Marathon, the new reincarnation of it as an extraction shooter, will host a “server slam” this weekend to give everyone a chance to play it for free ahead of launch next week.
Here’s the details you need to know about it:
Marathon Server Slam Start Time
Marathon Server Slam goes live on February 26, 10 AM PT (February 27, 2 AM Malaysia Time, +8 GMT) and lasts until March 2, 10 AM PT (March 3, 2 AM Malaysia Time).
The Marathon server slam has cross-play and cross-save enabled. It’s also completely free, no PS Plus/Xbox Game Pass subscription required.
(The full version of Marathon, however, do require PS Plus/Game Pass. It’s a paid game and all premium titles require a subscription for online multiplayer on consoles.)
There is no preload for the Marathon Server Slam. It’ll be live to download when the Server Slam goes live.
What To Expect From Marathon Server Slam
Developer Bungie has said upfront to expect login issues, servers going down for maintenance with little notice, and even issues like disconnects and error codes. This is a server slam, or rather a technical stress test, in that they’re throwing as many people on the servers to slam it and find issues to be fixed so that the launch day experience goes smoother.
As far as content, the Marathon Server Slam doesn’t have everything from the full game, but there’s a lot ot chew on:
- Two zones (Perimeter, Dire Marsh) (two more zones coming in full game)
- Contracts and progression for five factions: CyberAcme, NuCaloric, Traxus, MIDA, and Arachne (no Sekiguchi Genetics) (progression does not carry over to full game)
- Five of six Runner shells available, plus Rook (no Thief)
- Solo, crew (three-player squads), prox chat
Rewards For Participating Marathon Server Slam
If you came in to the server slam, you’ll be getting a jamful of rewards to bring into Marathon. These includes the following:
- Complete the introductory mission
- Beta.exe emblem
- Complex Study player background
- Complete first mission: Standard Arrival Cache that includes:
- Standard implants (6x)
- Standard Runner shell cores (4x)
- Standard weapon chip mods (6x)
- Weapons: Overrun and Hardline
- Reach Runner Level 10: Enhanced Arrival Cache (Green) that includes:
- 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: Deluxe Arrival Cache (Blue) that includes:
- 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: Enhanced Base Backpack
The Marathon series was a trilogy of first-person shooter Bungie made before they got big with Halo. The series features a fascinating sci-fi world with a lot of worldbuilding. While Marathon (2026) will play nothing like the original, hints of the old lore are permeating throughout this new incarnation, including the game’s tagline: “Escape Will Make Me God.”
Marathon (2026) launches on March 5 for the PS5, PC (Steam) and Xbox Series X|S.