LOS ANGELES, Calif. – January 19, 2026 – Bungie, the acclaimed developer behind Halo and Destiny, has dropped a bombshell announcement for the gaming community. Their highly anticipated new project, Marathon, is set to launch on March 5, 2026. Alongside the release date, Bungie unveiled a stunning new Limited Edition DualSense controller, pre-order rewards, and a Collector’s Edition, generating significant buzz among fans and the gaming press.
Bungie's Marathon: A New Chapter in FPS Gaming
Marathon is billed as an upcoming PvPvE (Player vs. Player vs. Environment) survival extraction first-person shooter. It transports players to the distant reaches of space, specifically the Tau Ceti IV system, where a lost human colony awaits exploration and danger. Players will step into the boots of a bio-cybernetic Runner, ready to face off against hostile security forces, rival Runners, and the harsh unpredictability of alien environments.
The narrative kicks off with a central mystery: What happened to the missing UESC expedition that settled Tau Ceti IV, and why is the UESC (United Earth Space Commission) actively trying to keep other Runners away from the UESC Marathon ship? Players will be tasked with unraveling these secrets as they navigate derelict facilities and rugged landscapes, scavenging for valuable resources, weaponry, and crucial information.
New Gameplay Trailer Unveils Faction Dynamics
Bungie released a captivating new gameplay trailer, narrated by Gantry, a faction agent representing the anti-establishment group known as MIDA. This trailer provides a glimpse into the unique gameplay loop Marathon promises. Players won't just be surviving; they'll be navigating a complex world shaped by various factions.
Marathon features six distinct factions, each offering unique contracts. Completing these high-stakes missions is key to survival and progression. Players can unlock compelling storytelling elements and acquire new rewards by advancing through six unique faction upgrade trees. This system encourages strategic choices, as players will need to utilize every tool at their disposal – faction-specific upgrades, diverse weapons, specialized mods, customizable Runner shells, and powerful game-changing implants.
The Ultimate Goal: The Cryo Archive
The endgame zone in Marathon is revealed to be the Cryo Archive, which will unlock during Season 1. This area represents the first deck of the UESC Marathon ship itself. Here, players will need to solve intricate security measures to unseal frozen vaults, potentially uncovering long-buried truths. The ultimate challenge within the Cryo Archive involves confronting an enigmatic entity onboard the ship – an opponent even the UESC seems to fear.
Exclusive Marathon Limited Edition DualSense Controller
Adding to the excitement, Bungie and PlayStation have collaborated to create a visually striking Marathon Limited Edition DualSense controller. This limited-run accessory is designed to immerse players further into the game's futuristic world. The design process was a collaborative effort between Bungie and the PlayStation team, aiming to create something that feels authentic and functional within the Marathon universe.
According to Bungie, the design pays homage to the game's bold graphic style, vibrant colors, and overall visual art direction, including its industrial design, architecture, and environmental elements. The result is a controller featuring clean lines, purposeful markings, and vivid accents, designed to feel both futuristic and believable, reflecting the world’s balance of form and function.
The Marathon Limited Edition DualSense controller is slated to launch concurrently with the game on March 5, 2026, and will be available in limited quantities globally for $84.99 USD (along with equivalent prices in other regions). Pre-orders for this exclusive controller will commence on January 29, 2026, at 10:00 AM local time. In the U.S., pre-orders begin at 7:00 AM PT / 10:00 AM ET.
How to Pre-Order the Controller
Players in the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg can pre-order the controller starting January 29, 2026, at direct.playstation.com (while supplies last). Pre-ordering directly through PlayStation may offer benefits like free launch day delivery for eligible orders. The controller is also expected to be available through participating retailers.
Marathon Pre-Orders and Collector’s Edition Now Live
Marathon will be available in both a Standard Edition and a Deluxe Edition upon its March 5 release. The Deluxe Edition boasts additional content, including the Midnight Decay weapon and a Runner shell cosmetic bundle, plus extra rewards.
Pre-orders for the game are available now, and they come with their own set of exclusive rewards. Players who pre-order Marathon will unlock additional weapon cosmetics and further rewards linked to their Bungie.net account, specifically within Destiny 2. This cross-game incentive is likely aimed at rewarding the developer's existing player base and attracting new players.
With its intriguing premise, Bungie's pedigree, exciting pre-order bonuses, and the highly sought-after limited edition controller, Marathon is shaping up to be a major release in 2026. Fans are eagerly awaiting March 5 to dive into the mysteries of Tau Ceti IV and the high-stakes world of the Runner.
About Bungie
Bungie is an American video game developer founded in 1991. The company is renowned for creating iconic franchises such as Halo and Destiny. Known for their immersive worlds, engaging narratives, and groundbreaking multiplayer experiences, Bungie continues to push the boundaries of interactive entertainment.
