Marathon in the evacuation shooter will remove the Arc Raiders raid selection feature that distinguished aggressive from calm players.

New shooter Marathon from Bungie is almost ready for launch

American studio Bungie, behind the upcoming sci‑fi evacuation shooter Marathon, has decided to reveal details on how player matching will work in the game. Interest in this issue increased after announcements of similar mechanics in the popular project Arc Raiders.

Bungie rejects “programmed” matchmaking rules
In an interview with *Ali213*, Joe Ziegler, head of Marathon development, emphasized that the team does not introduce special conditions to ensure that players uninterested in PvP automatically end up in separate matches.

“We believe that built‑in game tools such as voice chat are sufficient for users to build relationships with each other,” Ziegler said.

In his view, it is the uncertainty of an opponent’s intentions and the resulting tension that create gameplay dynamics. He noted that this element is key in the shooter.

How matchmaking works in Arc Raiders
Recently, Arc Raiders developers confirmed that their matchmaking system takes player behavior into account: PvP enthusiasts more often encounter the same opponents, while players who prefer a calmer style end up in PvE lobbies.

To get into such lobbies from Embark Studios, you need to behave friendly over several matches.

Some shooter fans consider this approach too predictable and lacking tension – a factor Bungie intends to preserve in Marathon.

When and where it can be bought
*Marathon* will go on sale March 5 for PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S.

System requirements are moderate: even an RTX 2060 will provide comfortable play.

Thus, Bungie plans to leave players the freedom of choice and preserve the element of surprise characteristic of classic shooters.