Bungie has detailed the extensive networking and security measures for its upcoming game, Marathon, set to launch on March 5, 2026. The developer emphasized the commitment to a smooth and fair online experience, highlighting features such as fully authoritative dedicated servers that ensure fair combat and looting. The game will utilize client-side prediction to enhance gameplay immediacy while maintaining reliable hit registration despite any connection issues. A Fog of War system will limit player awareness of certain areas, adding an extra layer of security against cheats. Importantly, Bungie declared a zero-tolerance policy for cheating, with those caught facing permanent bans. Additionally, Xbox players will receive exclusive gun charms at launch, boosting excitement within the community ahead of the release.

What networking features will Bungie's Marathon include to prevent cheating?

Marathon will incorporate authoritative dedicated servers for combat and looting actions, client-side prediction for immediate gameplay feedback, and a Fog of War system to limit player awareness of certain map areas. Bungie has also designed a comprehensive security stack and announced a permanent ban for anyone found cheating.

Marathon is a reboot of a classic Bungie game initially released in the early 1990s, which helped define the first-person shooter genre. This new iteration aims to integrate modern gaming elements with a focus on competitive multiplayer experiences, positioning it as an extraction shooter that places emphasis on dynamic gameplay within a rich narrative framework. The anticipation surrounding its launch is heightened by its legacy and Bungie's track record with successful franchises.