Marathon Hits Top 5 on Steam Best Sellers After Pre-Orders Open

Ali Ahmed Akib
By Ali Ahmed Akib
3 Min Read
Image Credit: Bungie

Bungie’s highly anticipated extraction shooter Marathon has rocketed onto the Steam best sellers list, sitting at number five after launching pre-orders ahead of its March 5, 2026, release. This early performance highlights strong interest from players eager to dive into its intense PvPvE action and sci-fi world.

Massive Interest From Fans

Securing a top place on Steam’s best sellers chart for pre-orders shows Marathon is resonating with the gaming community even before launch. Steam’s rankings are based on revenue, meaning strong pre-order sales can reflect both hype and confidence in the title, especially in a period with fewer major releases. Gamers are responding enthusiastically to the demo footage and the promise of a fresh extraction shooter experience backed by Bungie.

Gameplay and Core Features Driving Player Excitement

In Marathon, players step into the role of bio-cybernetic Runners dropped into high-risk zones where survival depends on skill, strategy, and teamwork. Whether operating solo or in a team of three, players must navigate hazardous environments like the Cryo Archive to loot gear, complete faction contracts, and extract before rival squads or AI threats can stop them. The moddable weapons and customizable implants are core to the game’s risk-versus-reward loop, creating dynamic encounters every match.

Cross-Platform Support and Included Bonuses

Another factor helping Marathon attract attention is its full cross-play and cross-save support across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam. This means players can team up with friends regardless of platform, increasing its community appeal. Pre-ordering before the bonus cut-off date brings additional rewards; aside from the core package starting at $39.99, early supporters can unlock exclusive weapon cosmetics and crossover content tied to Destiny 2. Deluxe and collector’s editions further add in-game passes, tokens, and physical collectibles, including an LED-lit Runner statue.

A Solid Voice Cast & Production Value Elevates the Excitement

Fans have also pointed to the polished trailer and the game’s presentation as key reasons for the buzz around Marathon. The English voice cast, featuring well-known talents such as Ben Starr, Neil Newbon, and Roger Clark, elevates narrative moments and helps build immersion in the game’s world. This level of production value is one more reason many players feel confident putting down a pre-order.

Landing in the top five of Steam’s best sellers list ahead of launch is a strong indicator of Marathon’s potential impact. While pre-orders don’t guarantee long-term success, the early sales performance shows that Bungie’s pivot to the extraction shooter genre has generated substantial interest. As launch day approaches, all eyes will be on how Marathon performs in live playtests and early reviews from the community.

ali ahmed akib
By Ali Ahmed Akib Editor-in-chief
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Ali Ahmed Akib is the Co-Founder and Editor-in-chief of GameRiv. Akib grew up playing MOBA titles, especially League of Legends and is currently managing the editorial team of GameRiv.