A gameplay demo over the weekend cleared up many elements of Bungie’s (Halo, Destiny) sci-fi PvP shooter Marathon, but the game’s price remains an open question.
Image source: Bungie
Bungie confirmed that the project will not be free-to-play. “Marathon will be a premium product at launch, with players being asked to pay full price,” read GameSpot’s initial preview.
The wording of the proposal has raised concerns among fans that Marathon will cost $70 at launch, which is how much Sony (which owns Bungie) charges for its flagship gaming products.
The project’s official microblog hastened to reassure fans: “Marathon will be a premium product. Marathon will not be a full-price product. We’ll share the details in the summer.”
Marathon is expected to be priced at $40. That’s how much Helldivers 2 and Concord cost at launch. While the former was a huge success for Sony, the latter closed just two weeks after its release.
According to GameSpot’s report, Marathon will launch with three maps (with a fourth on the way), a battle pass, fun but shallow gameplay, and a progression system without a tangible sense of progression.
Marathon will be available on September 23, 2025, simultaneously for PC (Steam), PS5, Xbox Series X and S. Closed alpha testing will run from April 23 to May 4 – you can apply to participate via Discord.