Bungie’s latest venture into the multiplayer FPS realm, Marathon, has made a striking impression with its stylish design and engaging gameplay. As the early Marathon Server Slam unfolds, running until March 2, players have the opportunity to explore the game and fine-tune their settings for an optimal experience on mid-range PCs. While the full release is set for March 6, initial impressions suggest that Marathon will not demand the high-end GPU power typically associated with titles like Crysis, making it more accessible to a broader audience. However, Steam Deck users may need to wait for compatibility updates.
Best Marathon settings for PC
Video/Graphics
- Vsync: On
- Frame rate cap: Off
- Field of view: 90°
- Brightness: Default
- Screen bounds: Default
- Graphics quality: High
- Anti-aliasing: DLSS (or FSR for AMD graphics cards)
- Resolution scaling: DLAA or FSR Native AA
- Screen space ambient occlusion: Medium
- Anisotropic filtering: 4x
- Texture quality: High
- Shadow quality: High
- Environment detail distance: High
- Character detail distance: High
- Foliage detail distance: High
- Light shafts: Medium
- Motion blur: Off
- Chromatic aberration: On
- Nvidia Reflex: On
- UI refresh rate: High
In a game that thrives on competitive PvP elements, achieving a swift frame rate paired with clear visuals is essential. While Marathon is not as performance-centric as other esports titles like CS2 or Valorant, the atmospheric experience it offers is equally important. For those utilizing an RTX 4070-based setup at 1080p, the High graphics preset is recommended, with minor adjustments such as switching DLSS upscaling to DLAA for consistent resolution and disabling motion blur to enhance clarity during intense gameplay.
With these configurations, players can expect an average frame rate of 84fps, with 60fps for 1% lows. Interestingly, toggling between Low and Highest graphics presets yields minimal impact on performance, revealing that the visual differences are subtle. The Low setting, however, offers a cleaner aesthetic, potentially providing a competitive advantage by reducing distractions from environmental effects.
For those experiencing frame rate challenges, reverting to the Low preset and adjusting DLSS to Balanced may help stabilize performance.
Best Marathon Sound settings
- Game volume: 10
- SFX volume: 8
- Dialogue volume: 5
- Lobby music volume: 7
- Gameplay music volume: 5
- Voice chat volume: 7
- Mute when not focused: Off
Marathon’s immersive atmosphere is significantly enhanced by its sound design, making it essential to find the right balance in audio settings. While music contributes to the game’s vibe, it can also be a distraction during critical moments. The recommended settings aim to maintain an engaging auditory experience without overwhelming players. For those inclined towards a more competitive approach, turning off music entirely might be the best course of action.
Marathon Steam Deck compatibility
Currently, Marathon is not compatible with the Steam Deck due to its reliance on BattleEye anti-cheat technology, which does not function on Linux systems. However, players using other Windows-based handheld devices, such as the Asus ROG Ally and Xbox Ally X, should find the game runs smoothly, given its moderate system requirements.
Does Marathon need an SSD?
While Marathon does not strictly require an SSD for operation, installing it on an SSD is advisable for improved load times. This can enhance the overall gaming experience, especially for demanding titles. For those considering an upgrade, exploring options in our best gaming SSD guide could provide valuable insights.
How to monitor performance in Marathon
Monitoring performance in Marathon is straightforward, regardless of whether you’re using Nvidia or AMD graphics cards. The game features a built-in FPS counter for immediate feedback on any adjustments made to graphics settings. For more detailed performance metrics, Nvidia users can utilize the Nvidia App to enable an in-game overlay, while AMD users can access performance monitoring through the Radeon overlay. Additionally, free software like CapFrameX can be employed to track frame rates over time, although users should be cautious with Frameview, as it has shown compatibility issues with Marathon.