Marathon: Bungie’s Sci-Fi Extraction Shooter Takes Players to Tau Ceti IV

Bungie, the creators of Halo and Destiny, have launched Marathon, a new first-person extraction shooter set in the dark sci-fi world of Tau Ceti IV. The game is currently available on PlayStation 5 (PS5), Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam). Marathon challenges players to scavenge a derelict colony rife with Runners, UESC security forces, and unpredictable environments.

Exploring Tau Ceti IV

Tau Ceti IV, a restricted zone, serves as the primary setting for Marathon. Players will trespass across deserted research facilities, rugged landscapes, and security outposts, uncovering the remnants of a vanished expedition. Information about the planet is fragmented, with accuracy not guaranteed, emphasizing the risks of deployment. The UESC Marathon, a ship that went dark a century ago, looms as a final challenge, holding valuable artifacts within its raid-like security measures.

Gameplay: Survival, Extraction, and PvP Combat

Marathon blends tense exploration with fast-paced player-versus-player (PvP) combat. Players can venture into Tau Ceti IV solo or with a crew, scavenging for valuables and attempting to exfil with their loot. This loot is then used to assemble stronger builds for subsequent runs, creating a cycle of risk and reward. The game is categorized as a PvPvE (player versus player versus environment) survival extraction FPS.

The Tau Ceti Cup

On March 14, 2026, players can tune into the Tau Ceti Cup, a competitive event for Marathon. Details about the tournament can be found on Bungie.net. A recent update, 1.0.0.4, was released on March 6, 2026, and the Marathon original soundtrack is now streaming. Further details on the update can be found on YouTube.

Project Marathon: A History

A new cinematic released through a player-driven ARG (alternate reality game) depicts the early days of Project Marathon, the massive colony ship built to carry humanity to Tau Ceti IV in an effort to expand beyond our solar system.