Bungie has big things in store for Marathon, starting with its massive Symbiosis update on December 10, which is adding 2 highly requested game modes, a new runner shell, and plenty more changes. It has been a long and challenging road for Marathon, both prior to launch and in the months that followed after. However, Bungie is aiming to transform the game into something much bigger through some major updates.
2026 has been quite the rollercoaster for Bungie and its fanbase. After a rough launch for Marathon, it was confirmed that Destiny 2 would not only be getting its final content update, but that Bungie would be seeing mass layoffs. The news seemingly mobilized the community to rally, telling Sony that fans wanted a Destiny 3 at nearly every opportunity. The persistence seemingly paid off, as in September, Bungie leadership confirmed the studio was working to not only restore vaulted content in Destiny 2, but was planning to continue the series. As part of the update, Marathon is also going to evolve over the next few months, beginning with a massive update in December.
Marathon’s Symbiosis Update Is Massive
Despite a rough first half of 2026, Bungie is aiming to change its fortunes with a previous State of Address confirming massive changes on the horizon for Marathon. Previously announced as Symbiosis, Bungie has finally pulled the curtain back on its plans for the first phase of Marathon’s evolution. The update completely transforms the Perimeter map, which is now overgrown with fungal vegetation and alien life. Players will also discover new playable spaces like the submerged Reservoir and underground burrows, the latter of which features a new encounter against the Tick Queen.
What’s That Weapon?
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
However, for many, the biggest news is the confirmation of a dedicated PvE and roguelite-inspired mode called Expedition. While Bungie is calling it “phase 1” of the mode, players can take it on solo or in a crew. The mode is built around three-run sets of escalating challenges and a new system called Flash Boosts that are randomized modifiers that help shape runs. Depending on the rarity tier, they’ll offer stronger bonuses like becoming invisible for a set duration when critically injured or granting a buff effect after a melee elimination.
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Image via Bungie -
Image via Bungie -
Image via Bungie
For those who just want to jump in and fight other players, the experimental Deathmatch mode adds a 3v3 PvP mode where players don’t have to worry about permanently losing their gear by getting taken down. Similar to Destiny‘s Tower space, Marathon is also getting its own social hub called Limbo, an area that lets players hang out and connect, test weapons at a firing range, or challenge each other in a dueling pit.
However, that’s not all. Symbiosis is adding another new Shell to the growing list of playable options available in Marathon. Players can become Bishop, a runner shell that focuses on not only being fast moving but using blades to slice through enemies. Alongside Bishop are new weapons such as the Maverick hand cannon revolver and V17 Flamethrower for shorter range area of denial. Players can bring throwing knives or hack grenades with them to disrupt enemies as well.
- Released
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March 5, 2026
- ESRB
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Teen / Animated Blood, Language, Violence, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
