Bungie, the esteemed studio behind iconic titles like Halo and Destiny, is gearing up for a massive launch. Their highly anticipated PvPvE survival extraction FPS, Marathon, officially arrives on March 5, 2026. This announcement comes alongside the reveal of a stunning Limited Edition DualSense wireless controller. Get ready to dive into the perilous world of Tau Ceti IV, where every run could be your last.
The Marathon game will be available on PlayStation 5, Steam (PC), and Xbox Series X|S. Pre-orders are now live, offering players exclusive rewards and early access to this next-generation shooter. Bungie promises a thrilling experience, blending intense player-versus-player combat with intriguing environmental challenges.
Unraveling the Mysteries of Tau Ceti IV: What is Marathon?
Marathon casts players as bio-cybernetic Runners. Their mission: to uncover the fate of humanity’s lost interstellar expedition. You’ll navigate the enigmatic planet Tau Ceti IV. The UESC (United Earth Space Coalition) is determined to keep Runners out. Players can operate solo or team up in crews of three. Expect intense encounters with hostile security forces and rival Runners. The environments themselves are unpredictable, adding another layer of challenge.
The core gameplay loop involves scavenging derelict facilities. Explore rugged landscapes for valuables, weapons, and crucial information. This loot helps piece together what happened to the colony lightyears from Earth. A new gameplay trailer, narrated by Gantry, an agent for the anti-establishment MIDA faction, offers a glimpse into this dangerous universe. The trailer highlights the game’s atmospheric tension and fast-paced action.
Engage with Factions and Conquer the Cryo Archive
Marathon features six unique factions, each presenting distinct contracts. Completing these life-threatening missions is crucial. It unlocks rich storytelling elements and new rewards. Progress through six dedicated faction upgrade trees to enhance your Runner’s capabilities. Players have an arsenal of tools at their disposal. This includes faction upgrades, various weapons, mods, customizable Runner shells, and game-changing implants.
All these tools are vital for reaching greater heights. The ultimate goal for many will be the end-game zone: Cryo Archive. This challenging area unlocks in Season 1. It’s located on the UESC Marathon ship itself. Here, you will solve complex security measures. Your objective: to unseal frozen vaults. Ultimately, you’ll confront a formidable entity. Even the powerful UESC fears this lurking presence onboard.
Beyond the Game: Exclusive Hardware Unveiled
To celebrate the launch, Bungie and PlayStation have revealed two limited-edition hardware items. These accessories immerse players even further into the Marathon universe.
The Marathon Limited Edition DualSense wireless controller is a standout. It features bold graphics and fractured shapes. These designs are directly inspired by Marathon‘s futuristic world. Bungie collaborated closely on the design. They aimed for an authentic, functional look. It reflects the game’s industrial aesthetic. This controller launches on March 5, 2026. It will be available globally in limited quantities. Pricing is set at $84.99 USD, €84.99, £74.99, or ¥12,480 (including tax). Regional pricing includes SGD 119 and MYR 419. Pre-orders begin on January 29, 2026, at 10 am local time. You can find it at direct.playstation.com and participating retailers. PlayStation Direct offers free launch day delivery for eligible pre-orders.
Additionally, a Marathon Limited Edition Pulse Elite wireless headset was announced. This headset boasts a matching Marathon-inspired design. It features vivid accents and clean lines. It promises crisp, immersive audio. PlayStation Link connectivity ensures minimal distortion or delay. This headset will be available in limited quantities in the U.S. only. It’s priced at $169.99 USD. Pre-orders also start on January 29, 2026, at 10 am ET, exclusively at direct.playstation.com. Both peripherals launch on March 5, 2026.
Secure Your Mission: Marathon Editions & Pre-Order Bonuses
Marathon offers various editions to suit every Runner. Pre-orders for all editions are now live. Securing your copy early grants exclusive in-game cosmetic bonuses. Plus, there are special rewards for Destiny 2 players who link their Bungie.net account. All editions will receive free gameplay updates post-launch. These updates include new maps, Runner shells, and live events.
Edition Breakdown:
Standard Edition: This includes the base game. Pre-ordering unlocks the ZERO STEP 004 CE Tactical Sidearm Style, ZERO RC Weapon Charm, and ZERO STEP SHIFT Weapon Sticker. You also get the APOGEE INTERCEPT Background and Emblem. For Destiny 2 fans, linking your Bungie.net account grants the UESC Echo-type Shell Exotic Ghost, UESC Rover Exotic Ship, and UESC Sprinter Exotic Sparrow. Priced at $39.99 / £34.99 / €39.99.
