By Jon Scarr
Bungie has shared a deeper look at Marathon with the premiere of its new “Vision of Marathon” ViDoc, offering updated gameplay footage, developer insights, and clearer details about the game’s release plans. The ViDoc arrives as Bungie continues refining the project following closed alpha playtests earlier this year.
The ViDoc outlines several notable changes and additions as Bungie continues shaping Marathon into a PvPvE survival extraction shooter built around tension, risk, and long-term progression.
A Closer Look at Marathon’s Survival Extraction Design
In Marathon, you take on the role of a Runner, a bio-cybernetic mercenary sent to scavenge the abandoned colony of Tau Ceti IV. Each run focuses on looting, completing objectives, and surviving encounters with hostile security forces, rival Runners, and environmental threats before extracting safely.
The ViDoc reinforces Bungie’s focus on a darker, grounded science-fiction tone. Developers emphasized atmosphere, danger, and decision-making, with every run designed to balance risk and reward rather than constant combat.
New Gameplay Features Since the Alpha
Bungie confirmed several gameplay updates that have been added or refined since earlier playtests. These include proximity chat, allowing voice communication with nearby Runners, and a solo queue option for those who prefer to play alone rather than in squads.
The ViDoc also introduced the Rook shell, a limited-loadout Runner shell designed to enter matches already in progress. This gives you a way to scavenge ongoing runs without committing fully geared characters.
Additional updates focus on presentation and clarity. Bungie highlighted increased visual fidelity, an updated user interface, and changes designed to improve readability during matches. Fallen Runners now leave behind corpses that decay over time, while environmental storytelling has been expanded through lighting, audio, and world detail.
Zones, Progression, and Customization
The ViDoc outlined four distinct zones available in Marathon. Three surface areas, Perimeter, Dire Marsh, and Outpost, form the core rotation of maps. A fourth zone, the Cryo Archive aboard the UESC Marathon ship, serves as an end-game challenge and will open during Season 1.
Progression ties into faction-based objectives and long-term progression paths. Factions issue jobs that shape how you approach each run, while upgrade trees unlock new rewards over the course of a season. Bungie also detailed the Codex, a system that tracks achievements and narrative discoveries, unlocking lore entries and cosmetic rewards.
Weapon and Runner customization also play a central role. Weapons can be modified in unique ways, and Runner shells are designed around different playstyles, allowing you to tailor your approach depending on objectives and risk tolerance.
Release Plans, Pricing, and Competitive Integrity
Bungie confirmed that Marathon will launch in March 2026 on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with full cross-play and cross-save support. The game is currently priced at $39.99 USD, with additional regional pricing to be announced closer to launch.
Purchasing Marathon grants access to all gameplay updates throughout the year, including new maps, Runner shells, and events. Bungie also addressed progression systems tied to Rewards Passes, confirming that passes will not expire. You will be able to earn rewards from previously purchased passes at any time, and past passes will remain available for purchase.
Competitive integrity was a key point during the ViDoc. Bungie stated that Marathon will not include pay-to-win mechanics, and gameplay outcomes are never determined by spending.
What’s Next for Marathon
Bungie plans to share more details about seasonal content, the full roadmap, and opportunities for hands-on play closer to launch. More news is expected in January 2026 as development continues toward release.