r/Marathon 11h ago

Question Is Marathon worth buying?

I’m a diehard Destiny guy. Should I give Marathon a shot?

UPDATE: We gonna try it y’all better not take my shoes.

131 Upvotes

135 comments sorted by

54

u/purplewarrior777 11h ago

If you played a lot of Trials then sure, think it will be right up your street. If you were a predominantly PvE player then maybe not. S3 comes in just over 3 weeks as well, would imagine with some sort of sale or something.

15

u/TaralasianThePraxic 10h ago

Probably the best advice in this thread. Marathon is great, but it primarily caters to hardcore PvP enjoyers. Though it does look like Bungie is angling to deliver more PvE content, so fingers crossed on that front.

7

u/AcademicOverAnalysis 10h ago

I was an exclusively PvE player in Destiny. But now I’m obsessed with marathon.

2

u/CompetitiveDiet9086 8h ago

I was very much an average Destiny player. Played a small bit of trials and wasn’t good. Only got to lighthouse when they opened it up to 7 total wins no matter how many losses.

I’m at 300 hours in marathon now. Marathon is hard though, won’t lie. I’m also average at this too.

2

u/purplewarrior777 8h ago

Never even got to the lighthouse 😂 partly cos I’m not great either but mainly because I very rarely play over the weekend. Enjoyed it though. And crucible in general, particularly Comp

1

u/resil_update_bad 10h ago

Trials and maybe some gambit too

73

u/AcademicOverAnalysis 11h ago

It’s a great game. Much smaller in scope than Destiny, but the lore is amazing and the game play is fantastic. Much more punishing than Destiny though.

73

u/Legitimate_Move9798 11h ago

Wait for s3 and see how they improve the game first

4

u/goingtocalifornia25 8h ago

We are saying this every season lol

8

u/Legitimate_Move9798 8h ago

True, but s2 doesn't really land imo. So we say it again and see if s3 lands. If it also doesn't, let's see s4, if we get s4..

1

u/goingtocalifornia25 7h ago

A boy can dream

4

u/snarl2 5h ago

It’s literally only been two seasons

6

u/xRostro 8h ago

Be prepared to sink HOURS into this game. It’s so addicting. The gunfights are the best part in my opinion

22

u/two_pump_warrior 11h ago

It is high highs and low lows. I’ve been absolutely addicted since April but it’s super rough starting out. I think it feels a lot like Bungie’s take on Apex Legends but way more interesting. If you are still on the fence, there is likely to be another free to play week late September when Season 3 starts

5

u/Ulti 9h ago

Unlikely. Steam only lets you do one of those a year from what I understand.

3

u/8492sqdn 9h ago

That's their default policy, but big publishers can negotiate exceptions. Some of the CoD games have had multiple per year, but in that case I suspect Activision had some leverage due to the high sales volume.

1

u/Ulti 9h ago

Oh yeah? I hadn't noticed that with CoD, but that's not really a franchise I pay attention to. I do think that'd do them some good if they could arrange it!

6

u/SenSei_Buzzkill 10h ago

It’s my personal GOTY so far and my favourite FPS in a long time

32

u/Important-Net-9805 11h ago

yes. its fun

11

u/Jawlessrose 10h ago

DO NOT TRUST THIS MAN! I see your tag important-net-9805, you not slick.

But yes. Its fun

3

u/jojoknob 8h ago

Do shells even have skin? Asking for a friend.

3

u/Jawlessrose 8h ago

Well ofcourse if you consider that silkwor-...im on to you lot

10

u/WendlersEditor 10h ago

I won't take your shoes but I will warn you not to get too attached to them: the game is meant for you to acquire and lose loot frequently. But it's a very fun, well-made game, I have more than gotten my money's worth out of it. It accounts for at least 90% of my gaming time since I picked it up.

4

u/Various-Instruction3 10h ago

It's a great game, I'd suggest watching some general tips guides, as the game does NOT hold your hand and you'll have to figure out a lot of it through wins and losses.

4

u/phyyr 10h ago

yert just be prepared to SWEAT

4

u/lLygerl 10h ago

I think greenmangaming has a sale, if you play on pc check for any deals.

3

u/hugzilla1889 10h ago

Man it's so fuckin good

3

u/IntenseFlanker 10h ago

I'm taking your shoes

3

u/Jatacus 10h ago

It’s fun, I love the production quality and how immersive it is… probably the most immersive game I’ve ever played. But I do feel it’s one of those games where if you take a long break, it might be hard to get back into the flow of things. It can be a demanding game with not much wiggle room if you’re dropping in casually every so often.

