Bungie’s Marathon shooter launches on March 5th | The VergeSkip to main contentThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.The VergeThe Verge logo.TechReviewsScienceEntertainmentAICESHamburger Navigation ButtonThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.Hamburger Navigation ButtonNavigation DrawerThe VergeThe Verge logo.Login / Sign UpcloseCloseSearchTechExpandAmazonAppleFacebookGoogleMicrosoftSamsungBusinessSee all techGadgetsExpandLaptopsPhonesTVsHeadphonesSpeakersWearablesSee all gadgetsReviewsExpandSmart Home ReviewsPhone ReviewsTablet ReviewsHeadphone ReviewsSee all reviewsAIExpandOpenAIAnthropicSee all AIVerge ShoppingExpandBuying GuidesDealsGift GuidesSee all shoppingPolicyExpandAntitrustPoliticsLawSecuritySee all policyScienceExpandSpaceEnergyEnvironmentHealthSee all scienceEntertainmentExpandTV ShowsMoviesAudioSee all entertainmentGamingExpandXboxPlayStationNintendoSee all gamingStreamingExpandDisneyHBONetflixYouTubeCreatorsSee all streamingTransportationExpandElectric CarsAutonomous CarsRide-sharingScootersSee all transportationFeaturesVerge VideoExpandTikTokYouTubeInstagramPodcastsExpandDecoderThe VergecastVersion HistoryNewslettersExpandThe Verge DailyInstallerVerge DealsNotepadOptimizerRegulatorThe StepbackArchivesStoreSubscribeFacebookThreadsInstagramYoutubeRSSThe VergeThe Verge logo.Bungie’s Marathon shooter launches on March 5thComments DrawerCommentsLoading commentsGetting the conversation ready...NewsCloseNewsPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All NewsGamingCloseGamingPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All GamingPC GamingClosePC GamingPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All PC GamingBungie’s Marathon shooter launches on March 5thBungie is pricing its upcoming extraction shooter at $39.99.Bungie is pricing its upcoming extraction shooter at $39.99.by Tom WarrenCloseTom WarrenSenior EditorPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Tom WarrenJan 19, 2026, 4:41 PM UTCLinkShareGiftImage: BungieTom WarrenCloseTom WarrenPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Tom Warren is a senior editor and author of Notepad, who has been covering all things Microsoft, PC, and tech for over 20 years.Bungie is putting an official date on Marathon today, its delayed extraction shooter. The slick-looking shooter from the makers of Halo and Destiny was originally set to release in September, but will now launch on March 5th. Bungie will launch Marathon on Xbox Series S / X, PS5, and PC, priced at $39.99.Bungie initially delayed Marathon in June last year following plenty of alpha test feedback. The studio recently held playtests that included new features like proximity chat and an option to solo queue into games.Marathon is set in a sci-fi universe in 2850, where players take on the role of a Runner to scavenge what’s left behind. As a Runner, you fight in a crew of up to three players across a variety of zones and points of interest. Marathon is a PvPvE environment, so players will be fighting creatures on planets as well as other players. If you die during a run, you’ll drop your gear. But if you survive, your loot moves with you to future runs so you get more powerful gear and level up.Bungie’s delay to Marathon means it is now launching months after ARC Raiders, an extraction shooter from the makers of The Finals that has consistently been in the top five most-played games on Steam since its launch in late October. 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Bungie, the studio behind iconic franchises like Halo and Destiny, has officially set a release date for its upcoming extraction shooter game *Marathon*, which will launch on March 5th, 2026. The game, priced at $39.99, will be available on Xbox Series S/X, PlayStation 5, and PC. This announcement marks a significant milestone for the title, which had previously faced delays. Initially slated for a September 2025 release, *Marathon* was postponed in June 2025 following feedback from alpha tests. The studio reportedly used this time to refine the game, incorporating insights from player experiences and conducting additional playtests that introduced new features such as proximity chat and a solo queue option. These adjustments aim to enhance the multiplayer experience, addressing potential limitations in earlier iterations of the game. The decision to delay *Marathon* also reflects Bungie’s commitment to ensuring a polished and competitive product, particularly in the context of an increasingly crowded market for extraction shooters.

Set in a science fiction universe in 2850, *Marathon* places players in the role of a “Runner,” tasked with scavenging resources from hostile environments. The game emphasizes cooperative gameplay, allowing up to three players to form a crew and navigate diverse zones filled with points of interest. This structure aligns with the extraction shooter genre, which typically involves teams working together to gather loot while fending off both environmental threats and human opponents. A key mechanic in *Marathon* is its PvPvE (player versus player versus environment) design, where players must battle both non-player characters (NPCs) and other human-controlled runners. This dual focus on cooperative and competitive play creates a dynamic experience, as teams must balance their efforts to survive against external threats while also strategizing to outmaneuver rival groups. The game’s loot system further reinforces this tension: if a player dies during a run, they lose their gear, but surviving allows them to retain and upgrade their equipment across subsequent sessions. This progression model not only incentivizes skill development but also fosters a sense of long-term investment in the game’s world and mechanics.

