Bungie’s delayed extraction shooter, Marathon, had its third closed playtest, and as always, the details have leaked online. According to Destiny 2 leaker Deakstiny (via TheGamePost), the leak revealed major changes.
While the original post from the leaker has since been taken down following Bungie’s DMCA action, the information is already circulating among fans. As with any leak, take these details with a grain of salt, but here’s everything we know so far from Playtest 3.
New Runner “Icon” and Her Abilities
The biggest leak from the playtest is the addition of Icon, a new Runner previously teased in promotional art. Icon comes equipped with three distinctive abilities:
- Grapple: Works like Apex Legends’ Pathfinder, and can be used for quick movement or repositioning.
- X-Ray Vision: It highlights all the loot containers and enemy outlines through walls.
- Loot-Stealing Drone: It is a small drone that pulls rare items from enemy inventories and drops them nearby.
These abilities make Icon a mobility and loot specialist, adding fresh new dynamics to the PvP.
Complete UI and Faction Overhaul
It seems Bungie listened to the feedback and has completely revamped the Factions UI. It now offers redesigned screens and detailed 30-second intro cinematics for all six factions: Cyberacme, Nucaloric, Traxus, MIDA, Arachne, and Sekiguchi.
This overhaul not only makes the visuals better with a touch of polish but also strengthens the narrative experience, making factions feel more immersive and central to progression.
Major Cosmetic Reset
If you liked the skins in Marathon, this might be bad news for you. As all cosmetics from earlier tests were removed in this build. Only the default skins were present, also including Icon’s placeholder labeled “Default Skin 01.”
This points to a full overhaul of the cosmetic system, possibly introducing multiple default variants and a customization framework later. Bungie seems to be resetting the cosmetic economy to align with final design standards.
Map Updates: Outpost and Cryo Archive
Two maps were featured in the test:
- Outpost: Old map but with various visual upgrades and a new environmental hazard, which includes minor but impactful things, like sparks that rain down, dealing damage over time, and increasing heat meters.
- Cryo Archive: A new map was introduced. It is set on the iconic UESC Marathon ship and introduces puzzle-like mechanics, locked areas requiring keys, and a multi-zone layout.
While things are still in early development, the changes hint at Bungie’s ambition for dynamic maps and environments.
Hidden Assets and Extended Testing
Leakers have also discovered various lore-heavy elements, which include major references to S’pht Compilers in the files, hinting at a connection to Marathon’s classic roots.
Along with all the current playtests, it seems Bungie is driven by player feedback, as it has also launched a 30-day invite-only remote playtest (Sept 8–Oct 7).
Sure, the game was delayed, but these leaks paint a full picture that if development goes as planned (these leaks hold), Marathon could be one of Bungie’s boldest games yet.
Are these features and upgrades enough to make Marathon a decent extraction shooter? Comment below to let us know.
