Bungie's Marathon Sets March 5 Release Date

Marathon, Bungie's long-awaited extraction shooter, will arrive on March 5, the studio announced today. Alongside a definitive release date, Bungie shared a new gameplay trailer, in addition to details about the game's forthcoming deluxe edition, which fans can pre-order today on Steam, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

All versions of the game will support crossplay, meaning you'll be able to play with your friends, no matter where they decide to buy Marathon. Sony, Bungie's parent company, had previously committed to a March release for Marathon, but stopped short of sharing an exact date.

The official release date confirmation comes after a period of uncertainty surrounding the game's launch timeline. Sony had originally planned to release Marathon in September 2025, but delayed the game indefinitely in June of last year following a mixed reception to its alpha testing phase.

During that same period, Bungie admitted that the development team had partially plagiarized some visual assets, which contributed to the decision to postpone the launch. The studio has since been working to address these issues and refine the gameplay experience.

News of the March 5 date leaked early Monday after Microsoft published the pre-order trailer ahead of the official announcement. This premature release confirmed what many fans had been anticipating for months.

Alongside the definitive release date, Bungie shared a new gameplay trailer and details about the game's forthcoming deluxe edition. Fans can pre-order both standard and deluxe versions starting today on three major platforms:

• Steam (PC)
• PlayStation 5
• Xbox Series X/S

One of the most significant features confirmed is full crossplay support. All versions of the game will support crossplay, meaning players will be able to team up with friends regardless of which platform they choose to purchase Marathon on. This commitment to platform-agnostic play reflects the modern gaming landscape where social connections often transcend hardware choices.

The release of Marathon carries significant weight for Bungie's future. In November, Sony revealed that Destiny 2 had not lived up to its financial expectations, leading to a $204 million write-down of the studio's asset value.

This financial adjustment came after Sony announced it would take more direct control of Bungie's operations. The company's decision to increase oversight suggests concerns about the studio's ability to deliver consistent results.

It's safe to say Marathon could decide the future of the studio.

With Destiny 2 underperforming and development costs rising, the success or failure of Marathon will likely determine Bungie's trajectory in the coming years. The extraction shooter genre has grown increasingly competitive, and Bungie needs to make a strong impression with this release.

For players, the March 5 release date marks the end of a long wait for Bungie's next major project. Marathon represents the studio's attempt to enter the extraction shooter space, a genre that has gained popularity through titles like Escape from Tarkov and Hunt: Showdown.

The crossplay functionality is particularly valuable for friend groups who have split across different console ecosystems. By removing platform barriers, Bungie is ensuring that the community can remain unified from day one.

The early leak of the release date through Microsoft's trailer suggests that marketing momentum is building quickly. With just over a month until launch, expect a flurry of additional details, gameplay reveals, and community events as Bungie works to build excitement for its return to the spotlight.

Marathon's March 5 launch represents a critical moment for Bungie and the broader gaming industry. The title's success will not only determine the studio's financial health but also potentially reshape the extraction shooter landscape with its unique vision and established pedigree.

As the release date approaches, all eyes will be on how Bungie balances the expectations of its dedicated fanbase with the need to attract new players to this challenging genre. The combination of crossplay support, multiple platform availability, and the studio's proven track record with Destiny creates a strong foundation for success.

The gaming community now has a concrete date to mark on their calendars, and the next six weeks will likely determine whether Marathon can live up to its name and deliver a triumphant return for one of gaming's most respected studios.