December 16, 2025
Bungie Confirms Marathon Release Date, Pricing, and Major Gameplay Updates
Bungie has officially pulled back the curtain on Marathon, confirming both its long-awaited release date and its pricing model. After months of uncertainty following a delay earlier this year, the studio is now locking in plans—and outlining how the game will evolve heading into launch.
🚀 Marathon Release Date and Platforms
Marathon is set to launch in March 2026, releasing simultaneously across multiple platforms to ensure a unified player base.
Here’s where you’ll be able to play at launch:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC
This multi-platform rollout reinforces Bungie’s commitment to accessibility and long-term support for the extraction shooter.
💰 Pricing and Monetization Model
Bungie confirmed that Marathon will launch with a $39.99 USD price point, with equivalent regional pricing planned:
- €39.99
- £34.99
- Additional regional pricing to be announced
Importantly, Bungie emphasized that Marathon will not include pay-to-win mechanics. All players will have access to:
- Core gameplay updates
- New maps
- Runner shells
- Limited-time events
An optional reward pass will also be available, and Bungie has confirmed that it will not expire, allowing players to progress at their own pace.
🎧 New Gameplay Features and Improvements
Following feedback from early alpha testing, Bungie has made several notable additions and refinements to the game experience.
Confirmed updates include:
- Proximity voice chat, enhancing tension and player interaction
- A dedicated solo queue and solo experience
- Visual fidelity upgrades to environments and character models
- Ongoing polish to overall gameplay flow and performance
These improvements are highlighted in a newly released developer video showcasing the game’s progress since the alpha phase.
🛠️ Why Marathon Was Delayed
Marathon was initially planned for release in September 2025, but Bungie chose to delay the game to allow more time for refinement and testing.
The delay followed:
- Mixed feedback from early alpha participants
- A widely discussed controversy involving unapproved artwork found in test builds
Bungie acknowledged these challenges and leaned into community feedback as a key driver behind the changes now being implemented.
🌌 A World Built With Player Feedback
According to Bungie, community involvement has played a major role in shaping Marathon’s current direction. The studio says player testing and feedback have directly influenced new features, balance adjustments, and presentation upgrades.
At launch, players can expect:
- A lore-rich sci-fi universe
- High-risk extraction gameplay
- Deep customization through cybernetic Runner shells
- A living world designed to expand over time
🧠 Final Thoughts
With a confirmed release date, transparent pricing, and a clear stance against pay-to-win systems, Marathon is positioning itself as a premium extraction shooter built for longevity. Bungie’s willingness to delay the game, gather feedback, and meaningfully respond to player concerns suggests a strong focus on quality over speed.
As March 2026 approaches, Marathon is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched competitive shooters on the horizon.