Marathon Is Completely Free Through June 9
Bungie has launched Marathon's Season 2 Open Play Week, running June 2–9, 2026. Anyone who hasn't bought the game can play the full version free of charge on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S during this window.
- ▶Free play window: June 2 (Tue) — June 9 (Mon), 2026
- ▶Platforms: Steam / PS5 / Xbox Series X|S
- ▶Progress carries over: Everything you earn during Open Play Week transfers to your account if you purchase
🎬 Official Trailer
Countdown to End of Free Play
| Date | Days Until Free Play Ends |
|---|---|
| Today (June 4) | 5 days left |
| June 6 | 3 days left |
| June 8 | 1 day left |
| June 9 | Free play ends |
Price Comparison: Sale vs. Normal
| Edition | Regular Price | Sale Price | Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Edition | $39.99 | $27.99 | -30% |
| Deluxe Edition | $59.99 | $41.99 | -30% |
| Free Play | $39.99 | Free | Through June 9 only |
What Is Marathon?
Marathon is a PvPvE survival extraction FPS from Bungie — the studio behind Halo and Destiny. It launched on March 5, 2026, and peaked at over 88,000 concurrent players on day one.
| Details | ||
|---|---|---|
| Genre | PvPvE Extraction FPS | |
| Developer | Bungie | |
| Release Date | March 5, 2026 | |
| Platforms | PC (Steam), PS5, Xbox Series X | S |
| Standard Price | $39.99 | |
| Steam Rating | Very Positive |
Core Loop
Infiltrate the dark sci-fi world of Tau Ceti IV — a derelict colony filled with rival Runners, hostile UESC security forces, and unpredictable environments. Scavenge zones for valuables with a crew or alone. Tense exploration breaks into fast-paced PvP where gunplay is responsive, supplies are finite, and preparation is rewarded. Extract to advance your seasonal power and assemble stronger builds.
Season 2 New Content
Season 2 launched alongside Open Play Week with a full round of new additions.
| Content | What's New |
|---|---|
| New Map | Night Marsh |
| New Runner Shell | Sentinel — defensive playstyle |
| New Weapons | Multiple new additions |
| Season Reset | Fresh start — everyone begins together |
| The Cradle | New zone/mode |
| Progression | Improved upgrade paths for Runner shells |
Screenshots
Marathon Season 2 Gameplay Trailer — official Marathon channel (31,200+ views)
Marathon Season 2 Gameplay Trailer — PlayStation official (42,900+ views)
Marathon Season 2 Cinematic Trailer — official Marathon channel (258,700+ views)
Player Reviews
""The worldbuilding, gunplay, atmosphere and sounddesign are exceptionally good. Nothing compares to anything I have ever played in terms of extraction shooters." — Steam reviewer (nearly 400 hours logged)
The game maintains a Very Positive rating on Steam and a steady daily playerbase since launch.
How to Start Playing Free
PC (Steam)
- 1Go to the Marathon Steam page
- 2Click "Play Now" or the free play button
- 3Download and install
- 4Play free through June 9
PlayStation 5
- 1Search "Marathon" on the PS Store
- 2Select "Free to Play" or "Download"
- 3Play free through June 9
Xbox Series X|S
- 1Search "Marathon" on the Xbox Store
- 2Download free trial
- 3Play free through June 9
Progress Carries Over — Here's What That Means
Any progress, gear, and cosmetics earned during Open Play Week are permanently linked to your account. If you decide to buy the game after the free week ends, you continue exactly where you left off. You won't lose anything.
Who Should Try It
| Player Type | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Destiny / Halo fans | ★★★★★ |
| Escape from Tarkov fans | ★★★★★ |
| Dark sci-fi atmosphere seekers | ★★★★★ |
| Solo-only players | ★★★☆☆ |
| Casual FPS beginners | ★★★☆☆ |
Similar Deals Worth Checking
| Game | Current Price | Regular Price | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disco Elysium: The Final Cut | $9.99 | $39.99 (-75%) | Steam (ends June 5) |
| Steam Summer Sale | Starts June 25 | — | Steam |
GamePeak Verdict
This is as low a barrier to entry as it gets. Marathon's Open Play Week means you can sink real hours into the full game for free, carry your progress if you buy, and do it all at a 30% discount. If you've been curious about Bungie's new IP, this is the week to find out. Don't wait — free play ends June 9.
Sources: Bungie official blog, CBR, Steam Store, IGN State of Play 2026 coverage