Bungie is officially returning to its roots—but with a bold, modern twist. Marathon, the studio’s long-awaited reboot of its cult-favorite 1994 sci-fi shooter, is set to release on September 23, 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Unlike its original incarnation, this new Marathon is a PvPvE extraction shooter—a genre exploding in popularity, and Bungie aims to put its own spin on it.
Before launch, fans will get a chance to dive in early with a closed alpha test beginning April 23 and running through May 4, 2025. The alpha is open to players in North America, and registration requires joining the official Marathon Discord server, where interested participants can use the /alpha command to begin the sign-up process.
What Is Marathon?
Set in the year 2850 on the abandoned colony of Tau Ceti IV, Marathon casts players as “Runners”—cybernetic mercenaries scavenging for mysterious artifacts, lost AI data, and high-value loot. In each match, teams must battle against hostile AI enemies and rival player squads, all while racing to extract safely before they’re overwhelmed or eliminated.
Failing to escape means losing everything you collected. It’s high-risk, high-reward gameplay designed to blend Bungie’s iconic gunplay with the tension of survival-based progression.
Meet the Runner Archetypes
The alpha will feature four of the six total Runner archetypes planned for launch. Each offers distinct abilities that influence your team’s tactics:
- Void – A stealth operative capable of cloaking with active camouflage and deploying smoke to disengage from fights.
- Locus – A brute-force assault class ideal for aggressive players who want to dominate head-on engagements.
- Blackbird – Specializes in reconnaissance, intel gathering, and pinging enemy movements from afar.
- Glitch – A chaos agent who manipulates enemy tech and disrupts rival team strategies mid-combat.
Each Runner brings unique tactical opportunities to a match. Whether you’re flanking with Void or scouting ahead with Blackbird, team synergy will be critical for survival.
Crossplay, Monetization & Platform Access
One of the most promising features: Marathon will launch with full cross-play and cross-save support. PlayStation, Xbox, and PC users can all team up, and your progression follows you across platforms.
In contrast to many Sony-published multiplayer games, Marathon will not require a PlayStation Network login on PC or Xbox—removing a major barrier for cross-platform accessibility.
Pricing details haven’t been officially confirmed yet, but insiders suggest that Marathon will be a premium title rather than free-to-play, a bold move in a market dominated by free extraction shooters like Escape from Tarkov and The Finals. This decision has stirred some early debate among fans, especially with regard to the longevity and monetization of the title post-launch.
Stunning Visuals Backed by Top Talent
Bungie isn’t holding back in the art department either. The creative direction is led by Joseph Cross, known for his work on Destiny 2 and Dune. The result is a visually stunning sci-fi world with slick UI design, vivid environments, and hyper-stylized characters.
The game’s universe was further teased in a newly released animated cinematic short directed by Oscar-winner Alberto Mielgo (Love, Death & Robots), offering a stylized peek into the Runner’s grim and neon-soaked future.
Fans Split on Marathon’s Multiplayer Focus
While there’s plenty of excitement around Marathon’s sleek visuals and Bungie’s proven shooter pedigree, not everyone is thrilled about the shift to a multiplayer-only experience. The original Marathon series was a narrative-driven, single-player FPS—long before Halo catapulted Bungie into the mainstream.
Some longtime fans had hoped for a story-rich campaign or at least a co-op PvE option. Bungie has remained vague about narrative delivery, hinting that the story will be “discovered through gameplay,” with evolving live-service content and in-world discoveries—similar to what Destiny 2 eventually adopted.
Countdown to Extraction
With the alpha test kicking off soon and the full release scheduled for this fall, Marathon is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about shooters of the year. Whether Bungie can redefine the extraction shooter genre the way it did with Halo and Destiny remains to be seen—but the studio’s signature polish and gameplay depth are already turning heads.
Stay sharp, Runners. Your drop pod is nearly ready.
Key Takeaways
- Marathon launches September 23, 2025 with a closed alpha test starting April 23.
- Players can choose from four different “runner” characters during the alpha, each with unique abilities.
- The extraction shooter offers fans a chance to influence development through early testing feedback.
