Marathon Pre-Order Guide (March 2026) All Editions & Bonuses

Are you ready to dive into Bungie’s highly anticipated extraction shooter? With Marathon set to launch on March 5, 2026, knowing which edition to pre-order can save you money and unlock exclusive content. As someone who’s been following Bungie’s games since the original Destiny, I’ll break down everything you need to know about Marathon’s pre-order options, from the budget-friendly Standard Edition to the premium Collector’s Edition.

Quick Overview: Marathon Pre-Order Options

Edition	Price	Platform Availability	Key Features
Standard Edition	$39.99	Steam, PS5, Xbox	Base game + pre-order bonuses
Deluxe Edition	$59.99	Steam, PS5, Xbox	Premium pass + 200 SILK + Midnight Decay cosmetics
Collector’s Edition	$229.99	Bungie Store, PS Direct	All Deluxe content + physical collectibles

Marathon Release Date and Platforms

Marathon launches on March 5, 2026, across three major platforms with full cross-play and cross-save support:

• Steam (PC)
• PlayStation 5
• Xbox Series X|S

This cross-platform approach means you can play with friends regardless of their system and maintain your progression across devices. The game requires an internet connection and online multiplayer subscription may be required for console players.

Understanding Marathon’s Editions

Standard Edition – $39.99

The Standard Edition serves as your entry point into the world of Tau Ceti IV. Here’s what you get:

Included Content:

• Base game access
• 7x Runner Shells (basic character models)
• Moddable Weapons, Body Implants, and Core System Upgrades
• Access to all gameplay updates throughout the year (maps, Runner shells, events)
• All pre-order bonuses (see below)

Who should choose this? Perfect for newcomers to extraction shooters or those who want to try the game without committing to premium content. At $39.99, it’s significantly cheaper than the industry standard of $70-80, making it accessible for squads to jump in together.

Deluxe Edition – $59.99

The Deluxe Edition offers the best value for dedicated players who want immediate access to premium content:

All Standard Edition Content Plus:

• 1x Premium Rewards Pass Voucher (unlocks Season 1 premium track)
• 200 SILK Rewards Pass Tokens (premium currency for the battle pass)
• MIDNIGHT DECAY Cosmetic Collection:
  • Misriah 2442 Pump Shotgun Style
  • Overrun AR Style
  • Vandal Shell Style
  • Destroyer Shell Style
  • Assassin Shell Style
  • Thief Shell Style

Who should choose this? Ideal for players who plan to invest significant time in Marathon and want to customize their experience from day one. The Midnight Decay cosmetics feature a dark armor design with blue, paint-like accents that could provide tactical advantages in remaining hidden.

Collector’s Edition – $229.99

The ultimate package for die-hard Bungie fans and collectors:

All Deluxe Edition Content Plus:

• 1/6-scale Thief Runner Shell Statue with LED lights (produced by PureArts)
• Collectible WEAVEworm Miniature (physical replica of in-game parasitic tech)
• Iron-on Embroidered Patch
• Six Art Postcards from Tau Ceti IV
• Premium Hexagon Packaging with lenticular poster
• Beautifully Designed Display Box featuring environmental art
• Exclusive Digital Bonuses (Bungie Store/PlayStation Direct only):
  • ZERO STEP Emblem
  • ZERO STEP Background

Important Notes:

• Game codes delivered electronically within 24-72 hours starting January 20, 2026
• Physical items may ship at various times depending on international shipping
• Available exclusively through Bungie Store and PlayStation Direct
• Also available as “No game code” version for $170 USD (physical items only)

Who should choose this? Perfect for Bungie collectors, fans who want premium physical merchandise, or those who want to support the developer at the highest level. If it’s anything like Bungie’s previous Collector’s Editions, there may even be hidden secrets for players to discover.

Pre-Order Bonuses: What You Get Regardless of Edition

Every pre-order comes with exclusive bonuses for both Marathon and Destiny 2, making early purchase worthwhile regardless of which edition you choose.

Marathon Pre-Order Bonuses:

• ZERO STEP 004 CE Tactical Sidearm Style (weapon skin)
• ZERO STEP RC Weapon Charm (attachment)
• ZERO STEP SHIFT Weapon Sticker (cosmetic)
• APOGEE INTERCEPT Background (profile background)
• APOGEE INTERCEPT Emblem (player emblem)

Important: These pre-order items are only available until March 17, 2026. After this date, they will no longer be included with purchases.

Destiny 2 Crossover Rewards:

Pre-ordering Marathon also unlocks exclusive items in Destiny 2:

• UESC Echo-type Shell Exotic Ghost
• UESC Rover Exotic Ship
• UESC Sprinter Exotic Sparrow

Critical Requirement: The platform you pre-order on must be linked to the same Bungie.net account as your Destiny 2 account to receive these rewards. Items will be located at the Special Deliveries terminal in the Tower.

Free Destiny 2 Items (Available to All Players):

Even if you don’t pre-order Marathon, all Destiny 2 players can claim these items starting January 20, 2026:

• Modern MIDA Multitool – Exotic weapon ornament
• Silkworm Weave – Legendary shader (Marathon-themed green)
• Waiting For Exfil – Exotic multiplayer emote

These items will be available as a free bundle from the Eververse Store.

