Marathon, the highly anticipated extraction shooter from Bungie, is set to launch on March 5, 2026, but the excitement begins immediately with the start of Season 1. This live service game will kick off its first season at 5pm GMT on launch day, offering players a robust roadmap of content that extends far beyond the initial server slam tests.
Marathon Season 1 Start and End Dates
Season 1 of Marathon commences precisely when the game goes live on March 5, 2026. Bungie has indicated that each season will typically span approximately three months, placing the expected conclusion of Season 1 sometime in June 2026. While no specific end date has been confirmed yet, the developer has outlined that Season 2 will run from June to August, followed by Season 3 from August to November, establishing a clear seasonal cadence for the year.
What's Included in Marathon Season 1
Beyond the foundational content available at launch—which includes three maps, six runner shells, and twenty weapons—Bungie plans to introduce significant free updates throughout Season 1. The roadmap highlights several key additions:
- New Map - Cryo Archive: A fresh battleground for players to explore and conquer.
- Competitive Ranked Mode: A structured mode for players seeking to test their skills against others in a more formal setting.
- C.A.R.R.I. Event: A special in-game event with unique challenges and rewards.
- New Gun: Additional weaponry to diversify combat strategies.
- Mid-Season Tuning: Balance adjustments and gameplay refinements based on player feedback.
- New Implants: Enhancements or abilities that can be equipped to customize characters.
Exact release dates for these features have not been disclosed, so players are advised to monitor Bungie's official social media channels for timely announcements. All this content will be provided at no extra cost, aligning with the game's live service model.
Marathon Resets Explained
True to its extraction shooter roots, Marathon incorporates a seasonal reset mechanic that wipes player progression at regular intervals. Bungie has designed each season to represent a complete reset, giving players a three-month window to maximize their character's power and gear.
When a season concludes, players will lose all accumulated gear, character progression, and faction progression. However, not everything is lost: achievements unlocked and cosmetic items—whether earned or purchased—will be retained across seasons.
This approach, while potentially frustrating for dedicated players with extensive time investments, aims to level the playing field at the start of each new season. It offers a fresh start for all participants, encouraging renewed engagement and providing opportunities to re-experience the progression system from scratch.
As Marathon prepares for its debut, the Season 1 roadmap promises a dynamic and evolving experience, with ranked competition, regular content drops, and seasonal resets shaping the game's long-term appeal. Players can look forward to a continuously updated adventure that begins the moment they log in on launch day.
