Bungie notes ongoing feedback from alpha and closed beta tests and is continuing to refine audio, visuals, zone design, and loot to sharpen the game’s identity and player experience.

Originally delayed from September after mixed playtest feedback and missing features like proximity chat, which developers later highlighted as potentially boosting social engagement.

The release has shifted to March 2026, and Bungie released a 22-minute documentary detailing the project’s current status and progress.

A new 22-minute gameplay-focused video highlights proximity chat, a Solo queue experience with a Runner shell, weapon/mod systems, and visual fidelity improvements.

Bungie announces Marathon, a rebooted live-service extraction shooter, with a release window set for March at $39.99, featuring free updates, a non-expiring Rewards Pass, and no pay-to-win mechanics, while planning ongoing iterations based on player feedback.

Gun customization will let players modify weapons, including transforming an SMG into a radically different form to evoke iconic gear.

Marathon will include an evergreen Rewards Pass and the option to purchase and unlock prior Passes, aiming to reduce fear-of-missing-out while keeping competitive balance.

Developers emphasize stronger map identity and atmospheric design to avoid grindy PvP, favoring grounded aesthetics and a darker extraction shooter mood.

Additionally, a 20-minute breakdown showcases improvements since the previous test, including enhanced visuals, better proximity chat, and a new Solo scavenger mode called Rook.

Monetization is described as balanced for PvE and PvP within a dedicated live-service framework, similar to Helldivers 2.

Sony and Bungie reiterate Marathon remains a live-service extraction shooter with a focus on lore-rich content and loot in a new world, despite past turbulence.

Marathon faced prior PR challenges, including a plagiarism-related art dispute, which Bungie has since addressed and moved beyond.