Bungie is hitting the brakes on Marathon: the big update that was due on September 22 now arrives on December 8 as part of Symbiosis.

Until then, players get a smaller Nightfall Refresh on October 6 that wipes progression and the in-game economy.

Symbiosis replaces the September update

Everything originally planned for September is moving into the December update, Symbiosis. Bungie says it wants the update to actually meet player expectations. That makes Symbiosis a lot bigger than first planned:

  • A new Runner shell: another playable class.
  • A permanent PvE mode: Marathon's first, with no other Runners hunting you.
  • A reworked Perimeter: the starter zone gets a new look.
  • A social space with a firing range: somewhere to gear up and test things.
  • Team Deathmatch: as an experimental PvP mode.
  • Better onboarding: the first round of improvements for new players.

Nightfall Refresh on October 6: back to square one

The October stopgap is mostly a wipe. According to Bungie, Season 2: Nightfall launched with progression and reward issues. Some players rocketed into the endgame, others fell behind, and the last reset never worked the way it was meant to.

So on October 6 you get:

  • a progression and economy reset for everyone
  • a new Rewards Pass
  • quality-of-life improvements
  • live tuning and balance changes

Vault Breaker also returns for a limited time. Bungie wants to see how PvE fits into progression a few weeks after a reset.

No more fixed seasons

The biggest change is almost a footnote: Marathon is dropping its strict seasonal calendar. Major updates will ship when they are ready, not because a season happens to end. In the eight weeks between October and December, Bungie plans to run experiments and show where feedback is shaping development.

A first blog about Marathon's long-term future is promised for later in September, pitching the game as a more alien and dynamic survival experience.

FAQ

When does Marathon Symbiosis release?

On December 8, 2026. A big update had originally been planned for September 22.

Is there a wipe in October?

Yes. The Nightfall Refresh on October 6 resets progression and the in-game economy for everyone.

Is Marathon getting a PvE mode?

Yes, Symbiosis adds the game's first permanent PvE mode.