Marathon Symbiosis Update Is 8 December: PvE Expedition Mode, Bishop, a 3v3 Deathmatch and a Free Open Play Week

Marathon Symbiosis, the next big update for Bungie's extraction shooter, launches on Tuesday, 8 December 2026. It's the biggest change since launch: Marathon's first PvE-only mode, Expedition, an experimental 3v3 Deathmatch, a social hub called Limbo, a blade-wielding new Runner shell called Bishop, two new weapons and an overgrown Perimeter map. And from 8 December to 15, everyone can play the full game free during an Open Play Week.

Marathon Symbiosis at a glance

When does the Marathon Symbiosis update come out?

8 December 2026, "for all players", according to the PlayStation Blog. Marathon has full cross-play and cross-save.

What is Expedition, Marathon's new PvE mode?

Expedition is "phase 1 of a new PvE-only mode built around a three-run series". You can go solo or with a crew, and pick up Flash Boosts to shape your build during a run. Bungie calls it a permanent mode, so this is the start, not a one-off event.

What else is new in Symbiosis?

• Deathmatch (beta): bite-sized 3v3 Team Deathmatch where two crews fight for points without risking their permanent loadouts.
• Limbo: a new social space to meet other Runners, test weapons and gear in firing ranges, and settle things in a dueling pit.
• Bishop: a new Runner shell "built around the fantasy of a fast, surgical blade-wielding robot".
• V17 Flamethrower for short-range area denial, and the Maverick, a hand-cannon revolver.
• Perimeter: fungal growth and alien life have changed the zone, adding the underground Burrows and the submerged Reservoir, where the Tick Queen lurks.

Can I play Marathon for free?

Yes, for a week. During the Open Play Week from 8 December to 15, anyone can download and play the full game, including Expedition, Bishop and the new Perimeter. If you buy Marathon afterwards, you keep everything you unlocked.

What is the Crew Up event?

Crew Up runs from 8 December (12pm PT / 20:00 GMT / 21:00 CET) to 22 December (10am PT). Redeem the code DMA-T7Y-XJL at bungie.net/redeem once Symbiosis is live, then complete Crew Up challenges in Expedition with at least one friend who has also redeemed it (it can't be done solo). Rewards include the Queen's Nest emblem, a Queen's Maw weapon sticker, a Cluster Bunch charm, the Arata Vectus Destroyer skin and the Exterminator title. After the free week, you need to own the game to keep playing the event.

Watch the Marathon Symbiosis trailer

The official Symbiosis gameplay trailer from PlayStation's YouTube channel.

More shooters on iGame Magazine

• Helldivers 2 November Dev Blog: Arrowhead Apologizes for the Roadmap, Brings Back Cosmetic Mods and Reveals the December Update: another live-service shooter's December plans
• The Best Games of 2026 So Far, Ranked by Critics: the best-reviewed games of 2026

FAQ