Image credit: Bungie
With Marathon launching on March 5, the studio revealed how the Bungie live service seasonal evolution will work, promising free updates for all players and major gameplay changes.Regular content updates, balance improvements, and new seasonal challenges will keep the game evolving over time.We can expect the game to evolve consistently after release, rather than staying the same.

TL;DR — Marathon Seasonal Updates

Season length: About 3 months

FeatureDetails
Season updatesFree for all players
Season 1New zone, Runner shell, faction, and story contracts
Season 2Nightfall theme, new map variant and gameplay systems
Ranked modeArrives mid-season with exclusive rewards

Marathon Three Month Seasons Structure

Marathon will follow a seasonal model, with each season lasting about three months. Bungie confirmed that all seasonal updates will be free for players, even though the game has a $39.99 base price.

Marathon

Marathon

Release Date: March 05, 2026

Genres: Shooter

More Info

We can expect regular new content and gameplay changes throughout the year without paying extra for seasonal expansions. Sounds great, right?

Looking for good deals on Marathon? Check our How to Buy Marathon Cheap guide.

What’s Coming in Season 1

Marathon Season 1 begins at launch and brings several major additions to the game. Players will experience a mix of new content, story elements, and gameplay improvements, including:

  • Fourth zone: Cryo Archive community unlock zone
  • Security puzzles and frozen vault areas
  • A mysterious hostile entity
  • Sixth Runner shell: Thief with ability drone
  • Sixth faction: Sekiguchi Genetics
  • Full narrative arc through Priority Contracts
  • New weapon and events
  • Quality-of-life updates

Ranked Mode Arrives Mid-Season

Marathon Ranked mode update will launch later in March during Season 1. Players who compete and climb the ranks will be able to earn exclusive seasonal rewards, giving them extra motivation to test their skills and stand out.

Marathon Season 2 Nightfall Details

Marathon Season 2, titled Nightfall, will bring a darker tone and new challenges to the game. Players can expect several major additions, including:

  • Dire Marsh night map variant
  • Increased UESC enemy presence
  • A new Runner shell
  • New weapons and mods
  • Expanded narrative content

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The Cradle System

Marathon Season 2 will also introduce the Cradle system that gives you more control over your playstyle.

With this new feature, you will be able to:

  • customize their Runner shell’s statistical strengths.
  • adjust weaknesses to fit different strategies.
  • create more personalized and flexible builds.

Bungie’s Long-Term Goal

Bungie wants Marathon to feel “meaningfully different” as each season progresses, so that players notice real changes and new experiences over time.

To achieve this, the studio plans to:

  • Introduce new gameplay systems gradually, keeping mechanics fresh and engaging.
  • Eexpand the ongoing narrative, adding depth to the world and its characters.
  • Gradually reshape the world with seasonal changes, so that each season brings new surprises and challenges.