Bungie confirmed that Marathon will launch in March 2026 across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with a global price point of $39.99/€39.99/£34.99. Importantly, the studio emphasized that the game will not include pay-to-win mechanics. Instead, all players will receive access to gameplay updates—maps, Runner shells, seasonal events—while an optional reward pass will be available but won’t expire.
This pricing strategy is notable. At $40, Bungie positions Marathon as a mid-tier release, echoing the model used by other successful extraction shooters like Arc Raiders. It’s a deliberate move to lower the barrier of entry while promising longevity through free updates.
The Rocky Road to Release
The journey to this announcement has been anything but smooth:
- Original Release Date: Bungie initially planned to launch Marathon in September 2025, but the game was delayed in June after poor alpha feedback.
- Alpha Controversy: Test builds were criticized for lackluster gameplay and, more damagingly, for containing plagiarized artwork, sparking outrage in the community.
- Studio Struggles: Bungie faced layoffs in 2024, raising questions about the studio’s stability and its ability to deliver on ambitious projects.
- Indefinite Delay: By mid-2025, the game was put on hold indefinitely, leaving fans uncertain if it would ever see the light of day.
This December 2025 announcement marks a turning point, signaling Bungie’s confidence that the game is finally ready to move forward.
Why Marathon Matters
For longtime fans, Marathon isn’t just another shooter—it’s a revival of Bungie’s 1994 cult classic. The original Marathon trilogy was a pioneering sci-fi FPS on Mac, laying the groundwork for Bungie’s future success with Halo. Its lore-heavy storytelling, innovative multiplayer, and cerebral atmosphere earned it a devoted following.
The 2026 reboot reimagines Marathon as a PvPvE extraction shooter, blending survival mechanics with Bungie’s trademark gunplay. Players take on the role of “Runners,” mercenaries diving into hostile zones to secure loot, extract safely, and outwit both AI enemies and rival squads. Bungie promises a mix of persistent progression, dynamic events, and competitive tension—a formula designed to capture the current extraction shooter craze while honoring the franchise’s roots.
What to Expect at Launch
Bungie has already teased several new features since the alpha:
- Solo Queue Mode for players who prefer to go it alone.
- Proximity Chat to heighten tension during encounters.
- New Runner Shells offering customization and identity.
- Roadmap of Free Updates ensuring evolving content.
The confirmation of Marathon’s release date and price is more than just news—it’s a statement of resilience. Bungie has weathered layoffs, community backlash, and creative missteps, yet remains determined to deliver a game that bridges its storied past with modern trends. At $40, Marathon is positioned as an accessible, evolving shooter that could redefine Bungie’s legacy beyond Destiny.
For fans, March 2026 isn’t just another launch window—it’s the culmination of a marathon in its own right.
