Bungie’s Marathon might be under NDA lockdown, but that didn’t stop over two hours of gameplay from leaking online. The footage, captured during the October Closed Technical Test, gives us our clearest look yet at what Bungie has been cooking up for their ambitious extraction shooter.
The leak originated from a user named “零一分享” who uploaded nine separate videos totaling 132 minutes of raw gameplay from the NDA-restricted build. While Bungie and MarkScan Enforcement quickly scrubbed the videos from YouTube, they’re still floating around on Bilibili at the time of writing.
New Outpost Map Revealed
The biggest reveal from the leak is a previously unseen map called Outpost. Unlike the sprawling outdoor environments of Dire Marsh, Outpost pushes players into tight indoor spaces with claustrophobic hallways and cramped rooms. This map clearly favors close-quarters combat and aggressive playstyles, making it perfect for runners like Locus who thrive in intense gunfights.
The leaked footage shows Outpost feels significantly smaller than the other available maps, which include Perimeter (15 players) and Dire Marsh (18 players). These confined spaces mean you’ll be running into enemy squads constantly, forcing rapid decision-making and quick reflexes.
Heat Cascade Protocol Changes Everything
One of the most interesting mechanics shown in the leak is the Heat Cascade Protocol event. During this environmental hazard, fiery particles rain down across the map for a limited time. If you’re caught outside in the open, your shields and health slowly drain until you find cover or move indoors.
This mechanic adds another layer of pressure on top of the standard extraction shooter formula. You’re not just racing against other players and the clock anymore. Now you need to factor in environmental hazards that can force your team into dangerous indoor spaces where ambushes are easier to pull off. It’s a smart way to keep matches dynamic and prevent camping strategies from dominating.
Visual Upgrades Look Impressive
Players who participated in the closed technical test have been vocal about one thing: the game looks way better than the initial reveal footage. The leaked videos confirm this. Lighting effects appear more polished, textures are sharper, and animations flow more smoothly than what we saw during the April closed alpha.
Even the returning Perimeter map, which was available during the April testing phase, received noticeable visual improvements. The environments feel less dull and more vibrant, creating a more immersive atmosphere for the extraction gameplay loop. One tester commented that the videos circulating don’t capture the true quality of the visuals, suggesting the game looks even better when you’re actually playing it.
What About the UESC Marathon Map?
Sharp-eyed players caught a glimpse of something special during the technical test. A fourth map called Cryo Archive (or UESC Marathon) briefly appeared on the playlist selection screen before Bungie quickly removed it. This endgame map is set on the UESC Marathon ship itself and wasn’t playable during the October test.
Based on what we know, this fourth map will likely serve as Marathon’s version of a Destiny 2 raid. It’s expected to be a high-level challenge where teams work together to fight AI enemies while fending off rival players. There’s even speculation about a level cap requirement, ensuring only experienced players who’ve reached endgame can access it.
The Runners You’ll Play
Marathon currently features four playable Runners, which are essentially the game’s character classes. Each Runner brings unique abilities and playstyles to the extraction battlefield:
- Glitch: A speed demon who excels at verticality and accessing hard-to-reach positions. Her Amplify ability enhances movement speed and weapon handling.
- Void: A stealth specialist perfect for hit-and-run tactics. Equipped with smoke grenades and active camouflage for sneaky plays.
- Locus: An aggressive brawler with powerful offensive abilities. Features shoulder-mounted missile pods and riot barricades for frontal assaults.
- Blackbird: A recon expert who reveals enemy locations using sonar pulses. Ideal for team coordination in the extraction environment.
Two additional Runners are confirmed to join the roster at launch, though Bungie hasn’t revealed their identities yet. Most gear can be swapped between Runners, with only high-tier items being class-specific.
The Road Ahead for Marathon
Marathon was originally scheduled to release on September 23, 2025, but Bungie delayed it to 2026 after receiving feedback from the closed alpha tests. The delay suggests Bungie is taking player concerns seriously and wants to deliver a polished experience rather than rush the game to market.
The studio is hosting another community playtest from December 12 to 16, though slots are limited and the whole thing remains under NDA. Bungie is also preparing a new ViDoc that will showcase updated systems, visuals, and the current state of the project after months of testing.
Around 80,000 players participated in the October technical test, and despite the NDA violations from a few individuals, most of the community has remained respectful of the testing process. The leaked footage might give us an exciting preview, but it’s important to remember this is early test content that can still change significantly before launch.
FAQs
How much Marathon gameplay leaked online?
Over 132 minutes of gameplay footage leaked from the October Closed Technical Test. The leak included nine separate videos showing different maps, menus, and complete matches from start to finish.
What is the new Marathon map shown in the leak?
The leak revealed Outpost, a new map focused on indoor combat with tight hallways and cramped rooms. This map is smaller than the outdoor environments of Dire Marsh and Perimeter, encouraging close-quarters gunfights.
What is the Heat Cascade Protocol in Marathon?
Heat Cascade Protocol is an environmental hazard event where fiery particles fall from the sky, slowly draining shields and health if players stay outside. This mechanic forces teams to seek cover indoors or adapt their strategies during matches.
How many maps will Marathon have at launch?
Marathon will launch with three main playable maps: Dire Marsh, Perimeter, and Outpost. A fourth endgame map called Cryo Archive (UESC Marathon) is expected to be released shortly after launch for high-level players.
When is Marathon releasing?
Marathon was delayed from its original September 23, 2025 release date and is now scheduled for sometime in 2026. Bungie postponed the launch to incorporate feedback from closed alpha and technical tests.
What platforms will Marathon be available on?
Marathon will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam. The game will support full cross-play and cross-save functionality across all platforms.
How many character classes are in Marathon?
Marathon currently features four playable Runners: Blackbird, Glitch, Locus, and Void. Bungie has confirmed two additional Runners will be available at launch, bringing the total to six classes.
Can you play Marathon solo or only in teams?
Marathon supports both solo play and team-based extraction. You can run alone or team up with up to two other players to form a three-person crew. The October technical test also included a solo queue option for players who prefer going it alone.
Conclusion
The leaked Marathon gameplay gives us plenty of reasons to be excited about Bungie’s extraction shooter. The new Outpost map, Heat Cascade Protocol mechanics, and visual improvements all suggest the studio is refining the experience based on player feedback. While the 2026 delay might sting for eager fans, it’s clear Bungie wants to get this right. The extraction shooter genre is crowded and competitive, so Marathon needs to deliver something special to stand out. Based on what we’ve seen in these leaks, Bungie might just pull it off. Just remember that all this footage comes from early test builds, so expect changes before the final release. Keep an eye out for that upcoming ViDoc for official updates on where the game is headed.