Platform-Specific Considerations

Cross-Play and Cross-Save

Marathon features full cross-play and cross-save functionality across all platforms. This means:

• Play with friends regardless of their platform
• Maintain progression when switching between PC and console
• Requires internet connection and linked Bungie.net account
• Each platform needs its own game copy for cross-save to work

Platform-Specific Pre-Order Links:

• Steam: Available through Steam store and third-party retailers
• PlayStation 5: Available through PlayStation Store and PlayStation Direct (for Collector’s Edition)
• Xbox Series X|S: Available through Xbox Store

Troubleshooting Pre-Order Issues

Common Problems and Solutions:

1. Destiny 2 Rewards Not Appearing

• Log out and back into Destiny 2 after pre-ordering
• Confirm the pre-order went through successfully on your platform
• Verify the pre-order platform account is linked to the same Bungie.net profile as your Destiny 2 account
• Check the Special Deliveries terminal in the Tower

2. Platform Account Linking Issues

• Visit Bungie.net to link your platform accounts
• Ensure all accounts use the same email address
• Contact platform support if pre-ordering on the wrong platform

3. Collector’s Edition Shipping Concerns

• Game codes arrive within 24-72 hours (starting January 20, 2026)
• Physical items may ship separately based on international shipping
• Contact Bungie Store support for shipping inquiries

Value Analysis: Which Edition Offers the Best Value?

Standard Edition Value:

• Pros: Lowest entry point, includes all core content
• Cons: No premium cosmetics or battle pass access
• Best for: Casual players or those new to extraction shooters

Deluxe Edition Value:

• Pros: $20 upgrade gets you $40+ worth of content, immediate access to premium pass
• Cons: Still requires grinding for some cosmetics
• Best for: Regular players who want customization options

Collector’s Edition Value:

• Pros: Premium physical collectibles, exclusive digital items
• Cons: High price point, limited availability
• Best for: Bungie collectors and dedicated fans

The Bungie Ecosystem Advantage

If you’re already invested in the Bungie ecosystem through Destiny 2, pre-ordering Marathon offers additional benefits:

1. Account Integration: Use your existing Bungie.net account
2. Crossover Content: Exclusive items in both games
3. Community Access: Join the growing Bungie community across multiple titles
4. Developer Trust: Support a studio with proven track record

However, be aware that Bungie may delay Destiny 2 updates around Marathon’s launch as development resources focus on the new title.

Community and Support Resources

Official Channels:

• Discord: discord.com/invite/marathonthegame (297,327+ members)
• Twitter/X: @MarathonTheGame
• Official Website: marathonthegame.com
• Reddit: r/Marathon
• Support: help.marathonthegame.com

Community Tips:

• Join the Discord for early access to news and community discussions
• Follow official social media for real-time updates
• Check the wiki for detailed game mechanics and lore
• Participate in community events and playtests when available

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When do Marathon pre-order bonuses expire?

A: Pre-order bonuses are only available until March 17, 2026. After this date, they will no longer be included with purchases.

Q: Can I get pre-order bonuses with the Standard Edition?

A: Yes, all pre-order bonuses are included with every edition, including the Standard Edition.

Q: Do I need to pre-order on the same platform as my Destiny 2 account?

A: Yes, the platform you pre-order on must be linked to the same Bungie.net account as your Destiny 2 account to receive the crossover rewards.

Q: Will Marathon have cross-play?

A: Yes, Marathon features full cross-play and cross-save support across Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Q: What’s included in the Midnight Decay cosmetic set?

A: The Midnight Decay set includes weapon skins for the Misriah 2442 Pump Shotgun and Overrun AR, plus shell styles for Vandal, Destroyer, Assassin, and Thief classes.

Q: Is the Collector’s Edition worth the price?

A: The Collector’s Edition offers significant value for dedicated Bungie fans, including premium physical collectibles and exclusive digital items. However, casual players may find the Deluxe Edition more cost-effective.

Q: Can I upgrade from Standard to Deluxe Edition later?

A: Yes, you can purchase the Deluxe Edition upgrade separately, though pre-order bonuses may not be available after March 17, 2026.

Q: What is SILK in Marathon?

A: SILK is Marathon’s premium currency used in the Rewards Pass (battle pass) system to unlock cosmetic items and other content.

Final Recommendations

Based on my analysis of all available options, here are my recommendations:

For Casual Players: Start with the Standard Edition at $39.99. It gives you full access to the game and all pre-order bonuses without the premium commitment.

For Regular Players: The Deluxe Edition at $59.99 offers the best value, providing immediate access to the premium battle pass and exclusive cosmetics that would cost more if purchased separately.

For Bungie Collectors: The Collector’s Edition at $229.99 is a premium investment but delivers exceptional value through high-quality physical collectibles and exclusive digital content.

For Destiny 2 Players: Any edition is worthwhile due to the crossover rewards, but ensure your platform accounts are properly linked to maximize benefits.

Remember, Marathon’s lower-than-average price point of $39.99 for the Standard Edition makes it more accessible for squads to jump in together while also helping deter cheaters through the paywall—a smart move by Bungie given the challenges in the extraction shooter genre.