- Closed test from October 22 to 27 by invitation and under NDA
- Available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam), with access for Europe and North America
- The build includes three maps, five shells, proximity chat, and solo queue.
- Objective: Collect data, fine-tune combat, and validate design decisions
Although the silence had triggered doubts, Bungie has cleared the landscape: Marathon is still going on and will hold a closed technical test between the October 22 and 27. It will be one Invitation-only call, with limited participation and subject to a confidentiality agreement (NDA) which prohibits sharing screenshots, videos or broadcasts.
This exercise is not a one-off whim: is part of the validation schedule that the studio started with internal tests since June. The objective is Measure real-world telemetry, compare pace changes, and confirm design decisions before launch. intended for a window that is located before March 2026.
Dates, format and access
The test will be carried out in a closed area with limited places, accessible by invitation onlySelected players will receive an email with instructions on how to download the build and a link to the official Discord server, where they can submit feedback and reports under NDA.
The test will be available at PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam). Bungie has confirmed opening to Europe and North America, clearing up the recurring doubt about the participation of European players in this phase.
To qualify for a spot, you'll need a Bungie.net account and to complete the login form on the official website. Additionally, PC gamers will be able to request access from Steam during the enabled period. General registration will close on October 16 (18:00 PM Central Mexico Time), while on Steam there will be a specific window between the October 13 and 26.
On PC, the build targets moderate entry requirements: Intel Core i5-6600, NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti, and 8GB of RAM as a basis. They are indicative, given that the project is still under development and performance may vary.
What's included in the test build
The version selected for this validation phase focuses on the initial experience and combat feel. It will include three unpublished maps, five runner shells (playable classes/presets), proximity voice chat, solo queue and a rhythm review with damage and mobility adjustments.
- Three new maps to contrast movements, coverage and firing lines
- Five runner housings with differentiated configurations
- Proximity chat for contextual communication and tactical tension
- Solo queue aimed at those who want to enter without a squad
- Adjusted combat rhythm and revised weapons balance
- Deeper environmental narrative in objectives and interaction with the environment
Combat changes cover the tempo of the clashes, weapon lethality, and base mobility. Bungie hasn't released figures, but it does emphasize that this is a broad balance rollout, with a direct impact on decision-making and the risk/reward of each raid.
El proximity chat is called to condition the reading of space: localized communication can reveal positions, enable bluffs or facilitate specific agreements. For Marathon, which pivots on tense extractions, it is a tool that increases friction and information that manage the equipment.
La solo queue allows you to explore routes, timings, and loot without relying on a squad, useful for testing level design and delving into systems without external noise. At the same time, the environmental narrative is reinforced to explain the world through clues, records and diegetic signals.
Development context
The project has gone through complicated weeks due to the controversy of misuse of art attributed to a team memberBungie acknowledged the error and removed the footage, but the incident fueled rumors of cancellation. The announcement of the technical test puts the game back on the radar with concrete facts and dates.
Marathon is betting on a format of PvP extraction shooter with a science fiction setting and non-intrusive narrative. Shares systemic DNA with Proposals such as Escape from Tarkov or Hunt: Showdown, although it seeks to differentiate itself with constant tactical decisions, progression linked to what you get and a clear focus on the tension of each raid.
In parallel with its work on Destiny 2, the studio is fine-tuning this development, now under the umbrella of PlayStation Studios. Sony maintains a launch before March 2026 on the horizon, although the exact date and communication plan will be adjusted based on feedback from the tests.
How to participate and what Bungie expects from the feedback
If you are interested in getting on the list of candidates, Check out the Bungie.net portal, check your region and platforms and complete the registration stepsIf you are selected, You will receive instructions by email and access to the official Discord for reports.. Remember: the NDA prevents publish gameplay, screenshots or streams.
- Create or link your Bungie.net account
- Full Equipe the formula access with platform and region
- Requests from Steam during the enabled window (PC)
- Check out your email in case you receive the invitation and the NDA conditions
During the test, The team will focus its analysis on telemetry, stability, and behavior of the new social tools.. If the data accompanies, the roadmap and public communication will be strengthened; if problems arise, It is not ruled out that the schedule could be adjusted to prioritize quality and design consistency..
With the technical test dated and a clear list of objectives, Marathon regains news traction: it is not canceled, has a playable build, tangible changes, and a controlled participation framework that will allow Bungie to refine its pacing, balance, and usability before its commercial release.
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