Bungie has announced that its highly anticipated extraction shooter, Marathon, will now be released in March 2026, following a delay from the originally planned September launch. The studio has set a target price of $39.99 and revealed that purchasing the game will provide players with full access, including a roadmap for free gameplay updates throughout the year.
The decision to delay Marathon was made after receiving feedback from the alpha test conducted in April. In response, Bungie has been actively working on enhancements, which now include features like proximity chat and a solo queue option. “Since the Alpha playtest in April, we’ve been quietly iterating on Marathon alongside a dedicated community of players,” Bungie stated in a blog post. The team emphasized the importance of community feedback, noting that each closed playtest served as an opportunity to understand player experiences and refine the game.
In a move to alleviate fears of missing out on content, Bungie will not impose expiration dates on the game’s “Rewards Passes,” allowing players to purchase past passes as well. Additionally, the studio has committed to maintaining competitive integrity in Marathon, assuring players that success in the game will never hinge on financial investment.
This delay and subsequent updates reflect Bungie’s dedication to delivering a polished gaming experience, prioritizing community input and fair play. As fans await the release, anticipation for Marathon continues to grow, with the promise of an engaging gaming environment on the horizon.