A PvP-focused extraction shooter set on the mysterious planet of Tau Ceti IV, Marathon will see players inhabit the bodies of Runners, cybernetic mercenaries who have been designed to survive the planet’s harsh environments, exploring the lost colony that once inhabited Tau Ceti’s surface. Players will engage solo or in crews of three, searching for mysterious alien artifacts, as well as for valuable loot and new weapons and gear that they can add to their collection.

A massive ghost ship hangs in low orbit over a lost colony. The 30,000 souls who called this world home have disappeared without a trace. Strange signals hint at rumors of mysterious artifacts, long-dormant AI, and troves of untold riches. You are a cybernetic mercenary – a Runner – and your destination is Tau Ceti IV. You are one of many, working solo or with a crew, venturing into the unknown and facing the unimaginable in a fight for survival, for riches, for fame... and for infamy. Who among you will write their names across the stars? 

In Marathon, players inhabit a Runner, a cybernetic mercenary scouring the remains of a lost colony of Tau Ceti IV for fortune and power. Players team up in crews of three as they battle rival Runner teams and hostile security forces for weapons and upgrades. Survive and everything they’ve scavenged is theirs to keep for future runs on Tau Ceti IV—or if they’re brave enough, a journey to the derelict Marathon ship that hangs above.

Welcome to Tau Ceti IV, a lost colony whose inhabitants disappeared without a trace. Rival factions compete for the resources left behind, hiring Runners who’ve given up their human form for biosynthetic shells. Death is but a hurdle in this cutthroat competition where power, fortune, and answers to Tau Ceti IV’s mysteries hang in the balance.

Choose from a roster of cybernetic mercenaries with unique abilities. Players customize their Runner’s playstyle with the weapons, implants, and equipment they collect on their runs. Strategize, execute, and become Tau Ceti’s most feared mercenary.

Bungie revealed several new updates on Marathon, including details on the Server Slam, a trailer that gives more insight into the game’s story, and weapon charm rewards for PlayStation Plus players.

A new gameplay trailer was released, which shares a look at the lost colony of Tau Ceti IV, where Runners risk everything on the planet’s hostile surface:

Marathon’s Server Slam is February 26 – March 2

Players worldwide can jump into Marathon during the open preview Server Slam on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S from February 26, 2026 at 10 a.m. PT to March 2 at 10 a.m. PT*. Marathon’s Server Slam will also be a part of Steam Next Fest.

The Server Slam features an introduction to Marathon's gameplay with a limited selection of maps, Runner shells, and contracts. Additional maps, factions, contracts, gear, and more to come at launch and during Season 1. 

Players who complete the introductory mission during the Server Slam will earn a special emblem and banner for launch to commemorate the event.

We also want to recognize your time during the Server Slam, so players will be able to earn tiered gear packages for Marathon’s launch on March 5, which includes weapons, implants, and more to help on their first runs. More about the Server Slam and rewards here.

PlayStation Plus weapon charms revealed

Bungie also revealed special rewards for PlayStation Plus players in Marathon, with three unique weapon charms paying homage to Helldivers 2, Death Stranding 2, and Ghost of Yōtei.

PlayStation Plus weapon charms in Marathon:

• Helldivers 2 – For Freedom Weapon Charm
• Death Stranding 2 – Battle Guitar Weapon Charm
• Ghost of Yōtei – Onryō Weapon Charm 

These weapon charms can be redeemed by PlayStation Plus subscribers by visiting the PlayStation Plus Exclusive Packs page once Marathon launches on March 5.

Info on weapon charms for Xbox and Steam players will be shared in the future.

Marathon is designed from the start as a PvP-focused game and won’t have a single-player campaign, instead, with the PvP experience as the foundation, Marathon creates opportunities for player-driven stories to unfold, stories that are integrated with the overarching game narrative in a world full of persistent, evolving zones, where players create their own journey with every run they take. That might mean an unforgettable firefight against another crew vying for the same loot, or a last-second extraction while beset on all sides.

Compete for survival, riches, and renown in a world of evolving, persistent zones, where any run can lead to greatness.

Marathon's gunplay sets the stage for a unique mix of tactical and fast-paced action, where every run is a tense competition for a big score. End game challenges, ranked play, seasonal storytelling, community events, and more await in Season 1.

Marathon is coming to PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam) on March 5, 2026 at $39.99/€39.99/£34.99 with full cross-save and cross-play.