Marathon
News, coverage and analysis tracking Marathon across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Co-op works brilliantly in Slay the Spire 2 | TAG
Slay the Spire 2 has launched with a highly praised co-op multiplayer mode, enhancing the familiar gameplay with team-based strategy and social interaction. In other gaming news, Bungie is addressing player feedback on Marathon's microtransactions with an upcoming patch, while Valve continues to navigate potential delays for the Steam Machine. Additionally, discoveries in Marathon's lore, a Greek myth-themed tower defense game called Minos, and updates on various other titles like Slay the Spire 2's early access and the Steam Machine's release window are highlighted.
How to download shipping manifest and hack second-floor terminal in Marathon – Protect/Destroy 4 contract guide
This guide details how to complete the Protect/Destroy 4 contract in Marathon, which involves three tasks: downloading a shipping manifest from a terminal in Processing, scanning tagged containers in Airfield, and hacking a second-floor terminal in Flight Control. Completing these steps is necessary to improve standing with the MIDA faction.
Issues and Activism
Bungie has responded to player backlash regarding microtransactions in their upcoming game Marathon. The first patch will adjust the game to be slightly easier for players.
After listening to your complaints, Bungie is making it just a tad less annoying to buy cosmetics in Marathon
Bungie is adjusting the premium currency bundles in Marathon following player feedback regarding the cost of cosmetic items. The $10 LUX bundle will now contain 1120 LUX, and players who previously purchased it will receive a refund of 20 LUX per bundle. The developer is also discussing further improvements to the cosmetic purchasing experience and has outlined several gameplay updates for the upcoming patch.
Slay the Spire 2 dev compared it to unexciting 'chicken noodle soup' before its extraordinary launch, but it turns out people really, really like their soup
Slay the Spire 2 has seen an extraordinary launch, with developer Mega Crit expressing surprise at the overwhelming player response. The game achieved a peak of over 179,000 concurrent players on Steam, significantly outperforming its predecessor and other new releases. Mega Crit co-founder Casey Yano had previously described the original Slay the Spire as "chicken noodle soup" of video games, a humble comparison that belies the sequel's massive success.
Something for the Weekend – 07/03/26
Nintendo held an Indie World showcase, revealing new titles and updates. Among the announcements were Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, South of Midnight for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2, and Echoes of Aincrad, an RPG set in the Sword Art Online universe. The article also reviews several games including Planet of Lana 2 and Pokémon Pokopia, and features previews for Tides of Tomorrow and Rogue Point.
Bungie is fixing Marathon's worst microtransaction sin
Bungie is addressing player concerns regarding microtransactions in the upcoming game Marathon. The developer will adjust the system so that earned in-game currency, Lux, can be used to purchase runner skins, indicating a broader effort to improve the game's cosmetics offering.
Marathon's story is told like it's a single player game and that's no good when my friends are talking on Discord
The author argues that Bungie's upcoming game Marathon, despite being a multiplayer experience, presents its story in a way that assumes single-player engagement. This makes it difficult for players to follow the narrative while communicating with friends on platforms like Discord. The article suggests that developers of multiplayer games need to adapt their storytelling methods to accommodate concurrent player interaction.
Bungie Responds Quickly to Marathon Microtransactions Backlash, First Patch Will Make the Game Slightly Easier - IGN
Bungie is addressing player backlash regarding Marathon's microtransactions and difficulty. An upcoming patch will adjust the in-game currency, Lux, and credit players who purchased bundles before the change. The update will also include balance adjustments to make the extraction shooter slightly easier, such as increasing the spawn rate of Med Cabinets and Munitions Crates.
Betawatch: Marathon and Equinox Homecoming both enter launch waters
Bungie's new game Marathon and Equinox Homecoming have launched this week, alongside other gaming news including AdventureQuest Worlds Infinity reaching a crowdfunding milestone. The article also provides updates on various games in beta testing and development, detailing their current status and upcoming plans.
What are we all playing this weekend?
Several gaming news staff members share their weekend gaming plans, with titles like Resident Evil 4 Remake, Slay the Spire 2, Forza Horizon 5, Marathon, and SCP Containment Breach being mentioned. Some are revisiting older favorites, while others are diving into new releases or preparing for upcoming games.
Artist Embroiled in Marathon Art Theft Scandal Credited as Visual Design Consultant
Bungie has credited artist Fern Hook, also known as Antireal, as a Visual Design Consultant for the game Marathon, following a dispute over art asset usage. The studio conducted a review after it was found that assets created by Hook were used without proper credit or consultation. The issue has since been resolved to Hook's satisfaction, with the terms of compensation remaining undisclosed.
Marathon day two check-in: Into the Outpost, an overpowered shotgun, and why I love doors
The author provides a check-in after 10 hours playing Bungie's extraction shooter Marathon, highlighting enjoyment of the PvP trios mode and the new Outpost map. The article also discusses the effectiveness of the double-barrel shotgun and the ongoing community puzzle potentially leading to a fourth map, Cryo Archive.
How to complete Install UV Protocol from secure room and tag marked locations in Marathon – Protect/Destroy 3 guide
This guide details how to complete the Protect/Destroy 3 contract in Marathon. It breaks down the two main objectives: installing the UV Protocol from a secure room in the southwest Intersection and tagging three marked locations across Dire Marsh. The guide provides specific steps and visual cues for locating these objectives within the game.
Issues and Activism
Veteran developer Greg Costikyan has criticized the GDC 2026 "Festival of Gaming" rebrand, calling it out amidst a significant industry crisis. The article also touches on issues with The Marathon's battle pass, suggesting it is poorly implemented.
Easter Eggs
Following the successful launch of Slay the Spire 2, the development studio issued an apology for a joke made about the game Marathon, acknowledging it was perceived as mean-spirited. The studio is addressing player feedback and ensuring a positive community environment.
How to complete Inject the Necrotic Sample in Flight Control in Marathon – Introducing: Sekiguchi guide
This guide details how to complete the "Introducing: Sekiguchi" contract in Marathon. It breaks down the two main tasks: injecting the Necrotic Sample in southern Flight Control and scanning your shell in the southeastern Orientation, providing step-by-step instructions for each objective within the Outpost map.
It's a happy ending for the artist whose work was stolen by Bungie and used in Marathon: She's credited in the…
Bungie has been accused of stealing artwork from artist Antireal for use in its upcoming game Marathon, a situation made worse by similar accusations regarding Destiny 2. The studio admitted to the theft, stating it was committed by a former employee, and has promised a review of Marathon's assets.
Marathon secret hunters hit their first gold mine: Spooky terminals, a hidden website, and a Durandal audio log
Bungie's new game Marathon is already featuring community-driven puzzles and alternate reality games, with players discovering hidden terminals and an audio log from the AI Durandal. These clues point towards the 'Cryo Archive,' an upcoming map that appears to be similar to a Destiny raid. The community has also uncovered a hidden website related to the ARG, which Bungie has officially linked to.
Slay the Spire 2 dev celebrates its instant success by reminding players to support 'small indie passion…
Slay the Spire 2 has achieved significant success since its early access launch on March 5, topping Steam's best-seller charts with over 224,000 concurrent players. Developer Mega Crit is reminding players to support "small indie passion projects" and plans to keep the game in early access for one to two years, adding new content.
