Bungie has officially revealed gameplay for Marathon, its upcoming extraction-shooter that is scheduled to launch on September 23. The game will be available on PlayStation 5, Steam, and Xbox Series X|S, bringing the renowned studio into a new genre while drawing inspiration from its classic 1994 title of the same name.
In Marathon, players take on the role of “Runners,” loading up with gear to compete for valuable loot before making a daring attempt to extract with their spoils. The gameplay emphasizes first-person gunplay, an area in which Bungie has built its reputation, while introducing survival-driven mechanics that focus on resource management and strategic decision-making. Rather than relying on quick health regeneration, players will need to manage consumable resources, adding a heightened sense of tension to each run.
The setting and premise of Marathon harken back to the original game’s universe, reimagining familiar elements like the UESC Marathon ship and the planet Tau Ceti for a modern audience. While the core of the game is centered on its extraction-shooter framework, players will encounter a uniquely styled environment inspired by graphic and modern product design. This visual approach creates a distinct contrast intended to convey the game’s tone of paranoia and intensity.
Technical features are a highlight for PlayStation 5 users. Marathon supports haptic feedback via the DualSense controllers and leverages the Tempest 3D Audio engine to heighten immersion. The game will also receive PS5 Pro enhancements, employing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) technology to provide higher quality upscaling and improved resolution.
Persistent progression plays a key role, allowing players to level up their Runners, upgrade factions, and access the Black Market — an in-game item store. Bungie has prioritized accessibility in the game’s interface and controls, aiming to create a natural and intuitive experience on controllers and minimize unnecessary complexity.
Insights from the development team point to a challenging but rewarding gameplay loop that encourages players to develop their survival skills, striving for unforgettable runs filled with risk and reward.
Further details can be found in the official PlayStation blog announcement.
