Bungie’s long-awaited return to the Marathon universe is finally close. After months of speculation, closed alpha feedback, and a delayed launch window, the studio has now locked in when players can expect to drop into its sci-fi extraction shooter. Here’s a clear, up-to-date breakdown of Marathon’s release timing, what “launch day” really means, and what to expect once the countdown hits zero.
When Does Marathon Release?
Marathon is scheduled to launch in March 2026. Based on Bungie’s latest official updates, the current target date is March 26, 2026, though the studio has not yet confirmed the exact day-one unlock hour for each region.
This revised window follows the game’s original September 2025 release plan, which was pushed back to allow for polish and feature improvements after early playtests. As of now, March 2026 is Bungie’s active launch window, with no further delays announced.
Expected Start Time by Region
While Bungie hasn’t shared an exact global unlock time yet, its past launches offer a useful reference point. Most Bungie titles typically go live during midday Pacific Time, which usually translates to the following approximate windows:
- United States (PT): Late morning to early afternoon
- United States (ET): Early to mid-afternoon
- UK: Evening hours
- India: Late night
- Australia: Early morning the next day
Until Bungie confirms official launch timing closer to release, these remain estimates. Players should keep an eye on Bungie’s social channels and official blog for final confirmation.
Marathon Pricing and Launch
Marathon will launch as a premium title, not free-to-play. The confirmed price is:
- $39.99 (USD)
- €39.99 (EU)
- £34.99 (UK)
Buying the game grants full access to the base experience along with free gameplay updates throughout 2026, including new maps, Runner shells, and seasonal content. Bungie has also confirmed that Reward Passes will not expire, allowing players to complete them at their own pace .
Will There Be More Playtests Before Launch?
Most closed alpha tests have wrapped up, but Bungie has left the door open for additional limited play opportunities. Historically, the studio has used:
- Short technical tests
- Invite-only previews
- Promotional events tied to Twitch or community programs
Following Marathon’s official Discord and Bungie’s social accounts remains the best way to catch any last-minute testing windows before launch.
The Marathon release countdown is now firmly pointed at late March 2026, with March 26 standing as the current target date. While the exact start time is still pending, Bungie’s roadmap is clearer than ever. If you’re planning to jump in on day one, now is the right time to understand the mechanics, watch for final launch announcements, and prepare for a high-stakes extraction experience unlike Bungie’s previous titles.
As always, official timings and details may still evolve, but for now, the finish line is clearly in sight.
