The Marathon: You’ll Either Love It or Hate It

Marathon has quickly become one of the most polarizing titles in recent memory. Digital spaces are saturated with critics dismissing the game as a failure before it even launches, often overshadowing the enthusiastic voices of those enjoying Bungie’s foray into the extraction shooter genre. It is a classic example of how a vocal minority can dominate a conversation.

From my perspective, Marathon is exceptional. My time spent in the Server Slam, even as a strictly solo participant, was incredibly rewarding. The atmosphere is thick with a sense of dread that I find addictive. It represents a significant shift from the 120-plus hours I’ve dedicated to Arc Raiders; it is far more punishing, and I suspect that’s why many players are struggling to connect with it. While they both occupy the same sub-genre, the core gameplay loops are worlds apart.

Image: Bungie via Polygon

In Arc Raiders, once you understand the behavior of enemies like Rocketeers and Hornets, and the matchmaking settles you into predictable patterns, the challenge levels off. Marathon, conversely, offers no such comfort zone. While you might occasionally encounter a non-hostile player, the game isn’t built for pacifism. It shares its DNA with titles like Escape From Tarkov, where the experience is intended to be uncompromising and often brutal.

A primary driver of this difficulty is the incredibly low time-to-kill. You can bolster your defenses with various shields, but they provide only a marginal cushion. If an opponent manages to flank you, no amount of high-tier gear will prevent a quick trip back to the lobby. This enforces a methodical, cautious pace. Sprinting blindly around corners without assessing audio cues or mapping potential threats is a recipe for disaster. Players accustomed to more forgiving, high-speed shooters are finding this transition particularly jarring.

Image: Bungie via Polygon

However, Destiny 2 veterans will find a familiar level of polish. Regardless of the controversies surrounding that franchise, its gunplay has always been world-class, and Marathon follows suit. The mechanical feel is crisp and satisfying, particularly the heavy feedback of the sniper rifles. Even though the general movement is slower than in Destiny, combat encounters still allow for impressive bursts of agility as you weave through cover.

An article by Kotaku perfectly summarized the onboarding experience: it’s like starting Destiny 2 for the first time but being immediately dropped into a Grandmaster Nightfall. Bungie has historically struggled with intuitive tutorials, and Marathon is no exception, made more complicated by a bold, high-contrast UI that demands adjustment. It’s a steep learning curve, but after eight hours of playtime, the systems are finally starting to make sense.

Image: Bungie via Polygon

Ultimately, Marathon is an acquired taste. It’s the “Marmite” of shooters; you will either be obsessed with the high-stakes adrenaline rush of risking everything for a successful exfiltration, or you will find the lack of a safety net entirely unappealing. Both reactions are valid. However, if you find yourself frustrated by its initial complexity, give it time. Marathon is a bold, unique experiment that doesn’t play by the established rules of the genre.

Source: Polygon