Marathon Is A Thrilling Shooter With A Big Onboarding Problem

Kotaku

by Ethan Gach

March 1, 2026

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Marathon Is A Thrilling Shooter With A Big Onboarding Problem

Bungie’s *Marathon* has been criticized for its onboarding process, which is causing frustration among players who find the game’s early stages confusing and overwhelming. Despite being a thrilling shooter with engaging gameplay, the title struggles with balancing ammo distribution, clunky UI elements, and inconsistent PVP mechanics, leading to widespread player dissatisfaction. Bungie is actively monitoring these issues, but fans are calling for quicker fixes to preserve the game’s momentum and potential. The onboarding problem stems from the game’s steep learning curve, which fails to provide clear guidance during critical moments. Players report that the limited ammo supply forces them into high-stakes situations too early, making it difficult to understand core mechanics like resource management and enemy patterns. Additionally, the UI is often described as cluttered and unintuitive, further complicating the player experience. While Bungie’s commitment to addressing feedback is commendable, the delays in resolving these issues have raised concerns about the game’s long-term viability. If not fixed soon, *Marathon* risks losing its audience to competitors like *Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II* or *Halo Infinite*, which offer more polished onboarding and balanced gameplay. For gaming enthusiasts, this situation highlights the importance of a smooth and engaging onboarding process in modern shooters. A flawed launch can not only alienate players but also harm a game’s reputation and sales potential. As Bungie works to refine *Marathon*, the stakes are high for both the studio’s credibility and the future of the title itself.

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Originally published on Kotaku on 3/1/2026