Bungie, the renowned developer behind blockbuster shooters, has officially announced the release date for its highly anticipated new title, Marathon. The squad-based extraction shooter is slated to launch on September 23 exclusively for PlayStation 5, setting the stage for an action-packed end to the gaming year.
Known for its work on the Destiny franchise, Bungie’s announcement of Marathon has generated considerable buzz within the gaming community. Launching into a competitive multiplayer shooter market, Marathon aims to carve out its space with a fresh take on tactical, team-based gameplay.
At its core, Marathon challenges players to deploy onto a large map, search for valuable loot, and extract it safely — all while under constant threat from other teams. The gameplay concept draws inspiration from popular titles within the extraction genre, but Bungie brings its signature twist through unique character abilities and a robust weapon upgrade system.
Each weapon in Marathon comes with its own upgrade tree, encouraging players to gather resources and invest in long-term progression across multiple matches. This system not only enhances the strategic depth of the game but also boosts replayability — a critical factor for success in today’s crowded shooter landscape.
Fans familiar with Destiny 2 will likely feel at home with Marathon’s gunplay mechanics. The game’s shooting system carries noticeable similarities, which comes as no surprise given Bungie’s expertise. This familiarity could ease the transition for existing fans and help the new title gain early traction.
Before the full release, players will get a chance to try out Marathon during its closed alpha, which kicks off on April 23. Interested participants can sign up via the official Discord server. The alpha phase will give Bungie valuable feedback to refine gameplay ahead of the launch.
Despite the excitement, Marathon enters a genre that’s already packed with strong contenders. Its success will depend on whether it can stand out as a distinct and memorable experience. While Bungie’s name brings weight and credibility, the final judgment will rest on the game’s execution and its ability to deliver something fresh.
In the coming months, all eyes will be on Marathon to see if it can establish itself as a lasting presence in the world of online shooters. With a combination of proven mechanics and innovative features, the title could become a new favorite — provided it lives up to the expectations. Both gamers and industry analysts will be watching closely to see how this ambitious project unfolds.