Highlights
- March 2026 release confirmed at a $39.99 premium price point.
- No FOMO progression system features non-expiring Reward Passes.
- Solo Queue and Proximity Chat added to heighten tactical depth
Bungie has officially announced that its highly anticipated sci-fi extraction shooter, Marathon, will launch in March 2026. Ending months of speculation regarding its arrival, the studio confirmed the game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam. In a move distinguishing it from many modern live-service titles, Marathon will forego the free-to-play model, launching with a premium price tag of $39.99 USD, €39.99, and £34.99.
The developers have clarified that this upfront cost is designed to offer players a complete experience from day one. Purchasing the game will grant full access to the core experience and all future gameplay updates, including new maps, Runner shells, and in-game events. Bungie also addressed common player frustrations regarding monetization, confirming that Marathon will feature no pay-to-win mechanics.
Additionally, the game will utilize seasonal Reward Passes that never expire, a no FOMO approach that allows users to unlock content from previous seasons at their own pace, ensuring victory is determined solely by skill rather than spending.
Solo Queue and Proximity Chat
Significant gameplay changes were also detailed following feedback from alpha testing. As revealed in the new "Vision of Marathon" documentary, the game will now feature a "solo queue" option for players who prefer to operate alone rather than in squads.
To heighten social unpredictability, proximity voice chat has been added, along with the first deck on the UESC Marathon ship, which will host some of the most hardcore survival action on Marathon. These features, along with updates to visual fidelity, are part of a broader effort to polish the game before launch.
The road to this announcement has involved necessary adjustments. Originally targeted for release on September 23, 2025, Bungie delayed the title to early 2026 to allow for further refinement and to address issues such as a reported plagiarism dispute over artwork. The delay followed mixed feedback from early alpha tests, prompting the team to rework key aspects of the game.
Community Lead Andy Salisbury expressed gratitude for the players' role in this process, noting, "With huge thanks to our incredible community, we’ve been able to playtest and gather feedback to ensure that we’re building Marathon with our players in mind."
