Marathon’s Symbiosis Update Brings New Modes, Including Permanent PvE, Next Month

Bungie has revealed details of Symbiosis, a major update coming to Marathon next month. Among its additions is a permanent PvE mode, following earlier experiments and a promise from the studio.

The update’s centerpiece is Expedition, a cooperative PvE destination with roguelite elements. Teams will face increasingly difficult challenges and collect randomized upgrades called Flash Boosts to improve their chances of survival.

Symbiosis also expands the Perimeter zone with two areas, the Burrows and the Reservoir. Players can meet in Limbo, a new social hub equipped with a firing range, or try the sword-wielding Bishop Runner Shell. The update introduces weapons and equipment, including the Maverick pistol, throwing knife, hack grenade, and V17 flamethrower. For those seeking competition, a beta PvP Deathmatch mode will also be available.

Symbiosis launches on December 8, alongside an open play week that gives new players free access to all of Marathon’s content through December 15.

The update signals a shift toward a more cooperative, PvE-focused experience for Marathon, whose initial emphasis on PvP extraction has struggled to maintain a substantial audience since its March 5 launch. In September, Bungie said it planned to spend the rest of 2026 refining the game’s core mechanics and features while giving players more ways to engage beyond competitive PvP.

For more on the game, read Game Informer’s Marathon review.

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