Bungie says 'no second chances' if you're caught cheating in Marathon

Engadget

by Jackson Chen

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Bungie has taken a firm stance against cheating in its upcoming extraction shooter, *Marathon*, promising to permanently ban players caught using cheats with no second chances. The developer emphasized that cheaters or those creating cheats will face immediate and lasting consequences, though an appeals system will be available for transparency. This tough approach reflects Bungie’s commitment to ensuring fair gameplay and maintaining a competitive environment. The game features dedicated servers controlling core actions such as movement, shooting, interactions, and inventory management. This server-centric model not only enhances gameplay smoothness but also thwarts common cheats like teleportation, unlimited ammo, or damage manipulation. Additionally, *Marathon* incorporates a "Fog of War" system, which limits players' visibility on the map to specific regions, effectively preventing wall hacks, ESP cheats, and loot revealers from disrupting the game experience. Bungie has also integrated BattlEye, a kernel-level anti-cheat system used in popular games like *Fortnite* and *Destiny 2*, further reinforcing its dedication to cheat prevention. The game’s design ensures players can reconnect seamlessly if they disconnect, with Bungie promising to restore starting gear for those affected by server issues. These measures highlight the developer’s proactive approach to addressing cheating before the game’s March 5 release. With a Server Slam event preview weekend set to begin on February 26, *Marathon* aims to establish itself as a leader in anti-cheat technology. This move is likely driven by the recent challenges faced by competitors like *Arc Raiders*, which implemented a three-strike system but faced criticism for being too lenient. By adopting robust anti-cheat measures, Bungie is positioning *Marathon* as a benchmark for fairness and innovation in multiplayer gaming. For tech enthusiasts and gamers alike, this approach underscores the importance of effective anti-cheat systems in maintaining a balanced and enjoyable gaming experience. As cheating continues to plague competitive shooters, Bungie’s comprehensive strategy signals a significant step forward in addressing this issue, ensuring *Marathon* remains a fair and engaging title for all players.

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Originally published on Engadget on 2/23/2026