Bungie's Marathon Shooter Boasts Unexpected PvE Features
Bungie's upcoming PvP shooter, Marathon, will feature PvP extraction gameplay as well as some PvE elements While details are limited, fans can expect a mix of both player versus environment and player versus player gameplay in this revival of the classic franchise
Bungie has confirmed the rumors about the revival of its classic Marathon franchise, which will be primarily a PvP-oriented extraction shooter like Escape from Tarkov. However, there are also some PvE elements that players can look forward to. Although the details are scarce at the moment, the Destiny 2 studio has given some insight into what players can expect.
Despite not being as popular as some of its contemporaries, such as Doom, Bungie's legendary Marathon franchise was a trendsetter in its own right, known for its mind-bending gameplay. While some fans may be disappointed that the revival will focus on PvP, there's still hope for a PvE component in the future.
Based on the latest blog post from Bungie, Marathon will feature both AI combatants and real-world players, creating a dynamic and immersive world filled with exploration and conflict. While there won't be a traditional single-player campaign, the game's narrative will still play a major role. For those who prefer single-player experiences, Marathon will provide ways to progress without leaving the level, indicating that it may not be as challenging as Tarkov.
However, for long-time franchise fans, the recent revelation that the upcoming Marathon revival will be primarily a PvP game may come as a disappointment. The game's aesthetic and overall vibe seem to draw inspiration from Craig Mullins' iconic Marathon artwork, featuring a stark, retro-futuristic visual style that may attract those seeking a new single-player Marathon experience. While it remains to be seen how well the new game's PvE features and accessibility will fare, it's clear that Bungie is investing significant effort into this live-service experience, which marks the studio's first major launch since its acquisition by Sony. As such, fans can likely expect a full-throttle release whenever the game is ready for launch.
Bungie is preparing to conclude the main storyline of Destiny with the upcoming release of The Final Shape DLC for Destiny 2. The first trailer for this DLC was revealed during the May 2023 PlayStation Showcase. However, the future of the franchise remains uncertain after the release of its last announced DLC in 2024. It is possible that Marathon will become Bungie's main IP following this, but only time will tell. Currently, Marathon is in development for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
