Bungie’s much-anticipated extraction shooter, Marathon, has resurfaced with exciting news for fans, as it is now slated for an early 2026 release at a price of $39.99.
The creators of Halo and Destiny have unveiled more about their upcoming project in a new “Vision of Marathon” ViDoc shared on YouTube. The nearly 23-minute video provides a glimpse into the PvPvE FPS’s intriguing world and gameplay, addressing the questions of its cost and release timing.
Marathon’s Pricing and Release Plans
The studio has positioned Marathon with a “target pricing” of $39.99, aligning it with the successful extraction shooter, Arc Raiders, from Embark Studios. Although details about the full package remain limited, buyers can look forward to receiving all gameplay updates over time, including new maps, Runner shells, and events. Bungie emphasizes that reward passes will not expire, allowing players to purchase older passes and earn rewards at any pace. Players can also rest easy about pay-to-win concerns, as the studio reassures that competitive integrity will be preserved.
“Finally, and most importantly, we believe in preserving competitive integrity in Marathon, so survival will never come down to how much money you spend,” the studio stated in a recent blog post. More insights about seasonal content and a roadmap are promised as the launch date approaches.
Adjustments and Gameplay Enhancements
Initially set for September 23, 2025, Marathon’s release was postponed following “strong and clear” feedback from players during an April alpha test. While Sony aimed to release the shooter by March 2026, Bungie has now confirmed a firmer launch window for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X | S in March 2026. The exact date remains undisclosed.
The ViDoc showcases the game’s gritty sci-fi setting and the relentless survival challenges on Tau Ceti IV. Bungie has introduced changes to enhance player immersion through realistic weather effects and environmental storytelling in this dark universe. New features include proximity chat, a solo queue, a Rook shell with limited loadout options, and improved visual fidelity and UI.
Future Updates and Community Feedback
Bungie’s video serves as a valuable update for players, illustrating the progress made since the initial feedback-induced delay earlier this year. More updates will be shared in the months ahead, with the next one expected in January. While the community awaits further news on Marathon’s release, discussions continue around Sony’s live-service strategy and past issues with uncredited artwork, which was recently resolved.