Bungie has officially announced that its highly anticipated extraction shooter, **Marathon**, will launch on **March 4, 2024**. This game, developed by the creators of the renowned **Halo** and **Destiny** franchises, was initially scheduled for release in September 2023. The delay comes after extensive feedback from alpha testing, prompting the studio to refine various aspects of the game.
Game Details and Features
**Marathon** will be available on **Xbox Series S/X**, **PlayStation 5**, and **PC** for a retail price of **$39.99**. The game immerses players in a sci-fi universe set in the year **2850**, where they assume the role of a Runner. As a Runner, players will scavenge valuable resources while engaging in combat alongside a team of up to three players across diverse zones and points of interest.
The game features a Player vs. Player vs. Environment (**PvPvE**) setup, where players will not only encounter hostile creatures on various planets but also compete against other players. A notable gameplay mechanic allows players to drop their gear upon death, adding a strategic layer to each run. However, successful runs enable players to carry their loot into future sessions, enhancing their gear and overall capabilities.
Competition and Timing
Bungie’s decision to delay **Marathon** means it will now launch several months after **ARC Raiders**, an extraction shooter from the developers of **The Finals** that has maintained a position among the top five most-played games on **Steam** since its release in late October 2023. Originally, Bungie aimed to release **Marathon** ahead of **ARC Raiders**, indicating the competitive nature of the extraction shooter market.
The upcoming launch of **Marathon** has generated excitement among gamers, especially with the recent playtests that introduced new features such as proximity chat and a solo queue option. As the gaming community anticipates the release, Bungie appears committed to delivering a polished experience that reflects player feedback and industry standards.
