Marathon Release Date: Full Launch and Pre-Order Information
The Marathon release date is currently March 5, 2026. However, players will get a chance to get a hands-on opportunity beforehand on the Server Slam.
The upcoming Extraction Shooter, looking to compete head-to-head with ARC Raiders, has had several closed tests leading to the release. Through many rounds of player feedback, such as VOIP, the game has improved into something special and exciting.
Bungie’s Marathon release date is fast approaching for all the fans waiting for the highly anticipated extraction shooter. The upcoming and new entry into Bungie’s development catalogue pits players against each other in the dangerous world of Tau Ceti IV. You’ll be searching for loot, uncovering secrets and fighting off the UESC, uncovering the world’s secrets. Marathon is coming to PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
What Is Marathon?
Bungie’s upcoming title, Marathon, is a First-Person PvPvE Extraction Shooter. Heavily drenched in lore, Marathon is a modern reboot of the original Marathon series from Bungie, dating back to 1994. The game intends to bring the thrilling tension of an extraction shooter, while also including story-building, immersion and a large world with Destiny-like PvE encounters.
Bungie is also known for top-tier gunplay. With Marathon, it is no different. You can fully expect fantastic moment to moment gunplay and beautiful visuals.
Bungie is no stranger to the gaming industry. Renowned for genre-defining franchises, such as Halo and Destiny, Bungie aims to bring one of its first-ever IPs to the center stage in Marathon.
Marathon System Requirements
To play Marathon at a minimum level or high level of quality and performance, you’ll need the following specs:
Minimum Requirements
- Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit (latest Service Pack)
- Processor: Intel Core i5-6600 / AMD Ryzen 5 2600
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti (4 GB) / AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT (4 GB) / Intel Arc A580 (8 GB, with ReBAR on)
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: TBA
Recommended Requirements
- Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit
- Processor: Intel Core i5-10400 / AMD Ryzen 5 3500
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 (6 GB) / AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT (8 GB) / Intel Arc A770 (16 GB, with ReBAR on)
- DirectX: Version 12
As you can see above, the recommended and minimum system requirements are actually very generous, meaning you won’t need a behemoth of a PC to run the game smoothly.
Marathon Gameplay
Marathon is a team-based first-person extraction shooter rooted within the lore of Bungie’s original Marathon titles. The game features “classes” in the form of shells, named “Runners”. Runners are biosynthetic mercenaries that set out onto the dangerous planet of Tau Ceti IV.
The typical gameplay loop has you setting up your typical or preferred loadout, which includes weapons, medicines, utilities, etc. However, Marathon features gameplay-altering mods that can boost stats, change the functionality of Runner abilities, or even how your gun functions.
After confirming your loadout and Runner of choice, you’ll be able to load into one of four launch maps:
- Perimeter
- Dire Marsh
- Outpost
- UESC Marathon (Cryo Archive)
Each map, while having varying maximum player counts per match, can cap out anywhere from 12-18 players.
Rook
Rook is the “Free Loadout” of Marathon. You’ll be able to queue into an in-progress match as Rook (a Free Loadout Runner) and get some free loot, stress-free. However, there are some limits and rules:
- You cannot queue in a party; solo queue only
- You can only queue into in-progress matches – no start of raid matches
- Rook has a limited kit, aimed at avoiding enemy AI
Pre-Order Information
Pre-orders are currently live for Marathon! You can pre-order Marathon from the PlayStation Store, Xbox Marketplace, and Steam on PC. Below is a breakdown of all pre-order editions, their prices, and what they contain:
Standard Edition ($39.99)
Standard Edition includes the base game and all base pre-order bonuses. The base pre-order bonuses are:
- ZERO STEP 004 [CE Tactical Sidearm Style]
- ZERO STEP RC [Weapon Charm]
- ZERO STEP SHIFT [Weapon Sticker]
- APOGEE INTERCEPT [Background]
- APOGEE INTERCEPT [Emblem]
Plus, the following Destiny 2 rewards are linked to your account:
- UESC Echo-type Shell Exotic Ghost
- UESC Rover Exotic Ship
- UESC Sprinter Exotic Sparrow
Deluxe Edition ($59.99)
The Deluxe Edition includes the base game, base pre-order bonuses, and:
- A Premium Rewards Pass Voucher
- 200 SILK Rewards Pass Tokens
- Exclusive MIDNIGHT DECAY weapon and Runner cosmetics
Collector’s Edition ($229.99 – $299.99)
The Collector’s Edition is available through the Bungie Store. This edition includes physical goods:
- Deluxe Edition Digital Code
- A 1/6th scale Thief Runner Shell statue with LED lights
- A WEAVEworm miniature
- Embroidered Patch
- Postcards
- Special high-end packaging
The pre-order bonuses are included for all purchases made until March 17, 2026, despite the March 5, 2026 Marathon release date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some commonly asked questions for Bungie’s Extraction Shooter, Marathon:
Is Marathon Cross-Platform?
Yes, Marathon is full Cross-platform between Playstation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam).
Will Marathon have Cross-Progression?
Marathon will also have full Cross-Progression, allowing players to progress across any platform on one account. You’ll be able to share progression across PC (Steam), Xbox Series X|S and Playstation 5.
Is Marathon getting a physical release?
Marathon is not getting a standard physical release via disc on March 5, 2026. The only physical product for Marathon is the physical items from the Collector’s Edition.
Will Marathon Have VOIP (Proximity Chat)?
Absolutely, yes! Marathon originally was not going to launch with VOIP; however, due to huge amounts of player feedback, VOIP has been added to Marathon for launch. Now, players can talk to each other with voice in-game if they’re in the nearby area.
Does Marathon Have a Free Loadout like ARC Raiders?
Indeed, Marathon includes its own version of ARC Raiders Free Loadout. This comes in the form of either a Sponsored Kit or the Rook Runner shell.
Are There Factions or Unique Vendors in Marathon?
Similar to Escape from Tarkov, Marathon includes its own set of factions, each with its own perks and expandable Vendors that you can earn reputation with.
Is There a Marathon Pre-Download Date Confirmed?
Currently, there is no confirmed pre-download date; however, check back here for any updates!
More Marathon Game Resources
Make sure to keep up to date with us and check back for Marathon news, guides, and more. We’ll have a host of tools availablefor the Marathon release date, but our Marathon interactive mapsare already live:
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