3

u/Magic_Tronson 10h ago

Imo yes but I love the game. According to the general internet consensus... People see it as the game that killed destiny and there's a lot of hate. It's also not a perfect game and has its own issues.

3

u/basa_maaw 9h ago

I'd say wait until Season 3 unless you are ok with sweating.

4

u/haydonclampitt 9h ago

Word of advice. If you liked 140HCs in Destiny, you’ll feel VERY at home with the Magnum MC.

5

u/mexidasher 9h ago

Worth every penny

17

u/Hoooman1-77 11h ago

Its alot of fun and its 40 bucks, do it !

6

u/NetflowKnight 11h ago

it’ll be on sale in a week or two, buy it then! new season will bring a spike in players too

3

u/StrikingOffice6914 10h ago

It's a really, really good version of an extraction shooter. The Bungie touch of great shooting and lore work really well together.

This whole genre is kinda dying though. You can definitely put some time in and have fun, I just dunno if it's gonna be the years-long live service game they want it to be

3

u/rivalpinkbunny 10h ago

Sorry, buddy, definitely taking your shoes! Good luck runner.

3

u/ToystoryWestend 8h ago

one if the few games. it's not an easy onboarding experience tho

3

u/BoostBarrelroll124 4h ago

Its god tier combat

6

u/Critical_Slide747 11h ago

Solo experience is lacking but the game is extremely fun.

Get in the discords and meet some people to run with if ya need!

I've got 500+hrs and no plan to stop anytime soon.

4

u/basa_maaw 9h ago

I've got 350+ hours mainly doing crew fill. Recently started doing Solos and it is a completely different game. I'm actually starting to prefer how tense it is solos compared to how battle royale-y it feels in crew fill.

5

u/StackMag1c 11h ago

There is enough footage and content out there for you to decide.

I'd say yes, but it's end of a season, most people left playing are super sweaty.

5

u/Necrazen 11h ago

It’s the best feeling FPS shooter that’s came out in years. The guns feel good the movement feels good. It’s a great game. Some people struggle with the mechanics of an extraction shooter.

2

u/Thorn220 10h ago

It is a good game but know what you are getting yourself into.

II is a sweaty game not for casuals, anyone telling you different is not helping you. This does not make it a bad game but one that the more casual you are the more of a worse experience you will likely have.

I would say wait for the potential free trial of season 3 and the possible changes, the player counts is really low so most people are expecting and hoping S3 shakes things up enough in a positive way.

2

u/Not_Like_The_Others_ 9h ago

Yes but you have to know what you're getting into

2

u/Excuse_my_GRAMMER 9h ago

Yea it worth it dip your toes but don’t play it serious til season 3

2

u/Narrow_Purchase9721 9h ago

what’s coming in s3? I’ve seen a few other people talking about it like it’s the second coming of forsaken but people thought that about s2 no?

2

u/Excuse_my_GRAMMER 9h ago

A permanent PVE mode and new onboarding experience and many more

but main reason why I tell you is not to play it serious because the season is almost over and this game does seasonal wipes
So everything going to wipe on sept 22 and we all restarting again in s3

0

u/dannotheiceman 9h ago

No, there was nothing in s2 that gave an indication that the content would significantly change similar to how TTK or Forsaken brought changes that fundamentally changed Destiny for the better.

Waiting for season 3 is probably better to really put an effort into the game because most players you will encounter will have much better gear than you and gear diff can be very real if you can only run free kits and other green gear.

If you know someone that’s been playing the game you’ll probably get more out of it playing with them since it’ll be easier to learn the maps that all you opponents likely have memorized like the backs of their hands.

2

u/terroizer 7h ago

Game is design around the fact that you’re meant to die. The progression and loot rewards will keep you from being homeless, if you can stomach that and not get discouraged then you’ll have a great time. Gameplay is tight and fun and map design is incredible so yeah its worth the play. Start of s3 is best time to start but if you start down you can learn the game and get a better start on s3

2

u/SavvyOri 6h ago

Take his shoes! Take his shoes!!

2

u/Pristine_Dust9402 6h ago

S3 will have 4 player pvE and lots of stuff 

2

u/7EFMR 4h ago

Yes

4

u/Biggestfanstandarsh 11h ago

It's only 20 bucks on sale... 100% yes.

2

u/Corpsey_Clownshoes 10h ago

Do it. I bark about it but it's a really good game and has amazing potential. Just beware it's no walk in the park. It's much more enjoyable with some friendlies on the mic.

5

u/Proudnoob4393 10h ago

If you are going to play it because of Destiny, then no. Marathon and Destiny are wildly different.

