Marathon is Back: All About Release Date, Platforms, and Gameplay

04/13/2025 Video Games

After almost 30 years, Bungie is bringing back Marathon, their classic Mac trilogy from the 90s! Things have changed a lot since then, so let's dive into what we know about this revival.

Mark your calendars! Marathon is scheduled to launch globally on September 23rd (fingers crossed for no delays!). But if you're eager to get a sneak peek, an alpha test is planned for April 23rd. If you're in North America and lucky enough to get selected, you might get to experience an early build of the game.

Cross-Platform Play

Get ready to squad up with your friends, no matter their platform! Marathon will be available on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. Even better, cross-platform play has already been confirmed, so you can team up with players on any of those systems.

Not Free-to-Play

Unlike Destiny 2, Marathon won't be free-to-play. You'll need to purchase the game to jump in, but the exact price is still under wraps. However, it *will* feature season passes, so expect a continuous stream of content and updates.

Rumor has it that the game will launch with a set of three maps initially, with more being added later on. So, there will be fresh things to discover as time goes on.

Runners and Gameplay

In Marathon, you'll play as a Runner, a cybernetically enhanced warrior with unique perks and skills. It's not just about weapons; you'll need to master your Runner's abilities to survive. Your goal is to explore the map, defeat opponents, and escape with valuable loot. Teamwork will be crucial to success.

Tau Ceti: The Alien World

The action takes place on Tau Ceti, an alien world full of dangers. The environment itself is a challenge, with dynamic weather and other hazards that can affect your runs. Be ready to adapt to the ever-changing conditions!

A Standalone Experience

While Marathon is a successor to the original trilogy, you don't need to have played the old games to enjoy it. Knowing the lore will give you some extra context, but the game is designed to be accessible to newcomers.

Competitive Scene

The first trailer revealed that Marathon will feature a Ranked mode, along with seasonal events and community features. Expect a competitive environment, especially when Ranked mode launches. Bungie might even try to push Marathon as an esports title!