Marathon is a PvP-focused extraction shooter set on the mysterious planet of Tau Ceti IV. Players assume the roles of Runners, cybernetic mercenaries designed to survive the planet's harsh conditions and explore the remnants of a lost colony. The game can be played solo or in crews of up to three, with the primary objective being the search for alien artifacts, valuable loot, and new weapons and gear.

The Setting of Tau Ceti IV

A massive ghost ship orbits a lost colony on Tau Ceti IV, where the entire population has vanished. Strange signals suggest the presence of mysterious artifacts, dormant artificial intelligences, and significant riches. As a Runner, your mission is to descend to this planet, working alone or with a crew to navigate the unknown, face challenges, and compete for survival, wealth, and recognition.

Core Gameplay Loop: Extraction and Risk

The central gameplay loop involves deploying onto Tau Ceti IV to locate and retrieve valuable artifacts and resources. Success requires strategic planning, resource management, and combat proficiency. After completing objectives, players must successfully extract from the planet to keep their gathered loot. Failure to extract results in the loss of all items acquired during that expedition, creating a high-stakes environment with significant risk and reward.

What Distinguishes Marathon?

Marathon differentiates itself by blending the extraction shooter genre with a focus on player-driven narratives within a persistent world. The game emphasizes player progression and customization, allowing for personalized approaches to combat and survival. The planet's environment presents dynamic challenges that Runners must overcome using their abilities and equipment. Player encounters are designed to be tense and unpredictable, as other Runners may be pursuing the same objectives or attempting to intercept your progress.

Player Progression and Customization

As a Runner, players can customize their loadouts and abilities. The game features systems for acquiring and upgrading weapons, armor, and other gear, enabling a tailored experience. The progression system is designed to reward players for successful expeditions and strategic decision-making, allowing them to face more difficult challenges and uncover deeper secrets.

Game Details

Marathon is a main game release. Currently, there are no announced downloadable content (DLC) or expansion packs available.

Technical Information

This title is available on PlayStation 5, PC (Microsoft Windows), and Xbox Series X|S. The developer is Bungie.