Marathon is Bungie’s new PvPvE survival extraction FPS set on the derelict colony of Tau Ceti IV and the UESC Marathon starship hanging in orbit. It blends squad-based infiltration, high-stakes looting, and full cross-platform support across PC and current-gen consoles.
Marathon release date and platforms
Marathon is scheduled to launch on March 5, 2026 on:
- PC via Steam
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
The game is built around online play with full cross play and cross save, so your progress carries between platforms as long as you use the same Bungie account.
Marathon standard price and what you get
The base version of Marathon is priced at $39.99 on digital storefronts such as Steam. The standard edition includes access to the full game and its live-service structure, which revolves around repeated “runs” into Tau Ceti IV and, later, the UESC Marathon itself.
Core features in the launch package include:
- Extraction-focused runs where you enter zones, scavenge valuables, fight human and AI enemies, then attempt to exfiltrate with your loot.
- Six Runner shells like Destroyer, Recon, and Thief that define your role and abilities.
- Moddable weapons, implants, and core systems that support a wide range of builds.
- Solo and crew play in lobbies of two or three, with an option to infiltrate active matches as Rook, a lone scavenger with no starting gear.
- Seasonal progression, with power growth tied to contracts, unlocks, and loot, plus a Rated competitive mode coming later in Season 1.
All of that is included at the base $40 price; cosmetics and extras come into play through pre-order rewards and the Deluxe and Collector’s Editions.
Marathon editions and upgrade paths
Digital storefronts list two main game SKUs at launch: the standard edition and a Digital Deluxe Edition. On top of that, Bungie is partnering with PlayStation’s direct store for a separate Marathon Collector’s Edition that focuses on physical collectibles.
| Edition | Approx. price (USD) | Format | Key focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $39.99 | Digital | Base game |
| Digital Deluxe Edition | $59.99 | Digital | Base game + extra cosmetics and bonuses |
| Collector’s Edition | Varies by region | Physical box with optional game code | Statue, physical collectibles, digital cosmetics |
Regional pricing varies. Community reports show localized prices in pounds, euros, and Canadian dollars that don’t always map 1:1 with currency conversion, which is typical for major releases.
How Marathon’s pre-orders work
Pre-orders are live across the main platforms. To secure a copy and get the pre-purchase rewards, you buy the game from the relevant store for your platform.
On PC, you can pre-purchase the standard or Deluxe edition through the Marathon page on Steam. On consoles, you can pre-order through the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S storefronts linked from the Marathon homepage.
Digital pre-orders grant access to the game at launch and unlock a set of cosmetic bonuses. Some physical Collector’s Edition configurations include a game code, while others are merchandise-only, so it is important to check the listing closely before buying.
Marathon pre-order bonuses
Pre-purchasing any digital edition of Marathon unlocks a bundle of cosmetics themed around the ZERO STEP and APOGEE INTERCEPT branding, plus a crossover pack for Destiny 2.
The pre-order bundle for Marathon itself includes:
- ZERO STEP 004 CE Tactical Sidearm Style
- ZERO STEP RC Weapon Charm
- ZERO STEP SHIFT Weapon Sticker
- APOGEE INTERCEPT Background
- APOGEE INTERCEPT Emblem
If your Bungie account is linked to Destiny 2 on the same account, pre-purchasing Marathon also grants Destiny 2 rewards:
- UESC Echo-type Shell Exotic Ghost
- UESC Rover Exotic Ship
- UESC Sprinter Exotic Sparrow
These Destiny 2 items are delivered in that game, tied to the account you used to buy Marathon.
What the Digital Deluxe Edition adds
The Marathon Digital Deluxe Edition is priced at $59.99 on Steam. It includes the full base game plus an expanded cosmetic bundle for Runner shells and weapons.
Bungie has framed this edition as a way to start with more visual customization and themed items rather than extra gameplay power. The Deluxe SKU does not gate core content like modes or maps; it layers cosmetic and vanity-focused content over the standard experience.
On PC, you choose the Deluxe version directly from the Steam purchase options. On consoles, equivalent Deluxe options are available through their respective storefronts.
Marathon Collector’s Edition
The Marathon Collector’s Edition focuses on physical memorabilia inspired by the in-universe shell-weaving process of Sekiguchi Genetics. It is sold through PlayStation’s direct retail channel and potentially other regional partners.
Key elements include:
- A 1/6-scale Thief Runner Shell statue.
- A miniature WEAVEworm collectible.
- An embroidered patch, postcards, and other paper collectibles.
- Digital rewards, including exclusive cosmetics for Marathon.
PlayStation’s listing notes that a code for exclusive Marathon cosmetics is emailed to the address used for purchase on or before March 5, 2026. Some Collector’s Edition configurations include a full game code; others do not. Buyers have reported separate versions that either bundle a digital copy for a chosen platform or ship as a statue-only package intended for players who prefer to buy the game digitally elsewhere.
