Bungie's Marathon is positioned first and foremost as a competitive extraction shooter.
You'll dive into risky zones, grab loot, and run for it before another team takes you down. There has been plenty of talk about whether Marathon includes a traditional single-player or PvE mode, but the answer is simple: it does not.
The game combines PvE elements with its PvP framework. The maps are filled with enemy AI, environmental dangers, and high-value NPC targets. These additions increase tension and variety, but they aren't a standalone PvE experience.
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+ 2They complement the core gameplay by introducing some unpredictability, which makes every match feel dynamic. There is some narrative progression through systems like "Priority Contracts," tied to different factions in the game.
It looks like these contracts offer mission-based objectives that enrich the world's lore. However, these don't follow the usual format of separate PvE missions. Players complete tasks in the shared multiplayer space, where other Runners and their risks are always present.
Some players have shown interest in a solo or PvE-only mode, but Bungie has been clear about their plans. According to game director Joe Ziegler, Marathon isn't built for those who want a purely PvE experience. Since day one, the aim has been to design a polished and intense PvPvE extraction environment.
There are a number of reasons behind this choice. From a development angle, handling two separate game modes would make things far more complicated. Bungie has openly discussed these challenges, noting their past issues with balancing PvE and PvP in Destiny 2.
click to enlarge+ 2They're sticking to one game mode to improve the experience instead of spreading themselves too thin with different priorities. That said, future changes are not off the table.
To meet player demand, many live-service games have evolved with fresh modes and content. If there's enough demand from the player base, a full PvE mode or campaign could still be added.
For the time being, Marathon focuses on PvP with some PvE elements rather than catering to players seeking a purely single-player or co-op experience.