Overview of Bungie’s Marathon
Marathon is a team-based extraction shooter from Bungie, the creators of Halo and Destiny. The game is set to launch on September 23, 2025, with a closed alpha test beginning on April 23, 2025.
Legacy and Revival
Marathon represents a significant revival of one of Bungie’s earliest franchises. The original Marathon trilogy, released in the mid-1990s, was a groundbreaking first-person shooter series for Mac computers that helped establish Bungie as an innovative game developer before their work on Halo.
The new Marathon reimagines the classic title as a team-based extraction shooter, representing a modern take on the franchise while preserving elements of its sci-fi legacy. This revival comes after nearly three decades since the original game’s release, bringing the concept to new generations of players.
Bungie has carefully updated the game’s visual style and mechanics while maintaining thematic connections to the original series. The game will feature four distinct “runner” characters, including a stealthy Void character that players can test during the alpha.
Setting and Premise
Marathon takes place on Tau Ceti IV, a distant planet where players take on the role of cybernetic mercenaries called Runners. The game’s setting includes the derelict Marathon ship, a massive colony vessel that serves as a key location in the game’s universe.
Players will compete for fortune and power by extracting valuable resources and technology while battling other Runners. The game emphasizes strategic combat, with various weapons and special abilities unique to each Runner class.
The cybernetic nature of the protagonists plays into both gameplay mechanics and the narrative, with players able to customize and upgrade their Runner throughout the game. This setting creates opportunities for diverse mission types and environments, from abandoned facilities to harsh planetary landscapes.
Gameplay footage revealed during Bungie’s announcements showcases the game’s slick visual style and fast-paced combat systems designed to reward team coordination and tactical thinking.
Alpha Testing and Community Engagement
Bungie is ramping up community involvement with Marathon’s upcoming alpha test, giving players an early chance to experience the extraction shooter before its fall release. The testing phase will be crucial for gathering player feedback and making necessary adjustments.
Closed Alpha Test Details
The Marathon closed alpha test is scheduled to begin on April 23, 2025, approximately five months before the game’s official release. Players on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series consoles will have the opportunity to participate in this early testing phase.
During the alpha, participants will have access to four different “runners” (playable characters), including the stealthy Void character with invisibility capabilities. The test will offer a limited but representative sample of the full game experience.
Players interested in joining should visit the official Marathon website to register. Bungie has not specified how many players will be admitted to the alpha, but space will likely be limited to ensure focused feedback.
Player Participation and Feedback
Bungie has established multiple channels for player feedback during the alpha test. Participants are encouraged to:
- Report bugs and technical issues through the in-game reporting system
- Share gameplay experiences on the official Marathon Discord server
- Participate in scheduled playtests focusing on specific game elements
- Complete post-session surveys to provide structured feedback
The development team will be actively monitoring community discussions on Reddit and other platforms. Player feedback will directly influence balance changes, technical improvements, and feature adjustments.
Bungie has emphasized that while the alpha represents an early build, it intends to implement player-suggested changes before the September 23 launch date.
Gameplay Mechanics and Strategies
Marathon combines tactical extraction shooter elements with unique character abilities to create a fresh gameplay experience. Players will need to master both mechanics and strategy to succeed in this competitive multiplayer environment.
Extraction Shooter Elements
Marathon’s core gameplay revolves around the extraction shooter format where players must enter dangerous zones, collect valuable loot, and escape safely. Teams of three “Runners” compete against rival squads and navigate through hostile security forces to secure resources.
The risk-reward system creates tension as players decide whether to extract early with minimal loot or push deeper for better rewards. More accessible gameplay mechanics set Marathon apart from other extraction shooters by reducing unnecessary complexity while maintaining strategic depth.
Combat relies heavily on positioning and teamwork. AI-controlled enemies patrol key areas, creating dynamic challenges that vary between matches. Players must communicate effectively to overcome these threats.
Character Customization
The game features six unique Runner classes at launch, each with distinct abilities and playstyles. During the closed alpha test starting April 23, 2025, players will have access to four of these classes to test different strategies.
