Bungie Revives Marathon — Launch, Preorders, Fanatical Deal, and Why It Matters

This caught my attention because Bungie is dusting off a 1990s classic and turning it into a modern, competitive PvPvE extraction shooter – a risky, exciting pivot that mixes nostalgia with the studio’s Destiny-era design instincts.

Marathon (2026): Bungie’s Extraction Shooter Reboots a Classic – Preorders, Editions, and a Fanatical Discount

• Launch date: March 5, 2026 on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S.
• Fanatical deal: PC Standard $34.39 (was $40); Deluxe $51.59 (was $60) – includes Steam key + 5% coupon.
• Editions: Standard, Deluxe (in-game cosmetics, Premium Pass voucher, SILK tokens), and two Collector’s Editions ($230 boxed set with game code; $170 physical-only).
• Gameplay: Six teams of three, extraction rounds, solo matchmaking that can pit you against full teams, four Runners at launch.

{{INFO_TABLE_START}}
Publisher|Bungie
Release Date|March 5, 2026
Category|PvPvE extraction shooter
Platform|PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
{{INFO_TABLE_END}}

The quick facts — what you get and where to save

Marathon arrives March 5, 2026 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Preorders are live across storefronts; PC buyers can save via Fanatical (Steam key + a 5% off coupon for later). Standard and Deluxe digital editions include preorder bonuses; Deluxe bundles additional cosmetics, a Premium Pass voucher, and 200 SILK Rewards Pass tokens. Bungie is also offering two Collector’s Editions: a $230 boxed set (includes a digital game code and large physical extras) and a $170 physical-only pack that excludes the game code.

Why this matters — context and first impressions

Bungie made its name in the 1990s with Marathon and then redefined modern shared-world shooters with Halo and Destiny. Turning Marathon into a PvPvE extraction shooter plays to Bungie’s strengths — PvE design, slick progression loops, and large-audience competitive systems — while also tapping the current popularity of extraction formats (think Escape From Tarkov, Hunt: Showdown).

This caught my eye because Marathon’s legacy gives Bungie license to blend tight shooter design with Destiny-style live-service scaffolding. The inclusion of preorder-linked Destiny 2 cosmetics (UESC Ghost, Ship, Sparrow) is a predictable but smart cross-promo for Bungie’s existing player base — it sweetens preorders for people who already live in Bungie’s ecosystem.

But there are trade-offs to watch. The Deluxe Edition’s Premium Pass voucher, SILK tokens, and a roster of cosmetic items point to a layered monetization model. That’s fine if the game keeps competitive fairness and progression separate from paywalled power, but it’s a legitimate concern for players sensitive to monetization locking meaningful progression behind purchases.

Match design also raises gameplay questions. Six teams of three sounds chaotic and potentially thrilling, but solo matchmaking that queues you against full squads risks frustrating less coordinated players. If Bungie’s matchmaking and skill-balancing tools aren’t tight at launch, rounds could skew heavily toward organized teams.

Edition value and collector’s noise

The Collector’s Edition content is lavish: 1/6-scale statue, special packaging, physical goodies and everything from the Deluxe edition. The $230 boxed set that includes a digital game code will appeal to collectors who value physical merch. The $170 “no game code” option is essentially a physical upgrade — a useful choice if you already own the game or prefer buying the digital edition elsewhere.

Is $230 worth it? For seeding a trophy shelf and a “big launch” vibe, sure — but for players who just want to play, the Fanatical discounts on Steam keys make the standard and deluxe editions cheaper alternatives. That Fanatical bundle (plus the 5% future coupon) is the practical pick for PC buyers who don’t need the physical showpiece.

What this means for players

If you’re a Destiny player, preordering unlocks crossover cosmetic items in Destiny 2 — a low-effort perk that might tip some people toward preordering on Bungie.net. If you’re new to Marathon, this reboot looks designed to be approachable: a modern shooter loop, solo-friendly matchmaking, and a smaller roster at launch to let Bungie tune characters over time.

For competitive players, the devil is in balance and matchmaking. For collectors, Bungie’s boxed set will be tempting but expensive. For bargain hunters, Fanatical’s Steam-key discounts are the sensible move on PC.

TL;DR

Bungie’s Marathon is a bold reboot that merges old-school IP with modern extraction design. Launching March 5, 2026, it ships with Standard, Deluxe, and Collector’s Editions. PC buyers can save via Fanatical’s discounted Steam keys. The game looks promising thanks to Bungie’s PvE pedigree, but keep an eye on monetization choices and matchmaking balance at launch.