Bungie Announces Marathon Release Date

Bungie sets new release date for Marathon extraction shooter

Bungie has announced an official launch date for Marathon, its delayed extraction shooter. The sci-fi title will now release on March 5th for Xbox Series S/X, PS5, and PC. The game will retail for $39.99.

Background and delay

Marathon was originally slated to launch in September but was delayed in June after alpha testing. Bungie cited player feedback from early tests and playtests when it postponed the release to refine core systems and add features.

New features from playtests

Recent playtests introduced a number of updates. Notable additions include:

• Proximity chat to improve player communication.
• Solo-queue option so players can enter matches without a premade team.
• Balance tweaks and quality-of-life improvements driven by tester feedback.

Gameplay overview

Set in the year 2850, Marathon places players in the role of a Runner scavenging a post-collapse sci-fi universe. Key gameplay elements:

• Crews of up to three players explore zones and points of interest.
• A PvPvE structure: you face hostile creatures and other players simultaneously.
• When you die during a run, you drop gear. Surviving a run transfers your loot and progression to future runs, enabling stronger loadouts and character growth.

Marathon blends extraction-shooter tension with persistent progression—survive runs to keep loot and build power.

Market context and competition

Bungie's postponement means Marathon will launch months after ARC Raiders, an extraction shooter developed by the team behind The Finals. ARC Raiders launched in late October and has consistently ranked among Steam's most-played titles. Bungie had initially planned for Marathon to arrive ahead of that competitor, but adjusted timelines following community feedback.

Where to watch for updates

Expect final patches, platform-specific notes, and pre-order information as the March 5th date approaches. Follow Bungie's official channels and gaming news outlets for hands-on impressions, system requirements, and launch-day details.

Article by Tom Warren, senior editor and author at Notepad, covering Microsoft, PC, and tech for over 20 years.