Bungie is taking an important step towards new players with the second season of the Marathon game. As part of the new period that will start on June 2, the game can be experienced free of charge for a week.

This free trial period, which will last between June 2 and June 9, will be valid on Steam, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S platforms. All progress made by players during this period will be transferred to their accounts if they purchase the full version of the game.

Contents and gameplay changes coming with the new era

The fact that current players’ item chests and arsenals will be reset at the end of the season balances the competition for beginners. This way, everyone will have an equal starting point when it comes to weapons and upgrades.

One of the most notable innovations of the second period stands out as the nighttime Dire Marsh map, which has the theme of cosmic anxiety. Bungie states that this map offers a slower-paced and survival-oriented experience compared to the daytime version.

The Sentinel class added to the game is defined as a defense-oriented expert. Thanks to the Defender System ability, players can deploy a defense drone that protects against grenades and missiles.

The Sentinel class also has a short-range motion tracking system familiar from the Halo series. This system helps determine defense strategies more effectively by monitoring the activity around.

Character development with Cradle system

The newly added Cradle system allows players to convert their excess weapons and equipment into experience points. These points can be used to improve the character’s statistics and various abilities.

Bungie says this system offers a progression path independent of the faction system, reducing the need for players to always search for high-level salvage items for upgrades. Players have the opportunity to try different strategies by changing their Cradle configurations whenever they want.

The studio aims to introduce new PvE modes and a more advanced starting experience to players with Season 2. With this free trial week, Bungie is expected to expand its player base and gain positive momentum for the future of the game.

What do you think about Marathon’s new content and free trial period?