Bungie has opened Marathon’s doors through a Server Slam event running from February 26 to March 2, 2026. This free preview weekend allows players across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC to experience the extraction shooter set on Tau Ceti IV before the March 5 full launch. Players control Runners, cybernetic mercenaries exploring the lost colony while testing their skills in PvP-focused gameplay across two zones.
The Server Slam offers a preview of Marathon’s core systems, including faction contracts, Runner shells, and progression mechanics. Bungie is using this period to test anti-cheat systems and gather player feedback. Progress during the Server Slam will bank loot rewards available at launch based on advancement through Runner levels, with exclusive emblems and player backgrounds for participants.
Marathon Server Slam: Complete Access Guide
Free Preview Weekend | February 26 – March 2, 2026
Global Launch Times
The Server Slam starts at 6:00 PM GMT on February 26 and runs until the same time on March 2. Players in different regions can access the preview at the following local times. The event operates on dedicated servers with crossplay enabled across all platforms.
Available Content
Bungie describes the Server Slam as a slice of Marathon’s gameplay, offering enough content for players to understand core mechanics without revealing everything planned for launch. The preview includes two exploration zones, five faction contracts, multiple Runner shells, and various multiplayer options. Content creator OperatorDrewski released a 40-minute gameplay video showing team coordination, AI firefights, and extraction mechanics during a creator event at Bungie headquarters.
Dire Marsh: The colony’s agricultural research hub
Progression Rewards
Progress does not transfer to the full game, but time spent during the Server Slam banks loot rewards available at launch based on Runner level advancement. Everyone completing the introductory mission receives a unique emblem and player background identifying them as part of the first wave of Runners. The March 5 launch will bring additional content including Outpost and Cryo Archive zones, Thief Runner shell, full progression for all six factions with Sekiguchi Genetics, and ranked mode during Season 1.
Platform-Exclusive Rewards
Players on different platforms receive exclusive cosmetic items at launch. These rewards are automatically granted based on the platform used to access Marathon when the game fully releases on March 5.
Key Details
- โข No Pre-Order Required: The Server Slam is available without charge to all players on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam.
- โข Full Launch Date: Marathon releases on March 5, 2026 across all platforms with dedicated servers and crossplay support.
- โข Additional Launch Content: Two additional zones (Outpost set in a UESC military installation and Cryo Archive aboard the derelict UESC Marathon), Thief as the sixth Runner shell, full progression for all six factions including Sekiguchi Genetics, and ranked mode unlocking during Season 1.
- โข Proximity Chat: Players can communicate with nearby Runners to form temporary alliances or negotiate encounters using voice communication.
- โข Cross-Progression: Advancement and unlocks carry across all platforms where Marathon is played on the same account.
- โข Download Availability: The Server Slam client will be available through respective platform storefronts (PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, and Steam) with no pre-load option confirmed at announcement time.
The Marathon Server Slam event provides access to two zones, five faction contracts, multiple Runner shells, and progression systems from February 26 through March 2, 2026. Rewards earned during the preview period will be available at the March 5 full launch. The event includes crossplay functionality, dedicated servers, and proximity chat across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC platforms.
Platform-exclusive cosmetic rewards are granted at launch based on access platform. Additional content releasing with the full game includes two zones, the Thief Runner shell, complete faction progression for six factions, and ranked mode during Season 1. Related gaming developments include League of Legends patch updates and Marvel’s Wolverine release information.