Marathon Preview: Will Bungie Redefine the Genre Like Fortnite Did for Battle Royales?

Imagine if Escape From Tarkov was the trailblazer, like PUBG, introducing us to the extraction shooter genre, and then, along comes Bungie’s Marathon, poised to elevate the genre akin to Fortnite’s revolutionary impact. Bungie, already legendary for its FPS expertise, possesses the creative prowess and resources to breathe life into an enthralling sci-fi landscape, transforming an innovative idea into a giant of its own. Yet, while their venture shifts dramatically from their traditional creations, a venture designed for the hardcore PvP enthusiasts, it’s undeniably fraught with risk—even if Bungie’s reputation for FPS brilliance holds strong. After two action-packed days navigating the perilous ruins of Tau Ceti, I found myself utterly captivated and itching to join my most competitive friends to wreck some havoc.

Marathon plunges you and two allies into an unforgiving wasteland, where survival means battling not just any formidable foes but other players too, all for the lure of loot and glory. If you’re familiar with Escape From Tarkov, you’ll recognize the intense PvPvE setup, where the loot you enter with is at stake, lost forever if you fail to extract in time or your squad is wiped out. These daunting stakes kept my adrenaline pumping, turning every match into a significant encounter. Securing a powerful rifle capable of two-shotting most adversaries was a hard-won victory, and I wasn’t about to squander it by lowering my guard for even a second.

For those who missed the glory days of PvP in Destiny 2, Bungie’s fresh focus on fierce competition in Marathon is a thrilling prospect. And my time in the game convincingly shows they haven’t lost their touch. The weapon dynamics and fluid movement felt exceptionally precise and gratifying—a craft very few can pull off—and the hero shooter-like abilities, such as hurling kinetic blasts to launch foes airborne, add a pulse of excitement. The game captivates you instantly, and when I took out a rival robot sharpshooter and tested his weapon on another enemy, it was love at first shot.

The game deepens as you adapt to the class dynamics offered by the diverse Runners. Four out of the six playstyles, like Glitch—a swift mobility expert—or Locus, the durable soldier with defensive acumen, were at my disposal during the preview. Blackbird utilized gadgets for tactical advantage and drone support, while Void, my personal favorite, used stealth and smoke for disorienting tactics. This range provides unique gameplay experiences, and when our team synchronized Runners, we counterbalanced each other’s strengths, creating a formidable unit.

Our journey through Marathon’s ominous maps was fraught with peril, enticing us with droves of hostile wildlife and robots that outstripped typical AI adversaries in cunning. Conquering these threats was no simple feat, but the rewards were invaluable. From larger backpacks to powerful weapons and essential consumables, each find was a boon. Some exceptionally rare finds, like a backpack rendering us momentarily invisible during loot collection, dramatically shifted the dynamics, particularly in a game where every other player is a potential predator.

The game’s high-stakes, player-vs-player encounters are its most thrilling moments. Whether stealthily shadowing a distant enemy crew for the perfect ambush or seizing opportunities during their fights with other foes, these clashes bring out the true brilliance of Marathon’s PvP chaos. Epic tales emerged, like surviving a chaotic nine-player showdown thanks to tactical smokescreens or clutch revives turning the tide after devastating losses. Marathon consistently delivered those unforgettable highs and humbling lows found in only the best battle royale sagas.

After a bruising session or two and substantial looting, it was time to race towards the exfiltration beacon, your gateway to safety and secured riches. Triggering it sends a conspicuous signal to the region, igniting a frenzy as rivals converge to intercept your escape. Such moments were brimming with tension, inviting us either to defend fiercely or spring a last-minute assault to reap the rewards of others’ hard-earned endeavors.

Marathon’s rewarding system, “to the victors go the spoils,” means skilled players quickly amass superior gear, making life noticeably tougher for novices. While Bungie attempts to balance encounters, encouraging strategic avoidance of conflict until better equipped, the gap can be dispiriting for those less fortunate in combat. My experience was largely victorious, building a comfortable reserve after an initial struggle. However, I wonder about players who might face a steep learning curve, possibly giving up before they find their footing. While Escape from Tarkov gives you a safety net with the Kappa case, Marathon offers a basic “sponsored package” for those hit by a string of gaming misfortunes. This can soften the blow but may feel like a meager consolation.

Nonetheless, the refusal of Marathon to compromise on its intense stakes is thrilling for players like me who savor the challenge and investment in every deployment. But there’s the legitimate risk of alienating a segment who might feel stuck in a cycle of defeat. The game’s success may hinge on how it mitigates this, ensuring competitive fairness and a satisfying experience for all, regardless of their initial encounters.

Marathon’s intriguing progression system stands out, offering a sense of achievement even if your latest heist ends unsuccessfully. Between runs, you can turn your focus to character perk trees and quests. Though you might lose everything in the field, completing objectives or advancing faction quests maintains engagement and progression. This adds rich layers to the experience, rewarding you with access to better gear and story developments from the factions supporting your journey.

For all its focus on multiplayer mayhem, Marathon hints at an underlying narrative—though it’s still unclear how central this will be. As a Runner, you’re a consciousness transferred onto synthetic bodies, with your lifeline tied to wealth collection from dangerous sectors. Despite the limited glimpse of its lore and stunning sci-fi world, Mehastier philosophical ties to the Marathon series’ rich history, I’m left curious how Bungie will weave story and gameplay.

The question of ongoing content is one that looms for every live-service game. With its track record of sustaining Destiny, Bungie’s commitment to regular updates for Marathon is promising, planning new maps, characters, and more. However, maintaining a fresh pace against restless player demands remains crucial. Marathon’s seasonal reset model mirrors Diablo 4, offering cyclical challenges to keep players returning, but strikes a delicate balance of refreshing content without stalling momentum.

Despite its alpha state, Marathon feels like it’s shaping up to satisfy long-dormant cravings for Bungie’s PvP brilliance. I’m eagerly anticipating its arrival on PCs and consoles come September. Here’s hoping that they deliver a full-throttle experience that lives up to the thrilling promise of this preview.