Bungie Reinvents Marathon as a Tactical Extraction Shooter with Lore-Rich Multiplayer Action

The world of space-themed video games is brimming with excitement, with several highly anticipated titles on the horizon. One standout is Bungie’s Marathon, a reboot of the classic series that first emerged in the mid-1990s. After years of speculation, Bungie has officially revealed its new take on the Marathon franchise, blending action-packed gameplay with futuristic settings. Fans of both the original series and the sci-fi genre are eager to experience what this new version will offer.

Marathon Reboot Shifts to Team-Based Extraction Shooter with Tactical Multiplayer and Strategy

The latest iteration of Marathon marks a significant shift from the single-player, story-driven experiences of the original games. Unlike its predecessors, which focused on narrative-heavy first-person shooter campaigns, the reboot introduces a team-based, online-only extraction shooter.

Players will join forces as cybernetically enhanced mercenaries, working together to complete objectives while battling hostile NPCs and other teams. This marks a departure from the original format and introduces a competitive multiplayer experience.

In this new version of Marathon, players will control cybernetic mercenaries, each equipped with unique abilities and augmentations. These characters must work in tandem to raid the abandoned Tau Ceti IV colony and the derelict Marathon ship, all while facing both AI-controlled enemies and rival human teams. The game is designed to reward strategic cooperation and careful management of the characters’ abilities, offering a more tactical experience compared to typical first-person shooters.

New Marathon Blends Classic References with Fresh Multiplayer Action and Intriguing Lore Twists

Despite its shift to multiplayer, Bungie has promised that the reboot will include nods to the original Marathon games. The new Marathon will incorporate references and “deep cuts” from the classic titles, adding layers of nostalgia for longtime fans.

The story is also rooted in the original plot, which centered around the ill-fated journey of the Marathon colony ship as it traveled to the Tau Ceti system. However, the new lore introduces fresh twists and mysteries, particularly around the player-versus-player elements and the overall narrative direction.

Marathon is scheduled to release on September 23, 2025, for PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5. It will be available as a premium title but will not carry the typical full-price tag. Players interested in an early preview of the game can participate in a closed alpha testing phase taking place this month. To gain access, players can join the game’s official Discord server and follow the instructions for testing. With Bungie’s history of success in the sci-fi shooter genre, Marathon is shaping up to be one of the most exciting upcoming titles.