Marathon Won’t Cost $70 But Won’t Be Free, And It’s Launching In September – WGB

Everything you really need to know is in the headline, but in case you want the slightly longer explanation, Bungie’s upcoming hero-based extraction shooter Marathon’s release date has been announced, along with some pricing details.

First things first, Marathon will be coming to PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on 23rd September 2025. This was announced as part of an extensive information blowout about the game, which included numerous influencers and outlets being given hands-on time with Bungie’s revival of IP.

Pricing was, of course, a major question because many people wondered if it might launch as a free-to-play live-service game. As it turns out, no it won’t. Nor will Marathon be a $70 release, according to Bungie. However, Bungie also says “Marathon will be a premium title.”

What does that mean? Well, so far Sony’s other two recent live-service games, Helldivers 2 and the clusterfuck known as Concord, had a $40 price-tag. Will Marathon be the same?

As for the previews, so far the general response seems mixed. I’ve not had time to trawl through all the videos, but the likes of SkillUp, for example, seem doubtful about Marathon’s future and were surprised by how unfinished the game is considering it’s launching later this year. Other previews were more optimistic, but even then questioned if Marathon could find its place within the already stacked live-service market.

Even the YouTube comments are mixed, a demonstration of just how much Bungie’s once flawless reputation has been eroded.

Personally, once I learned that it wouldn’t have a singleplayer element, I checked out. But I’m sure I’ll at least hop in for a little while come September.