Gameplay foorage from Bungie’s upcoming PvPvE Extraction shooter, Marathon, has been revealed. The game is set to launch in September, 2025, as a non-full priced title.
Bungie’s next title will be released on September 23, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The developer has confirmed that while it will not be free-to-play, it will also not be a full priced game. Gameplay footage from Marathon can be seen below.
The team-based extraction shooter is set in the mysterious and cutthroat world of Tau Ceti IV. In this high-stakes sci-fi setting, players take on the role of Runners i.e. cybernetic mercenaries who have given up their human forms for biosynthetic shells equipped with unique abilities and stats.
Going by the footage, gameplay in Marathon revolves around high-risk, high-reward missions. Players enter zones in crews of up to three, competing against rival Runners in matches that support up to 18 participants. The goal is deceptively simple: infiltrate, gather valuable loot, and extract alive. But between heavily armed enemy forces, rival teams, and otherworldly threats, survival is never guaranteed. Death means losing all your gear—while a successful run allows you to carry your spoils into future missions, growing stronger with each successful escape.
The environments of Tau Ceti IV are rich with weapons, materials, and high-tech equipment waiting to be scavenged. Each run begins with careful preparation: players build their loadouts, choose their Runner, and gear up for the challenges ahead. Whether you prefer a stealthy approach, high-octane combat, or tactical support, Marathon gives players the flexibility to experiment with different playstyles and team compositions.
Dynamic and tactile gunplay sits at the core of the experience. Bungie promises “best-in-class” first-person multiplayer action, with Runners offering unique playstyles and customizable builds. Team fights are strategic and intense, with skill and smart decision-making often outmatching even the most powerful gear. Whether you’re on a desperate zero-to-hero run or rolling in with top-tier equipment, knowing when to fight—and when to avoid conflict—is key to surviving.
Collaboration is encouraged but never mandatory. Marathon supports squad-based play with features like contextual pings, shared objectives, and “down but not out” mechanics, making it easier to coordinate with friends. However, solo players aren’t left out either. They can choose to opt out of matchmaking and go it alone, chasing glory and loot without the help of teammates.
No two runs in Marathon ever play out the same. With dynamic events, shifting weather, and unpredictable player behavior, adaptability becomes a survival skill. Each mission is timed, and anything can happen before the clock runs out. Runners can take on a variety of roles during a match: stealth-focused players might enter as Void, slipping through the shadows to gather rare materials undetected; aggressive players can choose Glitch, a Runner enhanced with agility implants and heavy weaponry designed to disrupt enemy crews; and those playing support can carry extra equipment, shield charges, and a specialized backpack to keep their team alive.
Even when defeat seems certain, Marathon offers hope. Factions may sponsor down-on-their-luck players with a fresh loadout, giving them the tools needed to jump back into the action. The only true limit in Marathon is your imagination—and your inventory. Beyond the moment-to-moment action, the game promises long-term engagement. Players can look forward to endgame challenges, ranked play, seasonal storytelling, hidden secrets, and community-driven events. Season One begins the unfolding mystery of Tau Ceti IV, encouraging players to dive deeper into the world and its lore with each run.
