Marathon Introduces Experimental Duo Queue Mode

Bungie is launching a limited-time duo queue in its extraction shooter, Marathon, beginning March 18th, responding to significant community demand. The test aims to evaluate gameplay balance and overall experience with two-player teams.

Duo Queue Details

The experimental duo queue will initially be available exclusively on the Perimeter map. Unlike traditional matchmaking, players must form a premade duo to participate; there will be no random pairing. This focused test allows Bungie to gather data on how crews of two interact within the game’s existing framework.

Limited-Time Experiment

The duo queue is scheduled to run for approximately two weeks, though Bungie reserves the right to adjust the duration based on findings. Game director Joe Ziegler emphasized that this is an early-stage experiment and players should expect potential instability or unusual behavior. “Some things will be a bit janky,” Ziegler stated in a Polygon interview.

Future Development

Bungie intends to use the data collected during this test to inform future iterations of the duo queue feature. While a timeline for a full release hasn’t been established, the studio is considering expanding duos as a permanent queue option, potentially as early as Season 2 or later. Ziegler noted that further experiments are planned as Marathon continues to evolve according to Dot Esports.

Community Response and Ongoing Updates

The introduction of the duo queue follows Bungie’s recent adjustments to the rewards pass, demonstrating a commitment to responding to player feedback. The studio plans to continue monitoring community input and implementing improvements as the game develops as reported by Eurogamer.

Key Takeaways

• A limited-time duo queue is being tested in Marathon starting March 18th.
• The duo queue is only available on the Perimeter map.
• Players must form premade duos to participate.
• This is an experimental feature and may contain bugs or imbalances.
• Bungie will use the test results to inform future development of duos mode.