Bungie Unveils Marathon Gameplay and Confirms Release Date

Bungie showcased the gameplay of Marathon, its upcoming team-based extraction shooter, during a livestream held last Friday.

The developer presented never-before-seen footage from the game’s alpha version, detailed gameplay elements, and provided insights into the universe of Marathon.

The game is set to launch on September 23, 2025, for Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with support for cross-play and cross-save, allowing integration across platforms and progress continuity between devices.

Closed Alpha Test Begins Later This Month

Players interested in testing Marathon ahead of release can sign up for the closed alpha, which is scheduled to begin later this month. Participation will be limited, and invites will be distributed among members of the official Marathon community Discord.

Bungie also confirmed that it will engage actively with the community on Discord, hosting live Q&A sessions and using player feedback to shape the game throughout its development.

Gameplay and Class Structure

The stream revealed Marathon‘s character system, where players assume the roles of Runners, each with unique abilities and playstyles. Four classes were introduced as playable in the alpha test:

• Locus: a front-line soldier focused on aggressive, push-forward tactics.
• Blackbird: a reconnaissance-based Runner specializing in spotting threats for the team.
• Glitch: a fast disruptor that favors hit-and-run tactics and rapid engagement.
• Void: a stealth-oriented class equipped with smoke grenades and active camouflage.

Each Runner can be customized with implants, gear, and Cores, which enhance their capabilities in combat. Notable abilities include unique passives like Glitch’s double jump and Locus’ deployable shields. Blackbird’s “Ultimate” was also highlighted—an ability that allows players to interrogate downed enemies to reveal the positions of their teammates.

Setting: Tau Ceti IV

Marathon takes place on Tau Ceti IV, a lost colony where inhabitants vanished without a trace. The planet is now a battleground for rival factions competing over its remaining resources and secrets, employing Runners—humans who have given up their bodies in favor of biosynthetic armor—to carry out high-risk missions.

Players form squads of three to fight rival Runner teams and automated security forces, gathering valuable gear and upgrades. Loot extracted during missions can be kept and used in future incursions, reinforcing a progression system based on mission success.

Season One and Competitive Features

Bungie confirmed that Marathon will launch with a range of content, including ranked matches, community events, seasonal storytelling, and high-level challenges as part of its first season. The game aims to combine fast-paced, tactical combat with competitive progression and strategic depth.

Animated Short and Narrative Expansion

At the end of the presentation, Bungie premiered the first official animated short set in the Marathon universe. Written and directed by Alberto Mielgo (Love, Death & Robots), the short expands on the game’s lore and signals Bungie’s commitment to building a rich narrative inside and beyond the gameplay.

“When I read about the world and characters of Marathon, I found it strangely poetic and mysterious,” said Mielgo. “Themes of futility and resistance quickly came to mind, and I felt a strong urge to write about it. The game’s vibrant, striking visuals instantly connected with me. It’s incredibly inspiring and thought-provoking.”