If you've been following the development of Bungie's upcoming extraction shooter Marathon, you've likely heard about the game's planned "wipes"—periodic resets that will clear out player progress and gear. For fans of the genre, this isn't entirely new territory; games like Escape from Tarkov and ARC Raiders have their own versions of these systems. But Marathon is putting its own spin on things, and the details Bungie has shared reveal a design philosophy that's as much about emotional stakes as it is about gameplay balance.

How Often Will Marathon Reset Your Progress?

Marathon's wipes will occur every three months, aligning with the start of each new Season. This isn't a suggestion or an optional mode—it's mandatory for all players. Bungie has been clear that they want everyone to begin each Season on equal footing, with the same sense of vulnerability and threat. The idea is to keep the world feeling dynamic and unpredictable, where death always looms and your hard-earned gear is never truly safe.

Think of it this way: every three months, the slate is wiped clean. You'll lose almost everything you've accumulated, forcing you to rebuild from scratch. But there's a silver lining here. The final week of each Season becomes a kind of chaotic playground, where players can dive into zones without fear of losing their best gear. It's a moment of pure, unbridled fun—a chance to go all-out with your favorite weapons before everything resets.

What Stays and What Goes?

So, what exactly do you lose when a wipe hits? Pretty much everything tangible. All your collected gear, purchased upgrades, and Faction Ranks will vanish. You'll be back at square one, needing to grind your way up from a novice Runner to someone capable of tackling endgame challenges. It's a harsh system, but it's designed to keep the game fresh and competitive.

But not everything is lost. Here's what you get to keep:

  • Cosmetics
  • Achievements
  • Codex Progression
  • Liaison Contract

This means your visual customizations and long-term progression milestones remain intact. You won't have to re-unlock the game's six Factions each Season, which at least gives you a head start. Still, the bulk of your power and status will need to be rebuilt from the ground up.

The Emotional Calculus of Starting Over

At first glance, Marathon's wipe system might seem punishing—and in many ways, it is. But there's a deeper emotional logic at play here. By forcing everyone to reset regularly, Bungie is creating a shared experience of vulnerability. That moment when you lose your best gear isn't just a setback; it's a story you'll share with other players. It's the thrill of those final, carefree days before a wipe, and the collective grind that follows.

This isn't just about fairness or balance. It's about crafting a world that feels alive and dangerous, where every Season brings new opportunities and new risks. For players, that means embracing the cycle of loss and renewal—and finding joy in the chaos that comes with it.

Marathon's wipes might not be for everyone, but they're a bold choice that reflects Bungie's commitment to keeping the game tense, engaging, and emotionally resonant. Whether you're a veteran of extraction shooters or a newcomer to the genre, it's worth understanding how these resets will shape your experience.