Updated

Bungie is launching its Symbiosis update for Marathon on December 8, adding a co-op PvE roguelite mode called PvE Expeditions, a new social space and a Team Deathmatch mode. A free-to-play week runs December 8 to 15 to draw in new players. IGN reported that the update reshapes the early-game Perimeter zone, which it previously described as either a constant fight against other players or completely dead. The expanded zone adds alien trees, dark caves leading to a new point of interest called Reservoir, and a giant crab boss. The PvE Expeditions mode lets players face tougher challenges without other players, with metaprogression, in-match upgrades called Flash Boosts, and different layouts each run. The new social space, Limbo, lets friends gather and test kits, including the new Runner Shell Bishop. Symbiosis also adds new weapons and gadgets. IGN's coverage frames the PvE mode as a sign that Bungie wants to win back players who were put off by ambushes and player-versus-player fights. The article describes the mode as standalone rather than like Arc Raiders' approach, and says Bungie's design should be good, which is the outlet's own opinion.