Bungie finally revealed gameplay of its new sci-fi extraction shooter Marathon, and we're desperate to play – here's how you can try it early via the game's Alpha testTech10:25, 14 Apr 2025Updated 10:25, 14 Apr 2025Ready to step into a sci-fi PvP shooter?Halo and Destiny have both been big hits for Bungie, but the company is going into its back catalog for its next title. Marathon, which continues a franchise the studio debuted in the nineties, will mark its first non-Destiny release since 2014.Challenging fans to complete a series of puzzles to reveal the gameplay deep-dive over the weekend, Bungie confirmed the leaks that suggested the game would be out sooner than anticipated, giving Marathon a September 23, 2025 release date – the same day as Borderlands 4.‌Article continues belowWondering if it's for you? While some early impressions from press and content creators have suggested the extraction shooter genre could be a tough nut to crack even for Bungie, you can play early. In fact, the game's Alpha is planned to start this month.Here's all we know so far.‌Bungie has confirmed that Marathon's initial alpha text will begin in late April, so expect news very soon indeed.The studio is planning more playtesting opportunities (and we'd be very surprised not to see a beta closer to launch, perhaps tied into preorders) but for now you need to sign up to the Marathon Discord Server to be in with a chance.You won't be guaranteed a slot, but this is the best opportunity you'll have of testing the game.‌Marathon has a unique sci-fi style that sets it apart"Scavenge the lost colony of Tau Ceti IV in Bungie’s team-based FPS extraction shooter," the game's Steam page explains."Choose your Runner and work together in crews of three as you battle rival teams and hostile security forces for weapons and upgrades. Survive and your loot is yours to keep for future runs on Tau Ceti—or if you’re brave enough, a journey to the derelict Marathon ship that hangs above."‌The alpha will include four different Runners, as well as a couple of maps, while Bungie is promising the game will feature the studio's "best-in-class first-person gunplay".The game was revealed at the PlayStation Showcase in May 2023 and confirmed to offer a PvP extraction shooter. The new version of Marathon will offer "evolving, persistent zones" and is set in the same universe as the originals from the nineties.Behind the scenes, Bungie dismissed project lead Chris Barrett following alleged "disturbing communications" with female colleagues, leading to VALORANT Game Director Joe Ziegler taking over the role.Article continues belowFor the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.‌‌‌