BBungie’s first major update for Marathon brings new ways to explore Tau Ceti IV, fight other Runners and team up with friends.
Bungie has revealed a new gameplay trailer for Symbiosis, the first major update for Marathon. Launching on December 8 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam, the update introduces a PvE-only mode, an experimental 3v3 Deathmatch, new weapons and a transformed Perimeter zone.
New PvE and PvP modes, plus a transformed Perimeter
One of the biggest additions is Expedition, the first phase of a permanent PvE mode. Players can tackle a series of three runs solo or with a crew, facing combat and environmental challenges without the threat of other Runners. Flash Boosts will also let players shape their builds during a run.
For those who prefer direct competition, Deathmatch (Beta) introduces short 3v3 Team Deathmatch matches. Two crews fight for points without putting their permanent loadouts at risk, making it a lower-commitment way to compete.
The Perimeter zone is also getting a major overhaul. Fungal growth and alien life have reshaped the area, opening new spaces such as the underground Burrows and the submerged Reservoir. Bungie is also teasing the Tick Queen, which lurks somewhere below.
Other additions include Limbo, a new social space with firing ranges and a dueling pit, and the Bishop Runner shell, a fast, blade-wielding combatant. Players will also get two new weapons: the V17 Flamethrower, designed for short-range area denial, and the Maverick revolver, which brings a hand-cannon feel to the arsenal.
Open Play Week lets everyone try Marathon for free
Symbiosis launches alongside Open Play Week, running from December 8 to December 15. During this period, anyone can download and play the full game without purchasing it. Players who decide to buy Marathon afterward will keep their unlocked items and progression.
Bungie is also running the Crew Up event through December 22. Players who team up with at least one other participant can complete challenges in Expedition and earn rewards, including the Queen’s Nest emblem, Queen’s Dominion background, Queen’s Maw weapon sticker, Cluster Bunch weapon charm, Arata Vectus Destroyer skin and the Exterminator title. Check the official Crew Up page for participation details.
Symbiosis looks like a substantial expansion of the ways to play Marathon, particularly for those who want to explore Tau Ceti IV without constantly worrying about PvP encounters. The new modes and weapons will need hands-on time to see how they fit into the game’s larger experience, and Bungie has yet to announce how long the Deathmatch beta will run.
🎧 Get ready for the next run: Check out gaming headsets for PC and console to keep track of every sound on Tau Ceti IV.
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Images courtesy of the developer.
