After years of anticipation, Bungie has officially confirmed that Marathon, their next-generation PvPvE extraction shooter, is ready for its imminent launch. Set on the mysterious, derelict colony of Tau Ceti IV, the game pits crews of Runners against both rival players and hostile UESC security forces. Appealing to both fans of the Destiny franchise looking for a new challenge and newcomers to the extraction genre, Marathon is prepped and ready to make waves. Here is everything you need to know to prepare for the launch.
Marathon Release Date and Times
Marathon will be released on Thursday, March 5, 2026. The game will launch simultaneously across all supported platforms. Because this is a global launch, your local release time depends on your time zone.
| Region | Release Date | Local Time |
|---|---|---|
| West US (Los Angeles) | March 5, 2026 | 10:00 AM PST |
| East US (New York) | March 5, 2026 | 1:00 PM EST |
| UK (London) | March 5, 2026 | 6:00 PM GMT |
| Central Europe (Berlin) | March 5, 2026 | 7:00 PM CET |
| Japan (Tokyo) | March 6, 2026 | 3:00 AM JST |
| Australia (Sydney) | March 6, 2026 | 5:00 AM AEDT |
Marathon Launch Countdown Clock
If you’re not sure where your time zone fits with the above regions, then check out our handy countdown clock below to see exactly when Marathon releases in your region:
Platforms
Marathon features full cross-play and cross-save functionality, allowing you to carry your progress between systems:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC (via Steam)
Gameplay Features
Marathon reimagines the extraction shooter through Bungie's signature lens of ultra-responsive gunplay and RPG buildcrafting. You play as a Runner, a bio-cybernetic mercenary tasked with recovering artifacts from the crumbling ruins of Tau Ceti IV. These are some of the major features we can look forward to:
- Runner Shells and Augmentation: There are seven core "Shells" available at launch: Destroyer, Vandal, Recon, Assassin, Triage, Thief, and Rook. Each acts as a class with unique Prime (Ultimate) and Tactical abilities. You can further specialize your build using Cores (which change skill effects) and Implants (stat boosts like Heat Capacity or Loot Speed).
- The "O2" Mechanic: Oxygen is your raid timer. Taking damage or physical status effects can cause leaks, creating a frantic race to find canisters or extract before your supply runs out.
- Faction Influence: Six mega-corporate factions (including Traxus, MIDA, and Sekiguchi Genetics) offer local progression. Completing their contracts unlocks unique store items and Prestige gear.
- Persistent World: Action on the surface can permanently change zones. If players activate specific planetary arrays, new areas or loot pools may open up for the entire community.
Marathon Server Slam
If you missed the start of the Marathon Server Slam Beta that takes place from February 26 to March 2, there’s still time to catch up. Check out all the details and rewards you can get in our guide here. Remember that all loot caches and emblems earned during the Slam will be waiting for you in your account when servers officially open on March 5.
Marathon Editions and Pre-Order Bonuses
Bungie has streamlined the purchase options for Marathon, offering a mix of digital rewards and high-end physical collectables. Every edition purchased before the March 5 launch includes the following rewards:
- ZERO STEP 004 (CE Tactical Sidearm Style)
- ZERO STEP RC (Weapon Charm)
- ZERO STEP SHIFT (Weapon Sticker)
- APOGEE INTERCEPT (Background)
- APOGEE INTERCEPT (Emblem)
Plus, you get the following Destiny 2 rewards linked to your account:
- UESC Echo-type Shell Exotic Ghost
- UESC Rover Exotic Ship
- UESC Sprinter Exotic Sparrow
Additionally, here’s the breakdown of all editions:
| Edition | Price | Contents |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Edition | $39.99 | Full Game. |
| Deluxe Edition | $59.99 | Full Game, "Midnight Decay" cosmetic set, Season 1 Premium Pass, and 200 SILK tokens. |
| UESC Bundle | $89.99 | All Deluxe content plus the "Traxus" Weapon Skin, a digital soundtrack, and 500 total SILK tokens. |
| Collector's Edition | $229.99 | All Digital Deluxe content, a Thief Runner statue, an embroidered Iron-on patch, the Sekiguchi WEAVEworm collectable, 6 Art Postcards, a Lenticular Poster, and a Zero Step Emblem and Background. |
Remember, if you participated in the Server Slam, your "Arrival Caches" (containing the Overrun and Hardline weapons) and platform-exclusive charms will be delivered to your account regardless of which edition you purchase, as long as your Bungie.net account is linked.
