Bungie's eagerly awaited extraction shooter Marathon is scheduled to launch on March 5, 2026, bringing the legendary sci-fi franchise back to life. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the release date, platform availability, pre-order editions, exclusive bonuses, and what to expect from this innovative PvPvE experience.
Quick Answer: Marathon releases on March 5, 2026 for PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S with full cross-platform support.
What is Marathon Release Date?
The official Marathon release date is set for March 5, 2026. The game will launch simultaneously across all supported platforms, ensuring no player base gets left behind. This unified launch approach allows Bungie to leverage their cross-play infrastructure from day one, creating a robust player ecosystem regardless of your platform choice.
Before the full release, Bungie is hosting an open Server Slam preview event from February 26 to March 2, 2026. This stress test gives players a hands-on opportunity to experience Marathon's core gameplay loop while helping Bungie ensure their servers can handle the anticipated launch day surge.
What Platforms Is Marathon Coming To?
Marathon will be available on three major platforms at launch:
- PC via Steam - Digital download with full keyboard/mouse and controller support
- PlayStation 5 - Available through the PlayStation Store
- Xbox Series X|S - Purchasable via Xbox Marketplace
Notably, Marathon features complete cross-platform play and cross-save progression. This means you can play with friends regardless of their platform, and your Runner progression, loadouts, and unlocks transfer seamlessly if you own the game on multiple systems.
Marathon Pre-Order Editions and Pricing
Bungie offers three distinct editions of Marathon, each catering to different levels of commitment and budget. Pre-orders are currently live across all digital storefronts.
Standard Edition Includes:
- Full Marathon game access
- ZERO STEP 004 - Exclusive CE Tactical Sidearm weapon style
- ZERO STEP RC - Unique weapon charm
- ZERO STEP SHIFT - Weapon sticker customization
- APOGEE INTERCEPT - Exclusive background
- APOGEE INTERCEPT - Unique emblem
Destiny 2 Cross-Game Rewards
As a bonus for Bungie's existing community, Standard Edition pre-orders also unlock exclusive cosmetics in Destiny 2 when you link your accounts:
- UESC Echo-type Shell - Exotic Ghost shell
- UESC Rover - Exotic ship
- UESC Sprinter - Exotic sparrow
Deluxe Edition - $59.99
The Deluxe Edition expands upon the Standard Edition with premium content designed for players who plan to invest significant time into Marathon's progression systems.
Deluxe Edition Includes:
- Everything from the Standard Edition
- Premium Rewards Pass Voucher - One full season pass
- 200 SILK Rewards Pass Tokens - Skip tiers or unlock rewards faster
- MIDNIGHT DECAY Collection - Exclusive weapon cosmetics
- MIDNIGHT DECAY Collection - Unique Runner shell customizations
The Deluxe Edition's value proposition becomes clear for dedicated players who plan to engage with Marathon's seasonal content structure. The included Rewards Pass and token boost provide immediate progression advantages.
Compare Editions
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Pre-Order Bonus Availability Window
All pre-order bonuses remain available for purchases made through March 17, 2026 - nearly two weeks after the March 5 release date. This extended window allows players who want to experience the Server Slam or read day-one reviews before committing to still receive the pre-order rewards.
Marathon System Requirements
One of Marathon's pleasant surprises is its accessibility. Bungie has optimized the game to run on a wide range of hardware configurations.
Minimum System Requirements
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 64-bit (latest Service Pack) |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-6600 / AMD Ryzen 5 2600 |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti (4 GB) / AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT (4 GB) / Intel Arc A580 (8 GB, ReBAR enabled) |
| DirectX | Version 12 |
Recommended System Requirements
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 64-bit |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-10400 / AMD Ryzen 5 3500 |
| Memory | 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 (6 GB) / AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT (8 GB) / Intel Arc A770 (16 GB, ReBAR enabled) |
| DirectX | Version 12 |
These requirements are notably modest for a modern AAA release, ensuring that players with mid-range systems from the past several years can still enjoy Marathon at solid frame rates and visual quality.
What Is Marathon?
Marathon represents Bungie's bold reinterpretation of their classic 1994 sci-fi franchise. This modern extraction shooter combines the studio's renowned gunplay expertise with tense PvPvE gameplay mechanics set on the enigmatic planet Tau Ceti IV.
Players assume control of biosynthetic mercenaries known as Runners, competing in high-stakes matches to secure valuable loot while contending with both AI-controlled UESC forces and rival player teams. The extraction shooter formula means that everything you bring into a match - and everything you collect - is at risk if you fail to reach an extraction point.
Final Thoughts
With its March 5, 2026 release date rapidly approaching, Marathon represents Bungie's ambitious return to a franchise that helped define their legacy. The combination of proven gameplay expertise, innovative extraction shooter mechanics, and accessible system requirements positions Marathon to be one of 2026's most significant multiplayer releases.
Whether you opt for the Standard Edition's solid value proposition, the Deluxe Edition's premium content, or the Collector's Edition's physical collectibles, there's an option suited for every level of interest. With pre-order bonuses available through March 17, you have ample time to experience the Server Slam before making your final decision.