Introduction
Bungie’s long-awaited extraction shooter, Marathon, has a confirmed launch date of March 5. The game will be available on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S for $40.
At a Glance
- Marathon will release on March 5 for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
- The price is set at $40.
- An open preview weekend will precede the launch.
- Why it matters: Fans of Bungie’s classic franchise get a modern take on the extraction shooter genre.
Background
Bungie, known for the Halo and Destiny franchises, announced Marathon’s new release date on January 19. The announcement came alongside a pre-order trailer on YouTube. The developer had originally planned a September launch, but a lukewarm response from players during the alpha test prompted a delay.
The Marathon Series
Marathon debuted in 1994 on the Apple Macintosh and became Bungie’s first hit. The original trilogy is set in the 28th century, following humans aboard the UESC Marathon as they confront alien threats and a sentient AI named Durandal. The series was innovative for its time, revealing story segments through computer terminals and crew diaries.
What’s New in Marathon?
In the updated version, players explore Tau Ceti IV, a planet settled by UESC Marathon colonists. The year is 2893, and many colonists have vanished. Survivors form groups called “Runners,” humans enhanced with cybernetics to survive the harsh environment. Players create their own Runner, gather loot, and uncover the colony’s mysteries while battling aliens and rival Runners.
Extraction Shooter Explained
An extraction shooter focuses on scavenging loot and completing missions rather than solely on combat. Players can only extract items at designated locations. The extraction process triggers a signal that alerts enemies, forcing players to defend themselves for a brief period. Popular titles in the genre include Arc Raiders, Escape from Tarkov, and Helldivers 2.
Marathon’s Relation to Halo
While Marathon and Halo share no direct narrative link, Bungie has described Halo as a spiritual successor to Marathon. Subtle references to Marathon appear in Halo, and fan theories sometimes connect the two series and Destiny.
Release Details
| Platform | Release Date | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC | March 5 | $40 | |
| PS5 | March 5 | $40 | |
| Xbox Series X | S | March 5 | $40 |
Pre-Launch Preview
On January 19, the official Marathon X account announced an open preview weekend before the game’s launch. Fans can test the game during this period and provide feedback.
Key Takeaways
- Marathon launches on March 5 across major platforms.
- The game costs $40.
- An open preview weekend will allow early players to experience the game.
- The title revisits Bungie’s classic Marathon series with modern extraction shooter mechanics.
Final Thoughts
Bungie’s decision to delay Marathon shows a commitment to quality, ensuring the game meets fan expectations. With a clear release date, price, and preview opportunity, players can look forward to revisiting a beloved franchise in a fresh format.
