Bungie spills the beans on combat tuning for Marathon Season 2, and it’s bad news for shotgun lovers and thermal snipers
Bungie has detailed the combat tuning changes coming to Marathon in Season 2, aiming to make player choices feel more intentional during matches on Tau Ceti IV through extensive rebalancing of gunfights and loadout options.
Season 2 introduces several new features alongside the combat rework: a new map, a defence-focused shell class, and a revamped runner upgrade system. Bungie is also offering a free week of access for players who haven’t yet tried the game, creating an entry point for new players before the season launches.
The combat changes are described as “many and nuanced,” with the primary goal of expanding player agency in both preparation and engagement phases. The update brings significant adjustments to existing weapons and strategies. Notably, shotguns and thermal snipers are receiving nerfs, reducing the viability of these previously popular loadouts. These changes appear designed to curb dominant strategies while creating a more balanced meta where loadout choices carry greater weight and consequence.
The rebalancing reflects Bungie’s broader vision for Season 2: encouraging more deliberate and varied approaches to combat rather than reliance on certain dominant weapon classes. The combination of new content, system changes, and combat rebalancing signals a significant shift for the live-service shooter as it enters its second season.