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Marathon is a constantly online extraction shooter that you can play alone or with a team of three players, with matchmaking options available. However, playing with only one friend and no others wasn’t possible at first. That changed a few weeks after launch when an update introduced an experimental Duos mode.
What does Duos add to the game? Does it change how you play? In this guide, we’ll cover everything about Marathon’s Duos mode, how to get started, and some tips to make your experience better.
Keep in mind: Duos is a limited-time feature that Bungie is testing out. It will be available for at least two weeks starting from March 18.
How To Play Duos
To join Duos, you need to invite a friend or someone from your contact list. Currently, there’s no matchmaking for Duos, and solo runs are not an option.
Once your friend is ready, select the zone called Perimeter Duo—it’s the only map available for now. There are no other requirements, and the gameplay remains the same. Below, we’ll share some tips and important things to remember.
This mode was added during the same week that the Archive Cryo and Ranked modes were launched. Be sure to check out their guides for more details.
How Does the Pacing Change?
One common question is whether the gameplay pace is different with Duos. The answer is yes. After some hours playing this mode, it’s clear that the pace slows down. You might encounter fewer fights and experience longer pauses between encounters. Since squads are smaller, players tend to be more cautious and avoid engaging in every possible fight. This makes runs feel slower—but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Expect to see more careful players. Always be aware of your sounds and position, as the gameplay varies; you might run into no one at all, or face a skilled duo that takes you down with simple mistakes.
Team Composition for Duos
Our recommendations for team setups in three-player squads still apply here. We suggest always having a medic, like the Triage class, to provide healing support.
You can also succeed with one player focused on environmental awareness (such as Recon) and the other dealing high damage (like Destroyer). Find a good balance that helps you during fights and while looting.
Be Careful When Facing UESC Units
Going against UESC units, especially the rarer enemy machines, can be more dangerous in Duos. Without a full squad, there’s less backup for revives, sharing items, or dealing damage.
Overwhelming UESC units can catch you off guard. We experienced a tough time in the Hauler area with a small team, especially when we hadn’t looted much beforehand. The enemy can surprise you by quickly overpowering your team. Always decide carefully when to engage these enemies.
The Main Goal Remains the Same
In Duos, your objectives stay unchanged: you need to enter the map, loot supplies, survive, and escape successfully. How you approach these goals depends on what you and your teammate want—whether it’s looting everything, hunting for runners for fun, or focusing on completing Contracts.
My teammate and I enjoyed completing exploration Contracts in Perimeter, so that’s what we recommend. While Perimeter isn’t the richest loot zone in the game, it’s useful for starting out or when your storage is empty.
As for PvP battles, they’re now more tense with fewer players, but luck can play a bigger role. Always stay cautious and remember that stakes are different in Duos.
This mode was introduced during an active testing phase, so keep an eye out for any future updates or changes.
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