Marathon Deluxe Edition is an extraction shooter set in the dark science fiction world of Tau Ceti IV, a derelict colony where rival scavengers, hostile security forces and unpredictable environments collide. You play as a Runner, infiltrating this abandoned territory to strip it of valuables before escaping with your haul. Tense exploration gives way to fast combat where supplies run thin and preparation determines survival.
The colony holds the remnants of a vanished expedition, yours to salvage across deserted research facilities, rugged landscapes and security outposts. Tau Ceti threatens death at every turn through unique enemies, dynamic events and environmental hazards. Each zone escalates in difficulty, building toward the UESC Marathon locked in orbit above. No one knows what happened a century ago when the Marathon expedition went dark, and as a trespasser into UESC territory you are positioned to piece that story together.
Six equippable Runner shells provide distinct playstyle foundations. Destroyer, Recon and Thief each offer different approaches to build upon with scavenged weapons, body implants and core system upgrades. You can enter as a crew of two or three, or alone in solo lobbies. A third option lets you sneak into crew lobbies as Rook, a lone scavenger with no starting gear and nothing to lose. Proximity chat allows uneasy alliances with rivals against mutual threats, though those allies might turn on you just as quickly.
Six competing factions offer incentives to advance their foothold on Tau Ceti. Completing their contracts grows your baseline power through season long unlocks including shell upgrades, stronger starting loadouts and expanded vault space. Once the way into orbit opens, you bring your endgame build to Cryo Archive, the first floor of the UESC Marathon itself. Cramped corridors force conflict with fully geared enemy crews racing for the same frozen vaults. Breach the seventh vault to challenge an entity even the UESC fears.
Marathon Deluxe Edition releases 5 March 2026 and includes premium cosmetics, a Rewards Pass voucher and tokens to unlock additional rewards.