Bungie’s still running the Marathon. As it moves away from the seasonal model, the 2026 reincarnation of the FPS series as an extraction shooter is adding more content that isn’t just the brutal PVPVE format where you can lose everything in a bad, or worse, unlucky, run.
Marathon Symbiosis continues to evolve Tau Ceti IV as before with updates to existing maps, specifically the starting map Perimeter for this update, which now has new playable spaces underground where the Tick Queen lies.
There are also new game modes that will make you perk up if you’re basically done with the extraction format.
Expedition is the new PVE mode for Marathon (2026). This is a three-run series which can be done either solo work with a crew with “new combat and environmental challenges without PVP threats.” This is dubbed as “Phase 1” so expect this less as a finished product and more of a first go in making a PVE mode. A co-op roguelite mode, to be precise.
In the complete opposite side of the Marathon experience is the addition of Deathmatch mode. Party like it’s 1994 in this experimental mode which is marked as “beta.” Technically, it’s Team Deathmatch, a 3V3 mode, where you’re here competing for kills. Good news is, you’re not risking your loadout in this mode, so kill and die away.
A new feature being added to Marathon is Limbo. This is a new social space where Runners can test weapons and gear in firing ranges, and challenge each other in a duelling pit. Unlike Destiny, Marathon didn’t have a social lobby like The Tower, it’s just a lonely menu where you gear up for the next run. But now it can be less lonlier.
A new Runner, Bishop, will be added with the Marathon Symbiosis update. If you love the idea of “a fast, surgical blade-wielding robot” you’re in luck. New weapons are also added including the V17 Flamethrower (like useful for purging those ticks) and the Maverick revolver. Revolvers are a new weapon archetype, and the PlayStation Blog specifically says “hand-cannon” when describe how it will feel like, so more Destiny-isms added to Marathon.
When the update drops on December 8, players on all platforms are welcome to try it out in the Open Play Week. Play Marathon (2026) for free from December 8-15 and see if this new update have changed your mind about this game or not.
Marathon was pretty much a niche game on launch, but now extraction shooters in general has turned out to be a fad as player counts are dropping. Even Arc Raiders, the other big extraction shooter game, has started to pivot to PVE.
Marathon is looking to run the distance. While Bungie had faced layoffs, the new management is looking to not only keep Marathon running, but also making sure Destiny 2 isn’t dead as previously planned.
Marathon (2026) is out now on PS5, PC (Steam) and Xbox Series X|S. Check out our review of the game based on its launch version here.