You ought to experience Marathon before the internet makes the decision for you.

      Marathon has evolved into one of those titles where the discussions surrounding it often overshadow the game itself. This new extraction shooter comes with Bungie’s extensive development background and the lingering issues from Destiny 2. With speculation of layoffs following the conclusion of Destiny 2, some have already concluded that Marathon epitomizes the problems with live-service gaming. However, many of these opinions have emerged before these players have even attempted to extract once.

      Now that Bungie has revealed its inaugural Open Play Week, it’s an ideal opportunity for many to experience Marathon for the first time.

      The game will be available for free from June 2 to June 9 on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, with progress transferring over for players who decide to purchase the full game afterward. This limited-time access coincides with the launch of Season 2 of Marathon on June 2, which will reset gameplay progression for all players, creating a level playing field for both newcomers and returning players.

      Avoid treating it like a ranked shooter

      Marathon is an extraction shooter, which inherently involves a certain level of stress. You drop in, hunt for loot, interact with AI foes and other runners, and ultimately aim to escape alive. While losing in a conventional competitive shooter can be frustrating, the loss in an extraction shooter feels even harsher as you also forfeit your gear. Having your gear and time taken away can be irritating, and this intense structure may deter some players—and that’s understandable.

      Extraction shooters aren’t for everyone. However, I believe Marathon becomes more engaging when you stop considering it as a competitive shooter where every mistake must be scrutinized. The enjoyment lies in the panic and the eventual victory. You're not just fighting for the sake of combat; the thrill comes from surviving the encounter. My recent experience with Arc Raiders generated a similar sensation.

      Hearing footsteps forces you to make crucial choices about whether to engage or to hide. You might have been searching for loot just moments earlier, and an unexpected sound could signal a player’s presence nearby. “Gear fear” can often immobilize gamers from using their best equipment, which makes this free week a perfect chance to experiment. You can engage with the game without feeling pressured about long-term commitments. Approach it with curiosity, free from the dread of losing.

      Yet, if the game captures your interest with its risk and reward dynamic, you won’t need to worry about losing or winning in ranked play.

      Marathon shows confidence from the outset

      Another significant reason to give Marathon a shot is its unique identity. The game's visuals are simply stunning. While graphics are crucial as they form the first impression of a game, what truly distinguishes it from others is a unique art style. And Marathon thrives on its aesthetics. It doesn’t fall into the category of a typical military shooter with just a loot mechanic added. It shares a genre with titles like Hunt: Showdown and Arc Raiders, yet still manages to create its own unique atmosphere.

      Marathon is vibrant and highly stylized. Its visual design draws on the legacy of the original Marathon while presenting it in a more refined and contemporary manner. This new installment in a long-dormant series features a retro-futuristic blend of bright colors, ASCII text, vintage web design, and sci-fi culture from the 90s.

      While mainstream games tend to follow established formulas, Marathon boldly opts for a more adventurous path.

      A new beginning

      Season 2 also makes it easier for newcomers to the game to join in. A new Sentinel shell designed for defensive play, a nighttime Dire Marsh zone that brings survival-horror vibes, new gear, and the Cradle progression system—allowing players to convert gear into character development, independent of faction progression—have all been introduced.

      None of this ensures that Marathon will be a long-term success. A free week won’t magically resolve all the issues tied to Bungie, monetization, balance, or the game’s future. However, it does provide players with a chance to experience something new firsthand before they rely on online debates to shape their views. Try it out since it’s free, and remain only if it's truly enjoyable. You may just find your new obsession.