Bungie’s highly anticipated extraction shooter Marathon just wrapped up another closed technical test, and despite strict NDAs, details have spilled online. This time around, the leaks paint a much brighter picture than previous tests, with players reporting substantial improvements that could turn the tide for this troubled project.
What’s New in the Latest Technical Test
The closed technical test ran from October 22 to October 28, 2025, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC via Steam. Bungie extended the test by two additional days for backend stress testing, pushing the end date to October 29. During this ‘Dangerous Days’ extension, the studio wiped player vaults and progression but compensated testers with 7,777 credits and unlimited loot caches.
According to leaked information, the test included three maps, five runner shells, solo queue options, and proximity voice chat. These additions came after months of feedback from earlier playtests that left many players underwhelmed. The October test appears to mark a significant step forward in addressing those concerns.
Icon Runner Brings Fresh Gameplay Mechanics
One of the biggest revelations from the leak involves a new Runner called Icon. Previously codenamed ‘Thief’ in earlier builds, Icon brings three unique abilities designed for aggressive, high-mobility gameplay. The first is a grappling hook similar to Pathfinder from Apex Legends, allowing quick traversal across maps. The second ability provides x-ray vision that highlights loot containers through walls and briefly reveals enemy silhouettes, even through smoke.
The most controversial ability is Icon’s loot-stealing drone, which can yank the rarest item from an enemy’s inventory and drop it nearby as a loot bag. This mechanic adds a new layer of psychological warfare to encounters, forcing players to constantly consider not just survival but also protecting their most valuable gear.
Marathon Ship Maps Enter the Rotation
For the first time, players got to explore maps set aboard the UESC Marathon ship itself. The Cryo Archive map features puzzle-driven mechanics with key-based access points and environmental hazards like ‘spark rain’ that increases heat buildup. Another returning map called Outpost received visual updates and new damage-over-time environmental hazards, showing Bungie’s commitment to dynamic map design.
These ship-based locations represent a narrative shift, bringing players closer to the mystery surrounding the 30,000 colonists who disappeared from Tau Ceti IV. The maps reportedly feature improved environmental storytelling, with more context clues about what happened to the original colony.
UI Overhaul and Faction Improvements
The faction system received a complete visual redesign. All six factions — Cyberacme, Nucaloric, Traxus, MIDA, Arachne, and Sekiguchi — now have cinematic intro sequences lasting over 30 seconds each. The map legend has been redesigned for better readability, making it easier to navigate anomalies and boss areas during intense matches.
Visual upgrades extend beyond UI elements. Leaked footage and player reports mention better lighting, denser environments, and more atmospheric detail throughout the game. Player corpses now persist on the battlefield instead of vanishing, leaving behind glowing blue blood trails that add to the tension of extraction runs.
Combat and Progression Changes
Bungie has retuned combat pacing based on alpha feedback. Time-to-kill has been adjusted, and a new ‘Heat Cascade’ mechanic has been introduced. The medic Runner received significant changes, now able to deploy a healing drone that follows teammates and drops medkits similar to Lifeline in Apex Legends. Resurrection times have increased, raising the stakes during firefights.
A new progression system called the Codex has been added, along with player titles and a shooting range for practice. The Black Market has been reworked with a material exchange system that lets players downgrade higher-tier materials for more immediate needs.
Player Reception and Future Outlook
Early reactions from playtesters suggest Marathon has improved considerably since the lukewarm alpha reception that led to an indefinite delay in June 2025. Players report the game feels more polished, with better gunplay and more engaging map design. The 25-minute matches remain brutal, with expected survival rates under 50 percent, but the risk-reward cycle now feels more balanced.
Marathon is targeting a mid-tier price point with a $40 standard edition and a $60 deluxe edition. Season passes will be cosmetic-only and priced around $10 each, avoiding pay-to-win concerns. Pre-order bonuses include crossover content from Destiny 2, including ships, ghosts, sparrows, and weapon skins.
What This Means for Launch
While no official release date has been announced, these improvements suggest Bungie is taking player feedback seriously. The studio plans to share a public update on Marathon’s development after the closed technical test concludes. The extended testing period and focus on backend stress testing indicate the team is working toward ensuring a stable launch when the game eventually releases.
The extraction shooter genre has become increasingly competitive, with titles like Escape from Tarkov, Hunt: Showdown, and the upcoming Arc Raiders vying for players’ attention. Marathon needs to stand out, and based on these latest leaks, Bungie appears to be making the necessary adjustments to deliver a compelling experience that justifies the wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Marathon be released?
Marathon currently has no official release date. Bungie delayed the game indefinitely in June 2025 after lukewarm feedback from the alpha test. A public update on the game’s development is expected after the October technical test concludes.
How much will Marathon cost?
According to leaks, Marathon will have a standard edition priced at $39.99 and a deluxe edition at $59.99. The deluxe edition includes approximately $30 worth of season pass tokens. The game will not be free-to-play.
What platforms will Marathon be available on?
Marathon is confirmed for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC via Steam. The technical tests have been conducted across all three platforms to ensure cross-platform functionality.
Will Marathon have pay-to-win elements?
No. Leaked information indicates that season passes will be cosmetic-only, with no gameplay advantages. Each season pass is expected to cost around $10 and will include cosmetic items and potentially new Runners.
What type of game is Marathon?
Marathon is a team-based extraction shooter where three-player squads compete for loot and resources on maps set in the year 2893 on the planet Tau Ceti IV. Players must scavenge, fight other teams, and extract successfully to keep their rewards.
Can I still sign up for Marathon playtests?
The October 2025 technical test registration has closed. However, Bungie has been conducting regular playtests and may open additional testing opportunities in the future. Check the official Marathon website for future playtest announcements.
Why was Marathon delayed?
Marathon was delayed indefinitely in June 2025 following lukewarm player feedback from the alpha test and controversy surrounding allegedly stolen art assets. Bungie stated they needed more development time to address player concerns and improve the game.
Final Thoughts
The latest Marathon technical test leak suggests Bungie is moving in the right direction. With substantial improvements to gameplay, visuals, and player feedback systems, the extraction shooter appears to be evolving into something that could compete in the crowded PvP landscape. While the road has been rocky with delays and mixed reception, the positive buzz coming from recent playtesters offers hope that Marathon might finally deliver on its ambitious vision. Whether these improvements translate to long-term success remains to be seen, but for now, the signs point to a game that’s learning from its mistakes and adapting accordingly.