Bungie is back with Marathon, a bold reimagining of its ’90s classic, now transformed into a high-stakes PvPvE extraction shooter.
Set to launch on September 23, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, Marathon is Bungie’s first non-Destiny title in over a decade.
But can it bridge the gap between hardcore extraction fans and a broader gaming audience?
The Core Loop: Risk, Reward, and Runners
In Marathon, you play as a “Runner”—a cybernetic mercenary navigating the abandoned colony of Tau Ceti IV.
Teams of three (or daring solos) dive into 25-minute matches, scavenging for loot while contending with rival players and AI threats.
Survival isn’t guaranteed; Bungie anticipates less than a 50% extraction rate per match.
Loot isn’t just for show—it’s your ticket to better gear and progression.
But die before extraction, and it’s all gone.
This high-risk, high-reward system is designed to create memorable stories, even in failure.
Character Classes: Meet the Runners
Marathon offers a selection of unique Runners, each with distinct abilities:
- Blackbird: A reconnaissance expert with enemy-scanning capabilities.
- Glitch: A speedster who uses overclocked movement to outmaneuver foes.
- Locus: A tank-like figure with deployable shields and heavy weaponry.
- Void: A stealth specialist utilizing invisibility and smoke screens.
These classes encourage varied playstyles and strategic team compositions.
Gameplay Mechanics: Streamlined Yet Strategic
While Marathon retains the complexity of extraction shooters, Bungie has streamlined certain elements to enhance accessibility.
Weapon power feels balanced, emphasizing skill over gear rarity.
Abilities, map knowledge, and resource management play crucial roles in combat outcomes.
The game also introduces a contract system and black market upgrades, providing players with objectives and progression paths beyond mere survival.
Visuals and Audio: Bungie’s Signature Polish
Marathon boasts a vibrant cyberpunk aesthetic, blending neon-lit environments with industrial design.
The game’s audio design complements its visuals, delivering immersive soundscapes that heighten tension during encounters.
Performance and Accessibility
Bungie aims for a smooth experience across platforms, with full cross-play and cross-save support.
The game is designed to be accessible to newcomers, featuring solo tutorials and systems to ease players into the extraction shooter genre.
Replayability and Content Longevity
At launch, Marathon will feature three maps, with additional content planned for post-launch updates.
Seasonal resets will refresh gameplay without erasing all progress, allowing players to retain cosmetic and achievement-based elements.
However, concerns exist regarding the game’s long-term appeal, particularly if content updates are infrequent.
Final Thoughts: A Promising Yet Uncertain Journey
Marathon presents a compelling vision for the extraction shooter genre, blending Bungie’s renowned gunplay with high-stakes gameplay.
Its success will hinge on balancing accessibility with depth, delivering consistent content updates, and maintaining a player-friendly monetization model.
Should You Play It?
- For Extraction Shooter Fans: Absolutely. Marathon offers a fresh take with Bungie’s polish.
- For Newcomers: Worth trying, thanks to its accessible design and tutorials.
- For Casual Players: Be prepared for a challenging experience that rewards persistence.
Marathon has the potential to carve out a significant niche in the gaming landscape.
Whether it can achieve mainstream success remains to be seen.
What are your thoughts on Marathon? Are you excited to dive into Bungie’s latest adventure, or are you cautious about the extraction shooter genre? Share your opinions below!