The release date for *Marathon* has drawn comparisons to another extraction shooter, *ARC Raiders*, developed by the same team behind *The Finals*. *ARC Raiders* launched in late October 2025 and quickly became one of the most-played games on Steam, consistently ranking in the top five. Bungie had initially planned to release *Marathon* ahead of *ARC Raiders*, but the delay shifted its launch window to follow the competitor’s release. This timing could impact *Marathon*’s market positioning, as players may have already formed habits around *ARC Raiders* or other similar titles. However, Bungie’s reputation for creating high-quality, player-centric games may still attract a dedicated audience. The studio’s history with *Destiny* and *Halo* suggests that *Marathon* could leverage established fanbases while also appealing to newcomers seeking a fresh experience in the extraction shooter genre. Additionally, Bungie’s decision to include features like proximity chat and solo queue options indicates an effort to cater to a broad range of player preferences, from casual squad-based play to more solitary challenges.

The development timeline for *Marathon* highlights the challenges of balancing innovation with player expectations. The initial delay in June 2025 allowed Bungie to address feedback from alpha testers, a process that often involves iterating on core mechanics, visual design, and technical performance. The inclusion of proximity chat—a feature that enables real-time voice communication between players in close proximity—suggests an emphasis on social interaction and teamwork, which are critical components of extraction shooters. Meanwhile, the solo queue option provides flexibility for players who may not have consistent access to a crew, broadening the game’s accessibility. These changes reflect Bungie’s responsiveness to player input, a strategy that has historically contributed to the success of its titles. However, the delay also raises questions about how the studio managed to maintain player interest and engagement during the extended development period. Given the competitive nature of the gaming industry, Bungie would need to effectively market *Marathon* and differentiate it from other titles in the genre to ensure its success.

The sci-fi setting of *Marathon* further distinguishes it within the extraction shooter category. While many games in this genre draw from military or post-apocalyptic themes, *Marathon*’s 2850 setting offers a more futuristic and speculative approach. This framework allows for creative world-building, with environments that could range from derelict space stations to alien planets. The game’s narrative is likely designed to complement its gameplay mechanics, providing context for the Runner’s mission while also offering opportunities for player-driven storytelling. The inclusion of a crew-based structure suggests that *Marathon* may prioritize teamwork and collaboration, which could influence how players approach challenges and interact with each other. Additionally, the game’s emphasis on gear progression and survival mechanics may encourage players to experiment with different strategies, fostering a sense of experimentation and adaptability.

The pricing strategy for *Marathon* at $39.99 positions it as a mid-tier title in the current gaming market, where prices often range from $29.99 to $59.99 depending on the platform and content. This price point could appeal to a wide audience, particularly given Bungie’s track record of delivering high-quality experiences. However, it also places *Marathon* in direct competition with other extraction shooters and multiplayer titles that may offer similar or more extensive content. The success of *Marathon* will likely depend on its ability to stand out through unique mechanics, compelling storytelling, and a robust multiplayer experience. Bungie’s decision to focus on the extraction shooter genre—despite its relative niche status compared to more mainstream genres like battle royale or first-person shooters—demonstrates an understanding of the evolving gaming landscape and a willingness to explore new creative directions.

The broader implications of *Marathon*’s release extend beyond its immediate gameplay and market positioning. As a game developed by Bungie, it represents the studio’s continued evolution in response to changing player demands and technological advancements. The inclusion of features like proximity chat and solo queue options reflects a shift toward more flexible and inclusive multiplayer experiences, which aligns with trends in modern gaming. Additionally, the game’s sci-fi setting and focus on cooperative play could resonate with players seeking immersive, story-driven experiences. However, the delay in its release also underscores the challenges of balancing development timelines with market expectations. For Bungie, *Marathon* serves as both an opportunity and a test of its ability to maintain player engagement while refining its product.

Ultimately, *Marathon* represents a significant step for Bungie as it continues to expand its portfolio beyond established franchises. The game’s release on multiple platforms and its focus on cooperative and competitive play highlight the studio’s commitment to accessibility and innovation. While the timing of its launch in relation to *ARC Raiders* may present challenges, Bungie’s reputation for quality and its history of successful game development could position *Marathon* as a strong contender in the extraction shooter genre. As players prepare for its March 5th launch, the game’s success will hinge on its ability to deliver a compelling and memorable experience that resonates with both existing fans and new audiences.