Marathon is a futuristic PvPvE extraction shooter with a derelict setting, releasing perhaps awkwardly close to ARC Raiders, which is a futuristic PvPvE Extraction shooter with a derelict setting.
Now that we’ve mentioned the obvious, let’s talk about the Marathon system requirements to see if your PC is capable enough for roaming whatever remains of Tau Ceti IV.
Marathon Recommended Specs
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit with latest Service Pack
- CPU: Intel Core i5-10400 / AMD Ryzen 5 3500
- RAM: 16 GB
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 2060 (6 GB) / AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT (8 GB) / Intel Arc A770 (16 GB, with ReBAR on)
- DirectX Version: 12
Marathon Minimum Specs
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit with latest Service Pack
- CPU: Intel Core i5-6600 / AMD Ryzen 5 2600
- RAM: 8 GB
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti (4 GB) / AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT (4 GB) / Intel Arc A580 (8 GB, with ReBAR on)
- DirectX Version: 12
Overall, these specs are encouragingly accessible. We imagine this is due in part to the not-quite-photorealistic vibe this game is going for. One thing of note is that the specs on the Steam Store page for Marathon specifically notes that if you’re using an Intel Arc GPU, you’ll need ReBAR on.
Can I Run Marathon?
Probably not. You’re a gamer. Honestly though, with the fairly relaxed specs, unless your PC is getting entirely senile, you’ll be ok. If you were to upgrade something, we’d suggest a new GPU, only because it can’t hurt and might help more in other games. A 5070 Ti or a 9060 XT will keep your PC current for a few more years and allow you to give Marathon a try.
What Kind of Game is Marathon?
We mentioned the genres at the beginning of this page as part of a snippy joke, but let’s be a bit more descriptive here.
Marathon is set in the far future on a planet called Tau Ceti IV and is actually a reboot of a series of games Bungie made back in the 90s. Though only the futuristic space setting and name remain as the original games were standard FPSs.
This Marathon will require you to explorer the rundown world in search of resources, while avoiding or battling with other players and environmental hazards. You have a choice of six different “Runner Shells” which are basically like classes, meaning that depending on your choice, new playstyles might be needed.
Visually, the game looks very cool, like a mixture of the animated Spider-Verse movies and No Man’s Sky. This combined with class-based extraction shooter gameplay might be enough to set this game apart. Not to mention that it’s the first game we’ve seen from legendary developer Bungie since 2017.
