There’s a new 22-minute documentary as well
- by Fraser Gilbert
Bungie is back today with its latest update on survival extraction FPS Marathon, which now has a release window of March 2026 and has been re-confirmed to release on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S in addition to PS5 and PC.
You can get a fresh look at the game in the 22-minute documentary above, and it certainly seems to be shaping up better than before. Here’s how Bungie describes the footage:
Today, Bungie, the creators of Halo and Destiny, premiered the “Vision of Marathon” ViDoc of their PvPvE survival extraction FPS Marathon. In Marathon, players scavenge the lost colony of Tau Ceti IV as a bio-cybernetic Runner while surviving against hostile security forces, rival Runners, and inhospitable environments to seek their fortune.
“As part of the ViDoc, Bungie developers showcased updates to the tactical shooter including:
- Proximity chat
- Solo queue
- A Rook shell with a limited loadout, used to scavenge in-progress rounds
- Enhanced the survival experience, immersion, and danger of the world
- Increased visual fidelity and updated UI
- And more!”
It’s now been confirmed that Marathon’s “target pricing” is set at £34.99 / $39.99, and the game will feature full crossplay and cross-save functionality between all platforms.
Bungie promises no pay-to-win mechanics, rewards passes that don’t expire, and access to all gameplay updates for free. The first deck on the UESC Marathon ship will also apparently open (for free) during Season 1.
All of this sounds promising, and now we’ll have to wait and see how Marathon fares when it launches in March!
How are you feeling about Marathon right now? Tell us in the comments section down below.
Fraser is the News Editor at Pure Xbox, where he spends his time reporting on the biggest stories in the world of Xbox and beyond.
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Bungie’s Marathon To Release In March 2026: Pricing And More Details Revealed
Release Date and Availability
after a period of anticipation, Bungie has officially announced that Marathon will launch in March 2026. This release date places Marathon as one of the most eagerly awaited frist-person shooters (FPS) entering the market in the mid-2020s, from the renowned creators behind iconic titles like Destiny and Halo.
the game will be available across all major platforms, including:
- PC (Windows and Mac)
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- Cloud Gaming Services
This cross-platform release ensures that players worldwide can experience Marathon without hardware limitations, making it accessible and community-amiable.
Pricing Details
bungie confirmed several pricing options designed to cater to a broad audience. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing tiers expected at launch:
| Edition | Price (USD) | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Edition | $59.99 | Base game access |
| deluxe Edition | $79.99 |
Base game + exclusive skins, early access missions, digital artbook |
| Collector’s Edition | $129.99 | All Deluxe content + physical collectibles + soundtrack |
Bungie also mentioned potential seasonal battle passes and downloadable content (DLC) packs to extend the game’s lifespan post-launch.
Gameplay & Core Features
Marathon promises a fresh take on the survival FPS genre while combining Bungie’s signature genre-defining combat mechanics. Players will face survival under pressure, with mystery and lore wrapped into every corner of the game world. Key gameplay highlights include:
- Survival-driven missions: Challenging encounters and environmental hazards demand strategic thinking and quick reflexes.
- Engaging lore and mystery: Deep storytelling woven throughout the gameplay to immerse players in the world of Marathon.
- Raid-like endgame challenges: Collaborative multiplayer raids designed to test elite teams with high-stakes objectives.
- Bungie’s FPS combat mechanics: Polished and responsive shooting mechanics combined with advanced movement systems.
The game’s alpha tests have already showcased these mechanics, highlighting intense gameplay moments and rich narrative depth.[[3]]
Unique selling points
- Survival Under Pressure: The game’s core design focuses on maintaining tension and uncertainty, enriching player engagement.
- Dynamic lore Unraveling: Exploratory gameplay reveals cryptic lore bits,making each play session a discovery.
- High-End Raid Design: Unlike customary FPS titles, Marathon emphasizes multiplayer cooperative play through intricate raids.
- Bungie Expertise: The developer’s pedigree from Destiny and Halo ensures a high-quality FPS experience.
Benefits of Marathon’s gameplay Experience
Marathon’s design philosophy offers multiple benefits to players looking for a fresh FPS experience:
- Immersive world-building: Every gameplay moment feeds into a larger narrative, making the game more than just shooting mechanics.
- Replayability: Dynamic story elements and raid challenges encourage repeated playthroughs.
- Community Engagement: Cooperative multiplayer raiding fosters a strong community and social gameplay elements.
- Skill and Strategy: Survival elements add layers of complexity to gameplay, rewarding tactical thinking.
First-Hand Experience and Alpha Test Insights
Players who participated in the alpha test praised Marathon’s tight combat and tense atmosphere. according to feedback, the game balances fast-paced action with strategic survival mechanics, making for a unique FPS blend. Raids were highlighted as particularly compelling, requiring teamwork and precise communication.
Alpha participants also noted the intriguing lore fragments, encouraging exploration and theory crafting among fans. Bungie’s commitment to listening to community feedback during this testing phase has helped fine-tune game mechanics for a polished final release.[[3]]
Technical Specs and Performance
Based on the current facts, Marathon aims for the following tech standards at launch:
- Native 4K resolution support on consoles and PCs
- Optimized frame rates targeting 60 FPS or higher
- Cross-platform multiplayer matchmaking
- Support for advanced input methods including controller and keyboard/mouse
- Robust anti-cheat systems and frequent content updates
How To Prepare For Launch
To get ready for Marathon’s release in March 2026, fans can:
- Create or link Bungie.net accounts: Bungie.net will serve as the online hub for all community features and updates.[[1]][[2]]
- Join official news channels: Stay informed about patch notes, DLC announcements, and special events.
- Pre-order editions: Secure preferred game editions early to get bonuses and early access perks.
Key Comparison of Bungie’s Marathon With Previous Titles
| Feature | Marathon | Destiny | Halo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genre | Survival FPS with raid elements | MMO FPS with shared world | Military Sci-fi FPS |
| Gameplay Focus | Survival, mystery, cooperative raids | Loot and PvP/PvE integration | Story-driven campaigns and multiplayer |
| Release Year | 2026 | 2014 (Original) | 2001 (Original) |
| Platform | Cross-platform | cross-platform | Cross-platform |
