Bungie revealed Marathon gameplay on April 12, 2025, and at the time planned to release the game on September 23, 2025. That date was later delayed: Marathon launched on March 5, 2026, for Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
What Bungie announced in the gameplay reveal
Bungie’s April 12, 2025 showcase introduced gameplay for Marathon, a sci-fi PvP extraction shooter set on Tau Ceti IV. Players take the role of cybernetic mercenaries called Runners, with options to play solo or in crews. Bungie described three-player crews as well as solo play in its gameplay reveal; its official FAQ also says players can go solo or play in crews.
The reveal’s headline date was September 23, 2025. It was Bungie’s original target, not the actual launch date. The showcase also announced a closed alpha planned for April 23 through May 4, 2025.
How the release date changed
| Date | What Bungie announced |
|---|---|
| April 12, 2025 | Gameplay reveal; original planned release date of September 23, 2025, and a closed alpha planned for April 23–May 4, 2025. Bungie |
| June 17, 2025 | Bungie delayed the September date, saying it would share a new date later in the fall. It cited further development after the alpha and outlined improvements it wanted to pursue. Bungie |
| December 15, 2025 | Bungie said the game would release in March 2026. Bungie |
| January 20, 2026 | Bungie set the precise release date: March 5, 2026, for Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Bungie |
| March 5, 2026 | Bungie confirmed Marathon was live on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with cross-play and cross-save. Bungie |
What Marathon is and where it is available
Marathon is Bungie’s sci-fi PvP extraction shooter, set on the planet Tau Ceti IV. Players become Runners and can venture out alone or with a crew. The game is available on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, and Bungie says cross-play and cross-save are supported.
The Tool Desk
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- CLASSIC GRAPHICS AND SOUNDS: Immerse yourself in nostalgia with classic graphics, music, and sounds that look just like the original Tetris arcade game!
- AUTHENTIC GAMEPLAY: Use the joystick and buttons to move and rotate the Tetriminos as they fall to complete lines and score points!
- FULL COLOR SCREEN: With a brighter, full color screen that makes it easy to see the blocks, you’ll be racking up points like a pro as you stack your Tetriminos!
- MARATHON MODE: Race to line up your Tetriminos in rows before they stack too high. Complete 10 lines to move to the next level. But watch out - the Tetriminos drop faster the longer you play!
- SHARE AND COLLECT: Arcade Classics are a must-have retro toy for collectors or for anyone looking to share this classic toy with the next generation!
Bungie described the game as both a reimagining and a direct successor to the original trilogy. Narrative Director Julia Nardin said that returning players may recognize characters, locations, and events, while discovering that some events played out differently than they remember. Bungie’s reveal
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What Bungie has said about post-launch development
In September 2026, Bungie outlined plans for continued development through 2027. Its September 14 update listed an October 6 refresh and a December 8 Symbiosis update, including a permanent PvE experience. These are plans announced by Bungie and may change. See the studio’s September 24, 2026 update and September 14, 2026 development update for details.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Four-player madness! - You can't spell Nippon Marathon without 'P', 'A', 'R', 'T' and *checks letters* 'I', we suppose… Solo play is supported, but grab up to four pads and enjoy the supreme silliness of gaming's greatest marathon.
- See all of Japan! - Cross the entirety of the land of Nippon in a series of creative courses spanning busy city streets, village lanes, bustling markets & more!
- Wacky characters! - Go toe-to-toe with some of the coolest contestants who ever did, er… contest! Lobster-man J DARWIN, onesie-obsessive Elizabeth Nishibori, school uniform fan Zenbei "Xen Bae" and the completely normal Snuguru Maestro Epic pratfalls! - Swinging poles! Giant face-slapping fish! Cyclists! Shiba Inu! Panes of glass! Traffic! False doors! Barrels! Rolling beams! Wobbly planks! Flying fruit! More Shiba Inu! EARTHQUAKES!!!!!
- Tons of surprises! - You never know what will happen next in Nippon Marathon. Perhaps you'll find time for an impromptu spot of slot machine fun? Maybe a news anchor will jetpack in to interview you on the racetrack? Heck, anything is possible…
- Drop-in/drop-out play! - Random pedestrian passing by your couch and wants to play? Not a problem. Whatever the cause, hop in and out for the ultimate, flexible party get-together!
Rank #2
- Four-player madness! - you can't spell Nippon marathon without 'P', 'a', 'R', 'T' And *checks letters* 'I', we suppose... Solo play is supported, but grab up to four pads and enjoy the supreme Silliness of gaming's greatest marathon.
- see all of Japan! - Cross the entirety of the land of Nippon in a series of creative courses spanning busy city streets, village lanes, bustling markets & More! Wacky characters! - Go toe-to-toe with some of the coolest contestants who ever did, player... Contest! Lobster-man J Darwin, onesie-obsessive Elizabeth nishibori, school uniform fan zenbei "xen bae" And the completely normal snuguru Maestro
- epic pratfalls! - swinging poles! Giant face-slapping fish! Cyclists! Shiba Inu! Panes of glass! Traffic! False doors! Barrels! Rolling Beams! Wobbly planks! Flying fruit! More Shiba Inu! Earthquakes!!!!!
- tons of surprises! - you never know what will happen next in Nippon marathon. Perhaps you'll find time for an impromptu spot of slot machine fun Maybe a news anchor will Jet Pack in to Interview you on the racetrack Heck, anything is possible...
- drop-in/drop-out play! - random pedestrian passing by your couch and wants to play Not a problem. Whatever the cause, Hop in and out for the ultimate, flexible party get-together!
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