Bungie will introduce a pure player-versus-environment (PvE) mode as a trial in Season 2 of its shooter Marathon [1].
The shift represents a strategic pivot to stabilize the game's population. By reducing the intensity of player-versus-player (PvP) combat, Bungie hopes to make the experience less overwhelming for newcomers while addressing a decline in player counts on Steam [3].
Season 2 is scheduled to launch in June 2026 [2]. While the upcoming season focuses on PvE experiences, the developer said that PvP content remains part of the long-term roadmap and is planned for later seasons [1]. This hybrid approach allows the studio to test different engagement models, including pure PvE and "PvP-lite" experiences [4].
The move comes as the studio seeks to evolve the game's core loop. "We want to evolve Marathon as a whole," a Bungie spokesperson said [3].
Bungie is exploring various ways to improve the title to ensure its longevity. The introduction of PvE modes is intended to create a more accessible entry point for players who find the competitive nature of the current shooter too steep [4]. This transition aligns with the developer's history of blending cooperative, and competitive elements in previous titles to maintain a healthy player ecosystem [1].
“"We want to evolve Marathon as a whole."”
This shift indicates that Bungie is prioritizing player retention and accessibility over a strictly competitive environment. By introducing PvE as a trial, the developer is attempting to broaden the game's appeal to a wider audience, potentially mirroring the cooperative success of its previous titles to counteract the volatility of the extraction shooter genre.
