Welcome to the Marathon Wiki

Marathon is a PvPvE extraction shooter developed by Bungie, released March 5, 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Set in the distant future on the colony world Tau Ceti IV, nicknamed the Promised Land, players take on the role of Runners: mercenaries who deploy into dangerous zones controlled by rogue AI constructs and rival corporations to extract valuable resources and technology.

This wiki is your complete reference for everything in Marathon. Whether you're a new Runner learning the basics or a veteran pushing deep into contested zones, you'll find detailed guides on Runner Shells, weapons, maps, factions, enemies, game mechanics, and the rich lore of the Marathon universe.

About Marathon

In Marathon, you are a Runner, a mercenary equipped with a specialized Runner Shell, a combat-ready exosuit that defines your playstyle. You deploy solo or in squads of three into the Promised Land, a lawless frontier planet where six competing mega-corporations have staked their claims. Your goal: loot, eliminate rivals, complete contracts, and most importantly, reach an exfiltration point and escape alive.

Death is costly but not permanent: Runners are digital consciousnesses that can be re-instantiated. However, everything you carry into a match can be lost if you die. The tension between risk and reward defines every run in Marathon.

Key Features

• PvPvE extraction gameplay: fight AI enemies and rival player squads while looting for valuable gear
• 7 unique Runner Shells at launch, each with distinct abilities and playstyles (Locus, Glitch, Void, Cerberus, Strel, Pfhor, Vale)
• 28+ weapons across 4 ammo types: ballistic, energy, explosive, and special
• 4 launch maps: Perimeter (Outskirts), Core (Industrial), Terminus (Underground), and Apex (High-Rise)
• 6 factions vying for control of Tau Ceti IV: CyberAcme, Arachne, Sekiguchi, MIDA Multi-National, Traxus Heavy Industries, and NuCaloric
• Deep lore rooted in the classic Marathon trilogy (1994–1996), featuring the rogue AI Durandal and the UESC Marathon colony ship
• Heat system and risk escalation: the longer you stay in a zone, the more dangerous it becomes
• Season-based content updates with new maps, Runner Shells, and story missions

Wiki Contents

Runner Shells

Runner Shells are the combat exosuits that define your playstyle. Each Shell comes with a unique active ability, passive trait, and tactical niche. Choose from Locus (recon/mobility), Glitch (tech/disruption), Void (stealth), Cerberus (tank), Strel (support), Pfhor (alien/aggressive), and Vale (medic/sustain).

Weapons

Marathon features an arsenal of 28+ weapons ranging from ballistic SMGs and shotguns to energy rifles and rocket launchers. Each weapon has unique stats for damage, range, fire rate, and handling. Weapons found in-raid can be extracted and stored for future runs.

Maps

Four maps launched with Season 1, each offering distinct environments, loot opportunities, and strategic challenges. Perimeter covers the city outskirts, Core sits in the industrial heart of the settlement, Terminus runs through underground tunnels, and Apex rises through high-rise corporate towers.

Factions & Enemies

Six corporations compete for dominance on Tau Ceti IV, each offering contracts, reputation rewards, and unique vendor gear. UESC enemy constructs: Troopers, Enforcers, Hunters, Drones, and Simulacrums, patrol zones and escalate in response to Runner activity.

Game Mechanics

Master the core systems that govern survival in Marathon: the Heat system that escalates threat levels over time, exfiltration mechanics and timing, inventory management for high-value loot, and the economy of Merits, Scrip, and Datapoints.

Lore & Story

Marathon's story is a spiritual successor to Bungie's classic Marathon trilogy. Durandal, the rogue AI from the original games, plays a central role in manipulating events on Tau Ceti IV. Explore the colony ship lore, the mystery of Jjaro artifacts, and the competing corporate agendas driving the conflict.

Quick Start Guide

1. Choose your Runner Shell: each has a unique ability. Locus is a great starting point for beginners due to its recon capabilities.
2. Start with Perimeter: the outskirts map has a gentler learning curve and lower-tier loot zones.
3. Prioritize exfiltration: don't get greedy. Extracting with modest loot builds your stash and funds better gear.
4. Watch the Heat meter: when it turns red, high-tier enemies spawn and rival Runners are alerted to your position.
5. Build faction reputation: completing contracts unlocks better vendor gear and passive bonuses that give you an edge.

Season 1 Overview

Season 1 launched with Marathon on March 5, 2026, introducing all 7 Runner Shells, 4 maps, 6 factions, and the full weapon arsenal. The Season 1 story arc centers on the discovery of a mysterious Jjaro artifact deep in the Core zone that all six factions, and Durandal, are racing to control. Season 2 is confirmed to add the Nightfall map, a new Runner Shell, and the Cradle base-building system.

Platforms & Release

• Release date: March 5, 2026
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam and Epic Games Store)
• Developer: Bungie
• Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Genre: PvPvE Extraction Shooter
• Cross-play: Yes (all platforms)