Recent leaks related to the game Marathon have shed light on various improvements being made ahead of its release. These enhancements come in response to significant criticism, especially regarding the game’s art style and other features. Following allegations of art plagiarism, which surfaced when artist Antireal pointed out similarities between their work and the game’s environment, Bungie decided to postpone the game’s launch, originally set for September 23. Though there were indications of a delay before the announcement, the new release date remains uncertain, potentially extending into 2026 for significant reworks.
Despite the setback, an update for Marathon is anticipated this fall, and leaks have provided insights into upgrades that players can expect. Information shared by a Bungie leaker on social media revealed improved outdoor graphics with denser environments and enhanced lighting, addressing some of the visual shortcomings noted in earlier alpha builds. Notably, the graphics now depict blue blood pooling in water after player fatalities, and enemy corpses can linger on the battlefield, a response to feedback about bodies disappearing post-kill. The leak also highlights various gameplay changes.
A revamped Black Market will allow players to exchange higher-tier materials for lower-tier ones, alongside newly designed icons. Additionally, a more legible map legend has been introduced to assist players in tracking anomalies and encounters. The game will feature a new sniper rifle, the “V99 Channel Rifle,” which uses volt cell ammunition and is reminiscent of weapons from Team Fortress 2. Moreover, a new gameplay character known as the Medic Runner will introduce healing mechanics, deploying drones that provide health restoration over time, much like Apex Legends’ Lifeline.
While resurrection times have been extended, many of these features may evolve further as Marathon continues its development journey.