Marathon release date: Closed alpha, pre-order and latest news

After a two-year wait since its initial unveiling, it’s officially happening: Marathon has set a confirmed launch date.

Bungie’s latest project, titled Marathon, aims to rejuvenate their dormant Marathon series from the mid-’90s, a franchise they originally developed with Halo and Destiny.

If you’re keeping tabs on this game and can’t wait to give it a go, here’s the lowdown on when you can immerse yourself in the universe of Tau Ceti IV.

Marathon release date

Marathon is currently scheduled to release on 23rd September 2025.

This was confirmed by the release of a gameplay reveal trailer on 13th April 2025.

It’s intriguing to note that the same release date has been chosen for Borderlands 4, leading some to surmise that Bungie might have picked this date intentionally to steer clear of the GTA 6 launch date. This is because both Borderlands and Grand Theft Auto series belong to Take-Two Interactive.

How to sign up for the Marathon closed alpha

Marathon will be hosting a closed alpha taking place between 23rd April and 4th May 2025.

To sign up, you’ll first need to join the official Marathon Discord channel.

After entering, simply key in “/alpha” within any of the chat rooms, and you’ll be privately messaged a link for online registration.

If you adhere to the guidelines given, there is a possibility that you will receive an email from “[marathonthegame@info.bungie.net]” containing your code.

Keep in mind that registering for the alpha doesn’t automatically mean you’ll receive a code. Even if you complete all the necessary steps, you’ll need a bit of luck to be selected.

In simple terms, since the competition is happening in North America, players from different parts of the world might find that their game matches and connections run a bit more slowly.

Additionally, it’s important to note that the alpha test codes for PlayStation are restricted by region and can only be accessed in North and South America.

In conclusion, it’s important to understand that signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is necessary. This means you won’t be permitted to broadcast or stream the game, and also, recording and sharing any gameplay videos is off-limits.

Can I pre-order Marathon?

Marathon is currently not available to pre-order.

Despite the fact that the launch date has been announced, Bungie hasn’t started accepting pre-orders for the game just yet.

Additionally, we are just as unsure about the game’s price at this point, but an article from The Game Post in 2024 hints that the developers are aiming for a retail price of around $40.

Which consoles and platforms can play Marathon?

Marathon will be available to play on PC, Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5.

There’s been no update yet regarding a possible Switch edition of the game, but as the launch of Switch 2 is drawing near and its improved features suggest potential, it could definitely be in the cards.

Regarding older gaming systems such as the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch (original version), it’s quite improbable that Marathon will ever become playable on these platforms, I’m afraid.

Marathon gameplay and story details

A marathon is akin to action-packed looter games such as Escape from Tarkov, where teams of up to three embark on an adventure to scour the distant world of Tau Ceti IV for valuable finds.

In their own words, here’s what the game is about: “You play as a cybernetic mercenary, known as a Runner, combing through the remnants of a lost colony in search of wealth and power. Work together with two other players to take on rival Runner groups and hostile security forces, competing for weapons and upgrades.

Make it through and whatever resources you gather will be yours to use in subsequent missions to Tau Ceti IV, or if you dare, an expedition to the abandoned Marathon spaceship floating overhead.

This game serves as a revival of Bungie’s initial Marathon series, where a total of three games were launched between the years 1994 and 1996.

Today’s Marathon is currently an online multiplayer competitive shooter focusing on player versus player (PvP) action, but the original Marathon was a classic first-person shooter (FPS) game that emphasized storytelling.

However, much like Destiny, the storyline in Marathon of 2025 won’t disappear completely. Instead, it’ll be progressively revealed across multiple in-game seasons and special events, much like chapters unfolding over time.

As for what, exactly, that story will entail, we’ll simply have to wait and see.

Is there a Marathon trailer?

Yes, there are a few, actually!

The marathon game was initially unveiled, with a captivating movie-like preview displayed during the PlayStation Showcase event in May of 2023.

After a long period without much communication, Bungie remained quiet until the 14th of April 2025, at which point they unveiled not just one, but two trailers.

Initially, they unveiled a trailer showcasing the game’s action, featuring brief firefights designed to provide gamers with a sense of the

Afterward, the extended gameplay trailer offered a comprehensive, detailed glimpse into the workings and main mechanics of Marathon’s gaming experience.

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2025-04-14 19:39