Marathon Update 1.0.5.2 is here. Although the patch may seem minor, it introduces important changes that impact gameplay. This update touches movement, Outpost, loot, contracts, and even core systems such as the UI and stability. On top of that, Bungie has also confirmed that audio fixes are coming, and Joe Ziegler has been talking about a potential duos experiment, which could be a big shift for how the game is played.

In this video, I’ll cover the patch contents, its effects on gameplay, upcoming changes, and current player feedback.

Movement changes – Slide cancelling is gone

One of the most important changes in this patch is the fix for slide-cancelling momentum. Previously, players could chain movement by cancelling animations—especially when using equipment or abilities like Thief’s Grapple—allowing fast repositioning with little downside. That’s now been removed.

Bungie says movement should have a cost, whether it’s an ability cost or a risk. They don’t want “free” movement that breaks the game’s pace. So what does this actually mean for you? It means fights are going to slow down slightly. You won’t see players flying around the map in the same way, and aggressive pushes will be more committed. If you go in, you’re taking a risk — and you can’t just rely on movement tech to get you out. This is a big change for high-skill players, especially, because it removes a layer of expression — but it also makes combat more readable and fair.

Outpost changes – Less predictable, more dangerous

Outpost received meaningful patch changes that will affect most players daily. The Tox Warden area now has fewer hiding spots, and Tox plants react when players are near, creating more pressure. Exfil no longer spawns in the same spot every time. This is huge. Previously, players could predict exfil locations and plan routes. Now, you must adapt on the fly, increasing tension and risk.

Pinwheel changes – Better loot, higher stakes.

Pinwheel is the biggest winner in this patch. Loot quality is up across the board, and encounters now match the new reward level.

Pinwheel is now a hotspot—better loot brings more players, more fights, and greater risk.

The Destroyed Wing entrance has reopened, giving players another way in and changing engagements.

The Hub room now has security upgrades, including new requirements and bulletproof glass, making it more controlled and harder to push into.

Overall, Pinwheel is now a higher reward, but also greater danger.

Contracts and progression fixes – Less friction

There are important contract fixes; these remove frustration rather than change gameplay.

Players no longer get locked in rooms during the NuCaloric intro contract. Disabled contracts can be rerolled for free. Incorrect objective markers are fixed.

These small changes improve consistency and reduce frustration.

Stability, UI and performance improvements

This patch brings stability and UI fixes that directly affect gameplay.

Crashes in the Armoury have been fixed, along with performance issues when browsing large inventories. Keybinding has been improved, including the ability to properly clear binds, and text chat issues that caused temporary loss of control have been resolved.

These fixes reduce friction in every session and are vital to player trust.

Audio fixes are coming

Outside the patch notes, Bungie has confirmed that audio fixes are coming—and this is one of the most important areas they need to address. Currently, audio is inconsistent. Some feel sound travels too far, making third-party fights common; others feel it provides too little information, leading to ambushes.

This inconsistency impacts every run. Audio in Marathon isn’t just about immersion—it’s integral to decision-making. If Bungie stabilises this, it could greatly improve the experience.

Duos experiment – A potential game changer

Joe Ziegler commented on duos, especially in Outpost. He’s acknowledged that players are naturally gravitating toward duos and that the team is actively considering this. And these lines up perfectly with what the community has been saying. Many players feel that duos are the ideal way to play Marathon. Trios can feel restrictive, and solos can feel punishing. Duos sit right in the middle — coordinated, but flexible.
If Bungie tests duos, this could significantly change the game’s structure.

Player reactions – Positive direction, but not enough yet

Player feedback on this patch is cautiously positive. Players like Pinwheel changes—better loot and improved encounters are welcome. Movement changes divide players: some agree with Bungie, others miss skill expression. Outpost changes also divide players: some enjoy unpredictability, others dislike the added randomness. But the overall sentiment is consistent. Players see progress, but don’t feel the game is finished yet. There’s still frustration with the economy, progress, and the overall structure. And there’s still a strong feeling that Marathon has huge potential, but needs more time to fully realise it.

Player Feedback + Commentary

“Yeah, slide cancelling needed to go. It looked cool, but it completely broke fights.”

This is really the core of Bungie’s decision. It might reduce some of the flashy movement, but it makes fights more readable and more consistent — especially for the average player.

“This kills some skill expression, but honestly movement was getting out of control.”

And this is the trade-off. Bungie is clearly prioritising balance and clarity over high-end movement tech, which tells you a lot about the direction they want for the game.

“Pinwheel is actually worth running now — the loot finally matches the risk.”

This is exactly what Bungie needed to fix. High-risk areas should feel rewarding, and this change is going to pull a lot more players into those zones.

“Pinwheel is about to be chaos every run now. Everyone’s going there.”

And this is the knock-on effect. Better loot means more players, more fights, and more tension — which is great for gameplay, but also raises the stakes.

“Not knowing where exfil is anymore makes runs way more stressful.”

This is a really important shift. Bungie is removing predictability, which increases tension — but it also makes runs feel less controlled.

“You can’t just run the same route anymore — you actually have to think.”

That’s the intended outcome. Bungie wants players making decisions in the moment, not just repeating optimised routes.

“Audio is all over the place right now — sometimes I hear everything, sometimes nothing.”

And this is why the upcoming audio fixes matter so much. Inconsistent audio breaks trust, and in a game like Marathon, that’s a big problem.

“Gunshots travel way too far. Every fight turns into third-party madness.”

This is something Bungie has already hinted they may have overcorrected, so it’s good to see they’re actively looking at it.

“Duos would be perfect for this game. Trios just feels off sometimes.”

This lines up exactly with what Joe Ziegler has been talking about. Players are already playing this way — Bungie just needs to support it.

“They’re moving in the right direction, but the game still needs a lot of work.”

And this is probably the most honest summary of where Marathon is right now. There’s progress, there’s potential — but it’s not fully there yet.

The real takeaway

Update 1.0.5.2 isn’t a total overhaul, but it’s a meaningful step. It tightens movement, makes Outpost dynamic, boosts key loot, and removes friction. Bungie is looking ahead, with audio fixes and player grouping changes planned. This is Marathon now: a game evolving in real time.

So those are the key changes in Update 1.0.5.2 and what they actually mean for you. I’m curious how this patch feels to you. Do these changes help, or does something still feel missing? Let me know in the comments. If you enjoyed this breakdown, please like and subscribe. I’ll see you in the next one.