Deluxe Edition: This package contains all Standard Edition content. It adds a Premium Rewards Pass Voucher and 200 SILK Rewards Pass Tokens. These help unlock items in the pass. Exclusive MIDNIGHT DECAY weapon styles are included. These cover the Misriah 2442 Pump Shotgun and the Overrun AR. Four unique MIDNIGHT DECAY Runner Shell styles are also part of this edition: Vandal, Destroyer, Assassin, and Thief. Priced at $59.99 / £44.99 / €59.99.
Collector’s Edition: For the ultimate enthusiast, this premium edition is exclusive to the Bungie Store. It includes all Deluxe Edition content, delivered as a game code. Physical collectibles are the highlight. You get a 1/6th scale Thief Runner Shell statue with LED lights. A collectible WEAVEworm miniature, an iron-on embroidered patch, and six art postcards are also included. The premium hexagon packaging features a lenticular poster and a beautifully designed display box. Purchasing this edition from the Bungie Store or PlayStation Direct grants exclusive in-game bonus cosmetics: the ZERO STEP Emblem and ZERO STEP Background. This edition is approximately $410 USD.
Cross-Platform Play & Post-Launch Commitment
Bungie has confirmed full cross-play and cross-save capabilities for Marathon. Players can enjoy the game with friends across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Your progress will seamlessly transfer between systems. This commitment ensures a vibrant and connected player base from day one.
The game also boasts an impressive English language voice cast. Talents like Krizia Bajos, Samantha Béart, Roger Clark, and Neil Newbon lend their voices. Bungie promises fully localized dialogue for all supported languages. They expect the cast to expand as the game’s universe evolves. This dedication to immersion extends beyond the initial launch. Bungie has assured players of robust post-launch support. Expect regular free gameplay updates, new maps, Runner shells, and dynamic in-game events.
Join the Runners: Community & Next Steps
A new Marathon Welcome Hub background for PS5 consoles is already live. This allows players to customize their console interface with the game’s aesthetic. To stay connected, the official Marathon Discord is your hub. Join the discussion, share your stories, and provide feedback to the development team. They often share sneak peeks of what’s next for Marathon.
Remember, a Bungie.net account and an internet connection are required for gameplay. PlayStation Plus membership (sold separately) is necessary for online multiplayer on PS5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of game is Marathon and what can players expect?
Marathon is an upcoming PvPvE (Player vs Player vs Environment) survival extraction first-person shooter developed by Bungie. Players take on the role of bio-cybernetic Runners tasked with unraveling the mysteries of a lost interstellar expedition on Tau Ceti IV. Expect intense solo or co-op missions with crews of three, scavenging for loot, engaging in combat against hostile forces and rival Runners, and navigating unpredictable environments. The game features unique factions, upgrade trees, and a challenging end-game zone called Cryo Archive.
Where can I pre-order the Marathon game and its limited edition hardware?
You can pre-order Marathon through direct.playstation.com, Steam, or Xbox digital storefronts, as well as participating retailers. The Limited Edition DualSense wireless controller and Pulse Elite wireless headset can be pre-ordered starting January 29, 2026, at 10 am local time via direct.playstation.com (globally for the controller, US-only for the headset) and other participating retailers. The Collector’s Edition of the game is primarily available through the Bungie Store.
What are the different editions of Marathon, and which offers the best value?
Marathon comes in Standard, Deluxe, and Collector’s Editions. The Standard Edition ($39.99) provides the base game and essential pre-order cosmetics. The Deluxe Edition ($59.99) adds a Premium Rewards Pass Voucher, 200 SILK Rewards Pass Tokens, and exclusive weapon/Runner shell cosmetics. For the ultimate fan, the Collector’s Edition (~$410) includes all Deluxe content plus premium physical collectibles like a 1/6th scale Thief Runner Shell statue. The “best value” depends on your budget and interest in cosmetic items or physical collectibles, with the Deluxe Edition offering significant digital bonuses for a moderate price increase.
Embark on Your Next Expedition
The countdown to March 5, 2026, has begun. Bungie’s Marathon* game promises a compelling blend of sci-fi mystery, high-stakes combat, and deep progression systems. With cross-play, cross-save, and a commitment to post-launch support, the journey on Tau Ceti IV is set to be a long and evolving one. Prepare to become a Runner. Pre-order your edition, secure your exclusive hardware, and get ready to confront the unknown. The mysteries of the universe—and the UESC—await.
