Marathon's Server Slam gives players worldwide a chance to experience Bungie's extraction shooter before its March 5 launch. The open preview runs from February 26 at 10 AM PT through March 2 at 10 AM PT on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, with full cross-play and cross-save support.
Quick answer: Download Marathon from your platform's store during the Server Slam window (February 26–March 2), complete the introductory mission to unlock a unique emblem and player background, and reach Runner Level 10 or 30 to earn tiered gear packages that carry over to the full game at launch.
Server Slam start time: February 26, 2026 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET / 6 PM GMT
What's Available in the Server Slam
The Server Slam introduces Marathon's core gameplay loop across two zones: Perimeter, an edge-site expansion on the colony's outskirts, and Dire Marsh, the agricultural research hub. You'll take on opening contracts for five factions—CyberAcme, NuCaloric, Traxus, MIDA, and Arachne—and progress through early faction levels and progression trees.
Five of the six Runner shells available at launch are playable during the Server Slam, plus Rook in scavenger mode. Solo queue and proximity chat are both enabled, allowing you to form uneasy alliances with other players or tackle runs alone. The Server Slam serves as an introduction to Marathon's gameplay, offering enough content to learn the systems without revealing everything planned for launch.
Server Slam Rewards That Carry Over to Launch
Progress made during the Server Slam does not carry over to the full game, but you'll earn permanent rewards based on specific milestones. Everyone who completes the introductory mission receives a unique emblem and player background commemorating the event.
Complete your first mission to unlock the Standard Arrival Cache:
- Standard implants (6x)
- Standard Runner shell cores (4x)
- Standard weapon chip mods (6x)
- Weapons: Overrun and Hardline
Reach Runner Level 10 to unlock the Enhanced Arrival Cache (Green):
- Enhanced implants (6x)
- Enhanced Runner shell cores (2x for each shell, 12x total)
- Enhanced weapon chip mods (4x)
- Weapons: Enhanced Magnum and Enhanced Hardline
Reach Runner Level 30 to unlock the Deluxe Arrival Cache (Blue):
- Deluxe and Enhanced implants (3x each, 6x total)
- Deluxe and Enhanced Runner shell cores (1x each for each shell, 12x total)
- Deluxe and Enhanced weapon chip mods (2x each, 4x total)
- Weapons: Deluxe Magnum and Enhanced Volley Rifle
- Backpack: Deluxe Base Backpack
These rewards provide a stronger starting loadout when Marathon launches on March 5, giving Server Slam participants an advantage in early runs on Tau Ceti IV.
What's Added at Launch and in Season 1
The full game at launch includes two additional zones—Outpost and Cryo Archive—bringing the total to four maps. A sixth Runner shell called Thief becomes available, along with full progression trees for all six factions. Ranked mode launches alongside the base game, and Bungie promises additional secrets and surprises.
Season 1 content expands Marathon's endgame with the Cryo Archive zone, which may open shortly after launch to give players time to gear up. The endgame map features progressively harder vaults, with the final vault offering raid-like mechanics and a compiler encounter.
Platform-Specific Rewards
PlayStation Plus members receive three exclusive weapon charms at launch: the Ghost of Yōtei Onryō Weapon Charm, the Death Stranding 2 Battle Guitar Weapon Charm, and the Helldivers 2 For Freedom Weapon Charm. These charms can be redeemed through the PlayStation Plus Exclusive Packs page once Marathon launches on March 5.
Weapon charms for PC and Xbox players have not been revealed yet, but Bungie confirmed platform-specific cosmetics will be available for all platforms.
Pre-Order Bonuses
Pre-ordering Marathon unlocks additional rewards at launch, including weapon cosmetics, an emblem, and a player background. Players who link their Bungie.net account also receive three Destiny 2 rewards: the UE-SC Echo-type Shell Exotic Ghost, UESC Rover Exotic Ship, and UESC Splinter Exotic Sparrow.
The Marathon Deluxe Edition ($49.99) includes 200 SILK rewards pass tokens, weapon and Runner cosmetics, and a premium rewards pass voucher. The Standard Edition is priced at $39.99.
A Marathon Collector's Edition is available separately, featuring a 1/6-scale Thief Runner Shell statue, a collectible miniature WEAVEworm, and additional physical items inspired by Sekiguchi Genetics' shell-weaving process.
The Server Slam offers the first hands-on experience with Marathon's extraction shooter mechanics, faction contracts, and Runner shell customization. Completing milestones during the event provides tangible advantages at launch, making participation worthwhile for anyone planning to play Marathon when it releases on March 5.