Tip: When ordering the Collector’s Edition, confirm whether the specific SKU you select includes a full game code if you want everything in a single purchase.
Game structure: what Marathon actually is
Marathon is positioned as a team-based extraction shooter in a dark sci-fi setting. Runs are built around three stages:
- Infil onto Tau Ceti IV, navigating abandoned facilities, rugged terrain, and UESC security outposts.
- Scavenge and fight against rival Runner crews, AI enemies, and environmental threats. Supplies are deliberately limited, so preparation and coordination matter.
- Exfil with your haul to bank loot, improve builds, and grow long-term progression.
As you advance, zones ramp up in difficulty and eventually feed into the UESC Marathon ship in orbit. This late-game area introduces Cryo Archive, raid-like security puzzles, cramped corridors that force conflict, and a sequence of vaults culminating in a high-stakes encounter.
Runner shells, builds, and team compositions
Characters in Marathon are Runner shells – bio-cybernetic bodies that can be equipped and configured. Six shells are available at launch, with named archetypes like Destroyer, Recon, and Thief providing distinct starting kits and specialties.
Buildcrafting revolves around:
- Weapons that can be modified with attachments and styles.
- Body implants that shift survivability, mobility, or utility.
- Core system upgrades that influence cooldowns, energy, or other underlying stats.
Crews are encouraged to plan compositions before each run, combining shells and builds that complement one another. That might mean pairing a forward brawler with a recon-focused scout and a mobility-heavy thief, or tuning a squad specifically to counter AI threats rather than players.
Solo play, Rook, and Rated mode
Although Marathon is designed around squads, it accommodates different play styles.
- Solo lobbies let you run alone without being placed into standard crew matchmaking.
- Rook is a special role where you drop into in-progress crew lobbies as a lone scavenger with no starting gear. Rook is built for opportunists who want to slip into chaos, pick over remains, and take high risks.
- Proximity voice chat allows ad hoc alliances between rival crews to tackle difficult fights, with the constant tension that cooperation can collapse into betrayal at any moment.
A key mechanical twist is that a single surviving Runner can reboot their entire crew, even after death. This keeps late-run revivals on the table if someone manages to survive, escape, or secure resources.
Competitive-minded players can look ahead to a Rated mode arriving later in Season 1, designed to track skill, rankings, and reputation.
Factions, contracts, and long-term progression
Progress in Marathon is not just about individual runs. Six competing factions are active on Tau Ceti, each offering contracts that shape your long-term power.
Completing contracts and building reputation unlocks:
- Runner shell upgrades that improve baseline capabilities.
- Stronger starting loadouts, so you drop into runs better equipped.
- Expanded vault space for storing weapons and gear between outings.
- Specialized shops where you can offload spare loot for targeted rewards.
These systems are structured around seasons, with progression persisting across multiple runs instead of resetting every match.
Story setup and Tau Ceti IV
Marathon’s narrative hooks into the disappearance of a prior expedition aboard the UESC Marathon. That event happened a century before the current game, and the cause remains unresolved when you arrive on Tau Ceti IV.
The colony itself is treated as a “graveyard” of research sites and outposts. Through runs, environmental storytelling, and discovered artifacts, Runners uncover what happened to the earlier mission and how the UESC fits into the current conflict. The deeper you push into the colony and, later, the ship in orbit, the more fragments of this story you collect.
Cross play, cross save, and anti-cheat
Marathon is built for a unified player base.
- Cross play lets PC and console players share lobbies and matchmaking.
- Cross save ties progression to a Bungie account so you can move between platforms without losing your Runners, loot, or faction standing.
- Kernel-level anti-cheat via BattlEye is required on PC. Steam notes that BattlEye must be manually removed after uninstalling the game if you do not want it to remain on your system.
Note: Because of the kernel-level anti-cheat, Marathon requires a 64-bit operating system and administrator-level access during installation on PC.
PC system requirements
The Steam listing outlines moderate system requirements that should be in reach for many recent gaming PCs.
| Spec | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit (latest Service Pack) | Windows 10 64-bit (latest Service Pack) |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-6600 / AMD Ryzen 5 2600 | Intel Core i5-10400 / AMD Ryzen 5 3500 |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| GPU | GTX 1050 Ti 4 GB / RX 5500 XT 4 GB / Arc A580 (ReBAR on) | GTX 2060 6 GB / RX 5700 XT 8 GB / Arc A770 16 GB (ReBAR on) |
| DirectX | Version 12 | Version 12 |
| Network | Broadband connection | Broadband connection |
Storage needs are described as subject to increase over time, with additional space required for updates. Continuous broadband access is mandatory, and online features may incur extra subscription fees on consoles.
With a firm March 5 release date, a $40 base price, and clear edition tiers, Marathon is positioned as a relatively affordable live-service shooter with a strong emphasis on teamwork, social tension, and long-term progression. The extraction structure, Rook role, and late-game UESC Marathon runs are designed to offer both repeatable goals and a larger mystery to unravel over many seasons.
