Bungie has announced that Marathon's permanent Player-vs-Environment (PvE) mode and its next major update have been postponed to December. This delay affects Season 3 content, which was originally slated for release on September 22.
The studio stated in a blog post that the adjustments are being made to ensure the update meets player expectations. The content planned for September will now arrive on December 8 as part of the Symbiosis update. This update is set to introduce a new Runner shell, the permanent PvE mode, a social space for testing weapons, improvements to the new player onboarding experience, a refreshed Perimeter zone, and an experimental team deathmatch mode.
Prior to the Symbiosis update, a smaller patch will be released on October 6. This patch will reset the game's progression and economy, add a new Rewards Pass, and include quality-of-life improvements. The Vault Breaker PvE mode, which was previously available for a limited time, will also return.
Furthermore, Bungie is moving away from its established seasonal schedule. The studio explained that instead of adhering to fixed seasonal deadlines for major updates, they will grant the development team more flexibility to build, test, and refine features before release. This change aims to address player feedback regarding the need for greater depth, variety, progression, and long-term engagement in Marathon.
Marathon has faced challenges in retaining and attracting players since its launch earlier this year. The recent layoffs at Bungie, which impacted at least 290 jobs, may have further complicated the studio's efforts. The Symbiosis update in December is expected to be a significant step in addressing these issues and revitalizing the game.