Marathon: The Long-Awaited Extraction Shooter from Bungie
Gameplay and Mechanics
In Marathon, you play as a Runner who has to loot the map and get out quick. Image: Bungie
Marathon is a PvPvE extraction shooter that takes place in a sci-fi universe in 2850, in the remains of Tau Ceti IV, a lost colony whose inhabitants disappeared without a trace. Rival factions have hired Runners to scavenge for what’s left behind, and anyone who signs up to be a Runner has given up their human form for a biosynthetic shell with unique abilities and stats.
As a Runner, you fight in a crew of up to three players across a variety of zones and points of interest. You can face rival runners in maps of up to 18 players, so up to six teams, in a bid to grab as much loot as possible and get out. While Marathon is designed to be played in crews, with contextual pings and shared objectives, you can also play solo instead of having to form a dedicated three-person team.
Security Forces and Creatures
In Marathon runs, there will be what Bungie calls security forces, PvE enemies that roam the world. There are also creatures on these planets that are a threat when you’re navigating toward points on a map. You’ll have to choose whether it’s worth engaging with these enemies and risk revealing your location to rival teams or use a strategy of avoiding these threats in this PvPvE environment.
Runners and Abilities
There are a variety of runners to pick from with different abilities and play styles. Image: Bungie
In the alpha test, there will be four runners to choose from, including the stealthy Void character that can go invisible much like a Hunter from Destiny 2. The Glitch runner has fast-paced abilities and, like its name implies, can glitch out enemies. If you’re more of a run-and-gun type of player, Locus has a shield ability and looks similar to the slide and shotgun play of a Titan from Destiny 2. The final runner in the alpha test is Blackbird, designed for recon and scanning the area around you. While there are four runners in the alpha test, there will be six to choose from when Marathon launches in September.
Alpha Test and Launch
The Marathon alpha test will be an opportunity for Bungie to show the world exactly how its latest game will stand out from the competition, and whether it does enough to tempt people away from hero shooters or Call of Duty and Fortnite into the extraction shooter genre that Escape from Tarkov has popularized.
Marathon debuts on PS5, Xbox Series S / X, and PC on September 23rd. You can sign up for the Marathon closed alpha test on Bungie’s website or on Discord.
Conclusion
Marathon is a highly anticipated game that has the potential to shake up the shooter genre. With its unique blend of PvPvE gameplay, varied runners, and sci-fi setting, it’s set to be a thrilling experience. The alpha test will give players a chance to get a feel for the game and see if it’s a good fit for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Marathon?
A: Marathon is a PvPvE extraction shooter from Bungie, the creators of Halo and Destiny.
Q: What is the game about?
A: Marathon takes place in a sci-fi universe in 2850, in the remains of Tau Ceti IV, a lost colony whose inhabitants disappeared without a trace. Rival factions have hired Runners to scavenge for what’s left behind.
Q: Can I play solo?
A: Yes, you can play solo instead of having to form a dedicated three-person team.
Q: How many runners are there?
A: There will be six runners to choose from when the game launches, with four available in the alpha test.
Q: When does the game launch?
A: Marathon debuts on PS5, Xbox Series S / X, and PC on September 23rd.
Q: Can I sign up for the alpha test?
A: Yes, you can sign up for the Marathon closed alpha test on Bungie’s website or on Discord.
