Marathon’s Major PvE Update Is Starting to Resemble Destiny

Since Marathon launched in March, Bungie has spent much of the year refining the extraction shooter in an effort to reach a broader audience. The changes follow the studio’s admission that the game fell short of its initial expectations. After October’s Nightfall refresh, another major update, Symbiosis, arrives on December 8 with features that may feel familiar to fans of Bungie’s other games.

Bungie outlined the update’s additions in a post on the official PlayStation Blog. One of the most notable is Expedition, a PvE-only mode with roguelite elements. Players can venture in alone or with a crew, tackling environmental challenges without the threat of rival players interrupting their run. Bungie describes it as the first phase of its PvE plans, with more to come in future updates.

The update also introduces a beta version of Team Deathmatch. The mode pits two three-player crews against each other in short matches without putting their permanent loadouts at risk.

Another addition is Limbo, a combat-free social space where players can meet, explore, and test weapons and gear. It recalls hubs such as the Tower in Destiny, giving Marathon a social feature reminiscent of Bungie’s MMO-like shooter. Alongside the new modes, Limbo takes the game further beyond the extraction-focused experience available at launch.

More Symbiosis additions and Open Play Week

Players can also try the new Bishop Runner shell, which emphasizes swift movement and blade-based melee combat. Meanwhile, the introductory Perimeter map is receiving a substantial overhaul, including two new playable areas: the underground Burrows and the submerged Reservoir. Runners will also face a new enemy encounter with the Tick Queen.

To mark the update’s release, Bungie is holding an Open Play Week from December 8 through December 15. Players can download and try Marathon for free on PlayStation 5 and PC, although PS5 players will need a PlayStation Plus subscription to access multiplayer.

With more ways to play, Symbiosis could appeal to players who found the original PvPvE format off-putting. Open Play Week offers a chance to see how the shooter has changed without buying the game.

Source: Polygon