Marathon Symbiosis update arrives 8 December with Expedition PvE mode, Deathmatch beta and Bishop shell
Marathon's Symbiosis update launches 8 December with a new PvE Expedition mode, a 3v3 Deathmatch beta, the Bishop shell, two weapons and Open Play Week.
Sony has shared the first details on Marathon’s Symbiosis update, which launches on 8 December 2026 for all players. It adds new PvE and PvP modes, weapons, a Runner shell and more places to explore on Tau Ceti IV.
Marathon is available now on PS5, with full cross-play and cross-save support.
A changed Perimeter
Fungal growth and alien life have transformed the Perimeter zone, opening up new playable spaces. These include the underground Burrows and the submerged Reservoir.
Runners will also run into the Tick Queen, who lurks deep beneath the surface.
New modes
- Expedition: Phase 1 of a new PvE-only mode built around a three-run series. You can play solo or with a crew, tackle new combat and environmental challenges without PvP threats, and use Flash Boosts to shape your build during a run.
- Deathmatch (Beta): An experimental PvP mode with bite-sized 3v3 Team Deathmatch matches. Two crews compete for points without risking their permanent loadouts.
- Limbo: A new social space where Runners can connect, test weapons and gear in firing ranges, and challenge each other in a dueling pit.
Bishop shell and new weapons
The Bishop is a new Runner shell built around the fantasy of a fast, surgical blade-wielding robot.
Two weapons arrive as well. The V17 Flamethrower offers short-range area denial, while the Maverick is a new revolver archetype with a hand-cannon feel.
Open Play Week
Open Play Week runs from 8 to 15 December, alongside the launch of Symbiosis, so anyone curious can try Marathon during that stretch.
Playing on console requires internet access and a paid subscription, sold separately. Cross-save needs an internet connection, a copy of Marathon compatible with each system you play on, and a system network account linked to your Bungie.net account.
