Bungie announces new roadmap for Marathon to expand gameplay

Bungie has announced a new roadmap for its extraction shooter, Marathon, following a launch that failed to attract the expected player base. The studio admitted that the game was too difficult for many players and lacked sufficient PvE content, resulting in a niche experience rather than the broad appeal they intended.

To address these issues, Bungie plans to evolve the game beyond its current PvPvE core by integrating permanent PvE modes, more direct PvP, a new Runner, and a new zone. The goal is to offer varying levels of intensity, allowing players to choose between calmer sessions and high-risk challenges. The studio also aims to improve onboarding to help new players understand game systems before engaging in more dangerous activities.

The transformation will occur in stages. An initial update called the ‘Nightfall Refresh’ is scheduled for early October. More significant evolutions are planned for December and a major overhaul expected in March 2027. Additionally, Bungie is moving away from a strictly seasonal update schedule.