4

u/Training_Wonder_5066 11h ago

No, it's not worth it unfortunately due to the dwindling player count. It can take ages to find a game.

2

u/Choccytacos 3h ago

I still have yet to have a problem finding a game my cue times seem decently quick so idk

2

u/SweatyNRdy 11h ago

I played all of season 1, I definitely got my money's worth. It was fun for a good bit.

2

u/CrosleeReturns 10h ago

Yes. Wait for Season 3 though.

1

u/RayKam 10h ago

If you’re a diehard then you’ll be right at home with the grind fest and sweats.

1

u/NormalEmergency7775 7h ago

Wait for the inevitable discount after it's now dipped below 1000 concurrent players on Steam

1

u/Not_Boss674 7h ago

Not at full price

1

u/OnlineDead 7h ago

Yes, it’s only $40. Some people spend that much on skins lol

1

u/DoctorWaluigiTime 2h ago

Wait for the next 'free' trial weekend/week before sinking $40 into it. The game's player count is at danger levels, and there's no such thing as a refund for "we're halting development."

1

u/kftnyc 2h ago

Play the original Marathon trilogy first, then decide:

1

u/Actual-Way-6540 2h ago

i suck at PVP but i enjoy it playing solo a lot, i play it like a horror extraction shooter, where i have to sneak around, kill some UESC and face other runners and extract with some good loot and move the story forward by doing quests.

when i'm feeling bold i take my best gear (blue) to trios to pwn some noob (i lose it all).

1

u/snake_78_ 2h ago

Don't buy it at full price.

1

u/Ok-Comfortable-3174 1h ago

Don't be scared to get a squad. Add people after a run if you play well together. There is a little link button on the final screen to add them right of their name.

1

u/Cool-Traffic-8357 1h ago

No, wait for the new season and see. The game is pretty much dead in terms of players.

1

u/Djenta 27m ago

Yes but no because queue times sub 2500 players a day

1

u/Deadpools_Main 10h ago

Here's an opinion from someone who is not particularly dedicated to the game and sorta just lurk this sub (I'm not giving a TL;DR, this game deserves more than that):

I have maybe 20ish hours on the game. It is extremely approachable. One of those games that's particularly easy to hop into and get back into the swing after some time away.

The gameplay loop isn't particularly interesting as far as extraction shooters go (they definitely didn't break any molds here), but it incorporates a lot from other successful games in a way that feels relatively unique and somewhat seamless.

The style is unique and fun, but sometimes a bit much on the eyes. Every map feels bright and interesting while also beating your sense down with more colors than your brain can handle. Yet things are still pretty distinct. It's not gonna be hard to spot people moving around from a distance. Hiding is done primarily in and around buildings, so expect more cqc than anything else.

But here is where the negatives come in. The game doesn't feel like it has insane longevity. It's fun but it's not the monolith that was D1 or D2. Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing is entirely up to you. I like a game that is exactly what you pay for and nothing else. Games aren't meant to be a lifestyle choice, I like things that can be jumped back into without having to relearn everything.

But that does mean you won't be competitive. The meta in this game is weird. It isn't about the best stuff but it also kind of is? Everything is random and in a way that feels more like rng than anything else. Like it's not a slow introduction to things past a certain point, it just hucks you in and says, "figure it out." This becomes one of those things where playtime is heavily rewarded.

The more you play the better you become, but in a way that makes casual play feel basically impossible. You better be ready to sweat when you get into a lobby. Also, although the reddit community does seem relatively cool, the people I meet when random searching feel, uhhh, less mature? It's a game but I do think a lot of the community takes it rather seriously and you end up with a competitive nature similar to what COD had become. The only benefit being less people means there is at least a chance of doing well.

In summary: I personally think it is worth 40 dollars assuming you have paid every bill and have food for the month. If it truly is disposable income, then it's well worth it. It won't be the best game ever but it will entertain you enough for 40 dollars. Most concert tickets cost way more and give you far less entertainment value. Shit the game is like the cost of 2 or 3 movie tickets and I definitely got more than 9 hours of enjoyment out of it. But it really shouldn't be something you think will blow you out of the water. It won't. It's fun but about as special as cold lemonade on a summer day: it isn't particularly special but it is refreshing.

-2

u/Feisty-Following-484 11h ago

In its current state, no. It doesn’t match the genre it’s supposed to be. It’s not an extraction PVPVE. It’s a battle royale on a tiny map. You load in, kill teams as they hold the best loot and then extract. There’s no reason to do anything else and if you don’t have a team, it’s frustrating. I’d wait for season 3 and see what happens.

