Bungie Confirms Experimental Duos Mode for Marathon
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Bungie is launching an experimental duos mode for Marathon on March 18, giving players a chance to test two-person squads on the Perimeter map following heavy community demand.
Bungie is wasting no time responding to community feedback since the launch of Marathon. Game director Joseph Ziegler announced that a limited time duos queue is rolling out as an experimental feature. The test goes live on March 18 and will run for approximately two weeks on the Perimeter zone. Players should note that the test will not feature matchmaking, meaning you will need a partner lined up beforehand to jump into the lobby.
Finding the right squad size has been one of the community's primary talking points since day one. Running solo puts players at a distinct disadvantage against coordinated teams, and filling out a trio via random matchmaking often leads to frustrating communication breakdowns. By testing duos on the expansive Perimeter map, the development team is gathering crucial data on how smaller squads change the pacing, map control, and overall intensity of matches. Ziegler has already noted that the UI and structure might feel a bit rough around the edges, but getting the mode into player hands quickly clearly takes priority over polish.
This rapid turnaround shows a welcome willingness from Bungie to iterate in real time based on what the community actually wants. Marathon demands tight coordination, and playing with just one trusted friend often hits that sweet spot for modern extraction shooters. Whether this specific configuration becomes a permanent fixture remains to be seen, but this first test proves that player feedback is actively driving the game's evolution.
Tags: Marathon, Bungie, Extraction Shooter, Gaming News, Multiplayer
Original article: Polygon