Bungie has officially announced the release date for its highly anticipated extraction shooter, Marathon, which has been delayed from its initial September launch. The game is now set to debut on March 5th and will be available on Xbox Series S/X, PS5, and PC, with a price tag of $39.99.
Initially postponed in June of last year due to valuable feedback from alpha testing, Bungie recently conducted additional playtests that introduced features such as proximity chat and the option for players to queue solo into matches. This development strategy reflects Bungie’s commitment to creating a polished and engaging gaming experience.
Set in a futuristic universe in the year 2850, Marathon invites players to step into the role of a Runner. Players will team up with up to three others to scavenge through various zones and points of interest, all while battling not only other players but also hostile creatures found on different planets. An interesting aspect of gameplay is that should a player perish during a run, they will drop their gear, but any loot they successfully gather and keep will enhance their abilities in subsequent runs.
Marathon’s delay places its release several months behind ARC Raiders, another extraction shooter developed by the creators of The Finals, which has been performing strongly on Steam since its release in late October. Initially, Bungie had intended to release Marathon before ARC Raiders.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the excitement around Marathon remains high, with players eager to see how it will differentiate itself in the competitive extraction shooter genre. Bungie’s dedication to refining the game suggests promising gameplay ahead for fans and newcomers alike.