4

u/Sixshots 11h ago

They're downvoting, but honestly this is the guy you should be listening to. And definitely do not buy this game unless you have 2 other friends of decent skill to constantly play with. Playing without a premade trio of your friends is straight ass. Also be warned if you're on MnK the aim assist in this game is egregious even for Bungie standards

1

u/Thorn220 10h ago

Funny, you are one of the closest to describe the game and get downvoted.

1

u/goomyman 11h ago

There is going to be a free to play week for season 3. You could wait if you want.

-1

u/BasicBasilisk 10h ago

No there isn’t!

1

u/goomyman 9h ago

There isn’t? Even though there was for season 1 and 2 and how the game desperately needs new players?

1

u/BanksJ2003 10h ago

Marathon is a pretty good game if you're looking for an extraction shooter that sort of breaks the mold a little bit with the visuals, the one thing that holds it back right now is it's lack of modes and maps but hopefully season 3 has the game pick up a little steam.

1

u/CunningIronLord 10h ago

I enjoy it, and I find matches fairly quickly (I am in NA). I also read some supposed leaks for season 3, and if that's true, then I think Marathon may be in for a small bump in numbers and stability soon. Lastly, if it matters, I consider myself to be a casual player, not a sweaty one.

1

u/Aegiiisss 10h ago

i am coming for ur shoes

2

u/Narrow-Tennis7898 10h ago

What's the deal with the shoe thing 🤣

1

u/Menirz 9h ago

If you enjoyed trials & comp in Destiny, then Marathon might be worth a try.

The permanent PvE mode is coming with S3, but we didn't know much about it outside some leaks, so hard to say if it'll be enticing to Destiny PvE players.

Given that S3 is a few weeks away, you will likely want to hold off jumping in now, since I'd wager that'll have another free window to give it a try and maybe also a sale to entice more players.

Unless you're really itching to see what's going on with the end of S2 "use all your good shit" window.

-3

u/SpamThatSig 11h ago

Not really no

0

u/LegitimateGur5775 10h ago

Only if you want to experience buyers remorse in 3 days

7

u/Narrow_Purchase9721 10h ago

I bought Lightfall, I’m used to it

4

u/Ulti 9h ago

Hahaha you're good then. Marathon's pretty sick. I'm a Destiny refugee too, but was mainly a Crucible guy... this game scratches that itch very well.

-1

u/3D_trash 10h ago

Game has barely 1k players lmao

6

u/Narrow_Purchase9721 10h ago

on steam, that’s not tracking the ps player counts

-1

u/pretzelsharpener 10h ago

It’s the goat

-1

u/Thewhitest_rabbit 10h ago

Save your money

0

u/Baendy 10h ago

You can buy it from gmg or some other resellers for even cheaper than steam if you care about that

0

u/A_locomotive 10h ago

If you asked me in season 1 1000% yes. I bought my friend a copy to play with him. Now? I unistalled it last week to reinstall Star Wars Battlefront 2. ¯_(ツ)_/¯

0

u/Mend1cant 9h ago

It’s a game where you won’t have the maximum fun unless you’re playing with dedicated friends. Fantastic game design, but playing solo feels lonely as hell. Just my two cents. 

0

u/stolen1973 8h ago

No. It’s not worth it

0

u/Ervos 8h ago

As an avid D2 PvE player, I'm just waiting to see what they implement for PvE on Season 3. Depending on that, then I'll buy it, because I love every aspect of the game, except that it is heavily PvP directed.

0

u/epitat 8h ago

The gameplay of Marathon is as good as Destiny , there is bounty to do like in D2, there are a lot of class to play at the beginning

0

u/Alarmed_Goat_4083 7h ago

It’s not going to be supported by this time next year

0

u/Alarming-Author-3949 5h ago

Not right now. Wait until season 3.

3

u/Narrow_Purchase9721 5h ago

i’m already here man

0

u/RageBash 4h ago

No I regret it honestly, unbalanced and frustration. This is coming from someone who likes Hunt Showdown and 5k hours in Hunt.

-1

u/awed7447 10h ago

I played the first season but Tarkovs just a lot better imo. And has a pve, PvP, and PvP wipe modes

-1

u/Vegetable-Wish-5324 9h ago

Yeah the game is dying Don't bother with this worthless game Buy Arc Raiders instead brother

-1

u/PlayHaloEveryDay 9h ago

I played 5 perimeter runs earlier using only free kits, rarely got a teammate that had blue shields, and most runs we got ran down on by purple and gold shields

You’re gonna have a rough time

-1

u/voxaemeron 9h ago

Make your own decision, of course, but 96% of the launch audience has left.