Marathon's Open Play Week and Season 2: Nightfall — Everything You Need to Know

This is a limited-time event, not a permanent switch to a free-to-play model. After June 9, the game returns to its standard $40 price tag . Crucially, all progress earned during the free week carries over permanently. Any levels, unlocks, and gear you obtain will be waiting for you if you choose to buy the game later .

What Season 2: Nightfall Brings

Season 2 launches on June 2 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET and introduces a major overhaul alongside its new content .

The Full Seasonal Wipe

To ensure a level playing field, almost all player progression from Season 1 is being wiped. This reset affects Runner Level, Ranked Level, Faction Level and upgrades, all stored weapons and gear, currency, and unclaimed rewards . What is preserved includes achievements, cosmetics, permanent titles, and non-seasonal Codex progression .

New Zone: Night Marsh

The headline addition is the Night Marsh, a nighttime variant of the existing Dire Marsh map that emphasizes darkness mechanics and survival horror. Players will rely on new equipment like flashlights, Vector rounds (which create pools of light), and Darksight scopes to navigate and hunt effectively .

New Runner Shell: Sentinel

A new defensive Runner shell called Sentinel joins the roster. It is designed for controlling space and shaping encounters, adding a fresh tactical option for squads .

New Weapons

Two new weapons have been confirmed for the season: the KKV (a pistol-frame SMG with an integrated suppressor) and the D54 Battle Pistol .

The Cradle Customization System

The Cradle is a new system that lets you directly customize Runner shell stats, separating stat progression from the faction reputation grind for more direct control over your build .

Additional Updates

A new two-player duo queue arrives on a rotating daily map, faction progression will be faster from the start, and numerous quality-of-life improvements based on player feedback are included .

Is There a Discount on the Full Game?

The standard price for Marathon remains $39.99 . While the game has seen discounts in the past—such as a 20% sale bringing it to $31.99 in April 2026, and third-party deals as low as $26.99 via Newegg—there is no confirmed specific discount tied directly to the Open Play Week itself in the reporting available . The primary incentive to participate is the free trial and progress carryover, not a guaranteed reduced purchase price.

Why Bungie Is Doing This

Marathon launched on March 5, 2026, to a struggling reception. Player counts dropped significantly after release, and the game drew unfavorable comparisons to Concord, a notorious live-service flop . Bungie has also effectively ended major support for Destiny 2, putting immense pressure on Marathon to succeed as the studio's primary live game .

The Open Play Week is a direct response to these challenges. By offering the full game at no cost right when a fresh, even-footing season begins, Bungie is making an aggressive bid to convert skeptical players, boost word-of-mouth, and rapidly expand the community .