Bungie has officially released the PC system requirements for its highly anticipated upcoming title, Marathon, and they are significantly more accessible than many industry observers had predicted. The developer confirmed that the game is scheduled for launch on March 5, 2026, across multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Surprisingly Modest Hardware Demands
Given Marathon's distinctive visual style, which blends a vibrant 'Y2K' aesthetic with realistic lighting and shadow effects, expectations were high for demanding PC specifications. However, Bungie's revealed requirements suggest the game can run effectively on hardware that is, in some cases, over seven years old. This development is particularly welcome news for gamers amid ongoing concerns about soaring hardware costs.
Detailed PC Specifications for Marathon
The minimum PC requirements are designed to allow the game to run on older systems. They include:
- Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit (latest Service Pack)
- Processor: Intel Core i5-6600 or AMD Ryzen 5 2600
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti (4 GB), AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT (4 GB), or Intel Arc A580 (8 GB, with ReBAR enabled)
- DirectX: Version 12
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
For an enhanced experience, the recommended specifications are also notably modest:
- Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit (latest Service Pack)
- Processor: Intel Core i5-10400 or AMD Ryzen 5 3500
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 2060 (6 GB), AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT (8 GB), or Intel Arc A770 (16 GB, with ReBAR enabled)
- DirectX: Version 12
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
Context and Implications for Gamers
The recommended graphics card, the RTX 2060, was originally launched in January 2019, indicating that Bungie has optimised Marathon to perform well on hardware that is now considered dated. According to recent data from Steam's hardware survey, the most popular GPU among users is the RTX 3060, which suggests a vast number of PC gamers already possess systems capable of meeting or exceeding these requirements.
This accessibility means that if your PC components are from the last six years or so, you should be well-positioned to run Bungie's latest project. However, it is important to note that these specifications are likely tailored for a baseline experience, such as 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second. Players aiming for higher resolutions like 4K or smoother frame rates may need to invest in more powerful, contemporary hardware.
Opportunity to Test Performance Before Launch
Bungie is further supporting players by organising a free preview weekend scheduled for February 2026, ahead of the official launch. This initiative will allow gamers to test how well Marathon runs on their specific systems, providing valuable performance insights and alleviating potential concerns about hardware compatibility.
While the final performance benchmarks will only be confirmed upon release, the currently outlined PC requirements for Marathon represent a promising and inclusive approach from Bungie, potentially broadening the game's audience significantly.
