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Bungie Finally Put a Date on Marathon - Cost $40, Proximity Chat, Solo Queue

Bungie has confirmed Marathon launches in March 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, priced at $39.99 with no pay-to-win and non-expiring reward passes.

Bungie Finally Put a Date on Marathon - Cost $40, Proximity Chat, Solo Queue
Bungie’s Marathon lands March 2026 for $40

Bungie has finally stopped being vague about Marathon. The studio says the extraction shooter is landing in March 2026, and it’s launching as a paid game at a target $39.99 price point. It’s also promising the usual big concerns are covered: no pay-to-win, and gameplay updates will be available to players as the game evolves.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
  • Marathon launches in March 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC
  • The target price is $39.99
  • Bungie says no pay-to-win, and gameplay updates (maps, Runner shells, events) will be included

Release date, platforms, and the basics

Bungie and PlayStation have confirmed Marathon is out March 2026, and it’s launching across the big three platforms.

  • Release window: March 2026
  • Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
  • Genre: extraction shooter (online-focused, high-stakes runs, loot, extraction)

If you’re in the UAE and you’re deciding where to play it, it’s worth sorting your hardware plans now — especially if you’re still on the fence about which console makes sense here. Here’s our practical guide: Which PS5 should you buy in the UAE?

Price and monetisation: $40, plus a reward pass

The headline that will annoy some people: Marathon is not launching free-to-play. Bungie says the target price is $39.99 / €39.99 / £34.99, and regional pricing will be shared later.

  • Target price: $39.99 / €39.99 / £34.99
  • Regional pricing: still to be announced
  • No pay-to-win: Bungie says spending won’t give gameplay advantages
  • Gameplay updates included: maps, Runner shells, events, and more
  • Reward pass: exists, and won’t expire

In plain terms: Bungie’s trying to make the “paid game + ongoing updates” model feel less punishing than the usual seasonal treadmill. The non-expiring pass is the key detail, because it reduces that log in or miss out pressure that burns people out fast.

Why it was delayed — and what Bungie says is improved

Marathon was originally planned to release on September 23, but Bungie officially delayed it in June to give the team more time to refine and test.

  • Original planned release date: September 23
  • Delay announced: June
  • Context: mixed feedback from alpha tests
  • Also mentioned: a controversy around stolen artwork found in test builds

Bungie’s community lead (per the announcement) framed the delay period as more playtesting and feedback collection. And the studio is pointing to tangible changes rather than vibes: proximity chat, a new solo experience and queue, plus visual fidelity upgrades.


When is Marathon coming out?

Bungie says Marathon will release in March 2026.

What platforms will Marathon be on?

It’s confirmed for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

How much will Marathon cost?

The target price is $39.99 / €39.99 / £34.99, with regional pricing still to be announced.

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