Marathon’s Symbiosis update adds PvE Expedition mode on December 8

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Bungie has detailed Marathon’s Symbiosis update, which arrives December 8 for all players. The update’s biggest addition is Expedition, a PvE-only mode built around a three-run series where solo players or crews can take on combat and environmental challenges without PvP threats.

Symbiosis also kicks off an Open Play Week from December 8 to December 15, letting anyone download and play the full game during that window. Bungie says progress and unlocked items will carry over if players buy Marathon afterward.

  • Expedition is launching in “Phase 1” as a permanent PvE mode, with Flash Boosts used to shape builds during a run.
  • Perimeter is being reworked with fungal growth, alien life, and new areas including the Burrows and Reservoir.
  • Deathmatch beta adds short 3v3 Team Deathmatch matches where players don’t risk their permanent loadouts.
  • Limbo is a new social space with firing ranges and a dueling pit.
  • The Bishop Runner shell adds a fast, blade-focused robotic Runner option.
  • New weapons include the V17 Flamethrower and the Maverick revolver.

Bungie is also running a Crew Up event from December 8 at 12 p.m. PT through December 22 at 10 a.m. PT. The event is tied to Expedition and requires players to team up with at least one other person who has redeemed the event code, DMA-T7Y-XJL, through bungie.net/redeem once Symbiosis is live.

Crew Up challenges unlock Codex entries and cosmetics, including the Queen’s Nest emblem, Queen’s Dominion background, Queen’s Maw weapon sticker, Cluster Bunch weapon charm, Arata Vectus Destroyer skin, and Exterminator title. During Open Play Week, players who don’t own Marathon can still join in at no extra cost. After December 15, they’ll need a Marathon license to keep playing through the rest of the event.

Further reading: Official Bungie: Marathon Symbiosis Open Play Week and Crew Up Event