Marathon Game: Gameplay and Closed Alpha Test Details

Bungie, the creators of Halo and Destiny, are reimagining their classic Marathon series as a team-based multiplayer extraction shooter, launching in September 2025 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Check out the a detailed guide on Marathon Game including details of Gameplay, Matchmaking, and more.

Marathon Game – Core Gameplay: Extraction and Teamwork

At its heart, Marathon is an extraction shooter. Players form squads of three as Runners, deploying onto Tau Ceti IV to scavenge valuable loot and complete objectives. The ultimate goal is a successful extraction before encountering rival teams or the planet’s inherent dangers. This creates a compelling risk-reward dynamic where every deployment carries significant stakes. Teamwork and coordination will be crucial for survival and maximizing rewards.

Evolving Narrative: Multiplayer Focus

Unlike some of Bungie’s previous titles, Marathon will not feature a traditional single-player campaign at launch. Instead, the focus is firmly on a dynamic and evolving narrative that will unfold through in-game seasons, special events, and the collective actions of the player base. This approach promises a persistent and reactive world.

Marathon Game Matchmaking System

Marathon introduces a unique matchmaking system centered around “Runner level.” This level reflects a player’s total playtime and accumulated experience points, rather than traditional skill-based metrics. This system aims to provide a degree of protection for newer players, preventing them from consistently facing highly experienced veterans.

PlayStation 5 Enhancements

PlayStation 5 players can look forward to enhanced immersion through the integration of DualSense haptics, providing tactile feedback during gameplay. Additionally, Tempest 3D Audio will offer improved spatial awareness. Owners of the upcoming PS5 Pro can anticipate enhanced visual fidelity through PSSR upscaling.

PvE Elements: Integrated Challenges

While Marathon will not feature dedicated PvE game modes at launch, the game world will be rich with AI-controlled enemies and environmental challenges. These PvE elements will be integrated directly into the core extraction gameplay loop, providing additional layers of risk and opportunity for players.

Bungie says there are no plans for dedicated PvE modes in Marathon at launch.

"There's none. We're not doing that right now. Right now, we're just kind of spending all the time we have on the baseline experience… We actually have a lot of activities and like POIs and stuff… pic.twitter.com/dVWTqWsPAq
— Marathon Bulletin (@TauCetiGG) April 13, 2025

Marathon Game Closed Alpha Test: First Look

Eager players can get an early glimpse of Marathon through a Closed Alpha Test running from April 23 to May 4, 2025. The approximate download size for the test is 6 GB.

In summary, Marathon offers a high-stakes multiplayer experience that blends intense PvP encounters with strategic extraction gameplay. Its evolving narrative, innovative matchmaking system based on playtime, and platform-specific enhancements on PlayStation 5 position it as a highly anticipated title for fans of competitive shooters.

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