Customization extends beyond abilities to weapons and appearance. Players can:
- Modify weapons with scavenged parts
- Apply cosmetic changes to their Runner
- Create specialized loadouts for different mission types
The gear you extract from missions provides upgrades for future runs, creating a meaningful progression system. This persistent element encourages strategic planning about which items to risk and which to secure.
Bungie emphasized that customization choices will affect both visual appearance and tactical options without creating pay-to-win scenarios. Players can develop unique playstyles that complement their team composition.
Anticipation and Expectations
Bungie’s upcoming extraction shooter Marathon has generated significant buzz within the gaming community since its announcement. The September 2025 release date and upcoming alpha test have created a perfect storm of excitement and speculation.
Marketing and Release Strategy
Bungie has carefully orchestrated the Marathon reveal process, building anticipation through strategic information drops. The company confirmed a September 23, 2025 release date during a recent showcase, coinciding with Borderlands 4‘s launch. This bold scheduling decision demonstrates Bungie’s confidence in their product.
The alpha test beginning April 23 will provide players their first hands-on experience with the game. This testing phase serves dual purposes: collecting valuable player feedback and generating additional hype through early player experiences.
A major gameplay reveal is expected on May 4, which will likely showcase the four playable “runners” including the stealthy Void character. The reveal should provide deeper insights into Marathon’s core mechanics and visual style.
Projection for the Gaming Industry
Marathon represents Bungie’s first new IP since separating from Microsoft and subsequently being acquired by Sony. Industry analysts view this launch as a significant test of Bungie’s creative direction post-acquisition.
The extraction shooter genre has seen mixed success, with titles like Escape from Tarkov and Dark and Darker gaining dedicated followings. Marathon’s cross-play functionality could potentially expand the genre’s accessibility to a broader audience.
Bungie’s pedigree in creating long-lasting game ecosystems suggests Marathon may evolve significantly post-launch. The studio’s experience with Destiny 2’s live-service model will likely influence Marathon’s long-term development strategy.
The game’s sci-fi setting and extraction shooter mechanics represent Bungie’s attempt to carve out a distinct identity in an increasingly crowded multiplayer shooter market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Players have many questions about Bungie’s upcoming Marathon alpha test. The closed test offers a limited-time opportunity to experience the game before its September 2025 release.
What are the minimum system requirements to participate in the alpha test for Bungie’s upcoming Marathon game?
Bungie has not yet released specific system requirements for the Marathon alpha test. The game will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series consoles when it launches on September 25, 2025.
Players interested in the PC version should expect requirements similar to other modern competitive shooters. More details will likely be shared closer to the alpha test date.
How can interested players sign up for the alpha testing phase of Marathon?
Players can sign up for the Marathon closed alpha through Bungie’s official website. Registration requires creating or using an existing Bungie account.
The selection process will be limited, as not all who register will receive an invitation. Bungie may prioritize players based on platform distribution and technical testing needs.
When is the alpha testing phase scheduled to begin, and what is its expected duration?
The Marathon closed alpha test will begin on April 23, 2025, at 10 AM PDT. The testing period will run until May 4, 2025, at 10 AM PDT.
This gives players approximately 11 days to participate in the early testing phase of the game.
Will there be any exclusive content or rewards for participants of the Marathon alpha test?
Bungie has not officially announced any exclusive rewards for alpha test participants. Typically, alpha tests focus on gathering technical feedback rather than providing special content.
Some games do offer commemorative items or badges for early testers, but this has not been confirmed for Marathon as of now.
What are the goals and expectations Bungie has set for the alpha testing of Marathon?
The primary goal of the Marathon alpha test is to gather technical feedback and identify potential issues before the game’s full release. Bungie will likely be monitoring server performance, gameplay balance, and overall stability.
Player feedback during this phase will be crucial for making final adjustments before the September launch. The development team will be closely watching how players engage with the game’s mechanics.
Are there any planned limitations or restrictions during the alpha test, such as region locks or player caps?
The Marathon alpha test will feature only four playable runners, while the full game will include six at launch. This indicates that content will be limited during the testing phase.
Bungie has not publicly specified region restrictions or player caps for the alpha. However, most closed alpha tests typically have server capacity limits and may be available only in certain regions to manage server load.
