Bungie introduced an experimental 'duos' mode in Marathon; however, players immediately noticed that it featured some highly unusual restrictions.
The new 'Duos' mode officially became available on March 18, 2026; however, Bungie stated that it is being tested for only about two weeks.
One of the strangest limitations is that, currently, the 'Duos' mode can only be played within the 'Perimeter Zone' rather than throughout the entire game.
Another major limitation is the lack of matchmaking, meaning that in this test version, players cannot queue up with a random partner.
To enter this mode, players must personally invite their friends; as a result, this feature feels more limited than many had anticipated.
Bungie stated that this version is a prototype; furthermore, some parts of this mode also feel "a bit chaotic."
Before further expanding the 'Duos' mode, the studio is using this small test to study map flow, loot balance, player behavior, and queue performance.
There has been a strong demand from the community for Duos since previous tests, as many players find it easier to form two-person teams than full squads.
Although the rules are unusual, many players view this as a significant step forward, as Bungie is finally testing one of the most highly requested features in this mode.
For the moment, Marathon's latest update is both exciting and troublesome; while it offers fans a new way to play, it also leaves them confused with its peculiar limitations.