every match is about risk versus reward, decision-making, and tactical teamwork.
Gameplay Focus: Strategy, Survival, and Competition
Marathon emphasizes:
- High-stakes missions where every run matters
- Persistent progression, allowing players to keep rewards from successful extractions
- PvPvE combat, blending enemy factions with unpredictable player encounters
- Tactical squad play, encouraging coordination and planning
Each match is designed to feel tense and meaningful, with real consequences for failure or success.
A Distinctive Sci-Fi World
The game takes place in a dark, atmospheric sci-fi setting, featuring abandoned structures, advanced technology, and unknown dangers. Bungie is focusing heavily on world-building, creating an environment that feels alive, mysterious, and threatening.
Visual style plays a major role in Marathon, with bold colors, clean sci-fi aesthetics, and a tone that separates it from other shooters currently on the market.
Platforms and Release Window
Bungie has confirmed that Marathon will launch in 2026 on:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC
The studio has also emphasized a strong commitment to cross-platform support, ensuring a unified player experience across systems.
Bungie’s Long-Term Plans
Marathon is designed as a live-service experience, meaning it will continue to evolve after launch. Bungie plans to support the game with:
- Regular content updates
- New maps and missions
- Gameplay balance improvements
- Seasonal events and progression systems
This long-term vision aligns with Bungie’s experience in maintaining large online communities over many years.
Why Marathon Matters
With the extraction shooter genre growing rapidly, Bungie’s entry is seen as one of the most anticipated releases in the coming years. The studio’s reputation for polished gunplay, deep systems, and strong multiplayer design puts Marathon in a unique position.
For fans of tactical shooters and competitive multiplayer games, Marathon could become a major new player in the genre.
Marathon represents a significant new chapter for Bungie. By combining intense extraction gameplay, a unique sci-fi identity, and long-term live-service support, the game aims to stand out in a crowded multiplayer landscape.
As development continues toward its 2026 release, Marathon is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched shooter projects of the next generation.
