Bungie Hints at Marathon’s Intense Survival Gameplay and Mid-2025 Reveal

Bungie recently provided fans with a fresh update on its anticipated extraction shooter, Marathon, in a video led by game director Joe Ziegler. While the nearly 10-minute presentation didn’t include any gameplay, it did offer new insights into the vision and direction of Marathon as Bungie continues its ambitious revamp of the classic 90s shooter series.

In this latest incarnation, Marathon will merge PvE and PvP elements within intense, survival-focused gameplay. Each mission will challenge players to escape hostile environments filled with both AI enemies and other players. This format, known as an extraction shooter, is a departure from the original Marathon trilogy’s single-player narrative experience, but Bungie is leaning into a distinct visual style that has resonated well since the reveal.

For character development, players will embody “Runners,” each equipped with special abilities and customizable gear, echoing a hero shooter format. Ziegler introduced two Runner concepts, codenamed “Thief” and “Stealth,” whose names hint at specific in-game abilities. Players will face varying threats and compete for resources, adding layers of strategy and intensity.

Despite early enthusiasm, Marathon’s development has faced obstacles, which Ziegler openly acknowledged. Bungie has been implementing “aggressive changes” to respond to feedback from recent playtests, including input from select content creators who participated in a round of playtesting earlier this month. Ziegler confirmed that while the game’s environments are progressing beautifully, the character models still need work. To give the team the time it needs, Bungie has set its next major update for mid-2025, pushing any new gameplay footage until then.

The current timeline hints that fans may catch the next big Marathon trailer during a summer event like PlayStation’s State of Play or Summer Game Fest. However, Ziegler’s comments also hint that Bungie could aim for a staggered release model, possibly launching Marathon in early access next year before a full release in 2026, pending further developments.

As fans await further updates, Marathon is now available for wishlisting on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Bungie’s continued transparency suggests that while Marathon may be a few years away, the studio is determined to get it right.

For more updates and exclusive gaming news, follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel! Stay tuned and don’t miss a beat!