Marathon Confirms Server Slam Dates That Let You Play Early

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This article was updated on 16 February 2026 with an updated and embedded version of the launch trailer. It was first published on February 12, 2026.

Marathon fans will get their chance to try the game early before it launches as Bungie revealed new details about its upcoming extraction shooter while also confirming Server Slam dates. The long and winding development path for Marathon is fast approaching the light at the end of the tunnel, with its release just weeks away. From an overwhelming alpha test, various controversies like being accused of plagiarism, to a delay, Marathon have just seen it all during its long development.

In fact, MarathonDelaying the release to 2026 may have been the best thing for the game, as it not only avoids the large amount of ARC Raidersand it's a huge launch last year, but it gave the development team more time to further refine the game and add much requested features like proximity chat. Additionally, the available skins, the characters players can choose from, also received a new pass, while new ones were added to the launch roster such as the “free loadout” Rook and the battle medic known as Triage. For those who may still be on the fence, Bungie is giving everyone a chance to go hands-on with Marathon before its release.

marathon aggression-based matchmaking

Bungie reveals if Marathon will adopt ARC Raider's aggression-based matchmaking

Marathon developer Bungie reveals whether its new extraction shooter will adopt an ARC Raiders-style matchmaking system based on aggression.

Marathon Server Slam Dates

  • February 26 at 10 a.m. PT to March 2 at 10 a.m. PT

As part of Sony's PlayStation State of Play, Marathon got the spotlight to show off more of its world and what players will be diving into on March 5th. As the studio promised last month, Marathon get a Server Slam started on February 26 at 10:00 a.m. PT/1:00 p.m. ET and runs through the weekend as it ends on March 2, just days before Marathon launched on March 5. Not only does this give players a chance to check out Marathon and see if it's something they're interested in, Bungie is also giving away some rewards for the launch.

Specifically, rewards will be earned based on how far players progress during the Slam, with new gear offered for completing the first mission, reaching Runner Level 10, and then Runner Level 30. Here's the full breakdown:

Standard Arrival Cache – Complete 1 mission

  • Standard implants (6x)

  • Standard Runner shell cores (4x)

  • Standard Weapon Chip Mods (6x)

  • Weapons: Overrun and Hardline

Improved arrival cache – reach runner level 10

  • Enhanced Implants (6x)

  • Enhanced Runner Shell Cores (2x for each shell, 12x total)

  • Improved Weapon Chip Mods (4x)

  • Weapons: Enhanced Magnum and Enhanced Hardline

Deluxe Arrival Cache – reach runner level 30

  • 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

marathon playstation weapon charms Image via Bungie

Keep in mind that the Marathon Server Slam is only part of the whole game. Players will only be able to explore two maps, Perimeter and Dire Marsh, essentially the first two zones of the game. As for Marathon's unique factions, only five will be available to hand out contracts to players: CyberAcme, NuCaloric, Traxus, MIDA, and Arachne with Sekiguchi Genetics sitting out until launch. Besides, not all Marathon's Runner skins will be available, as Bungie confirmed that only 5 will be available, including the tower. Fans of the Thief skin will have to wait until the launch.

Rearrange the cases in the correct US release order.




Rearrange the cases in the correct US release order.

Light (5)Medium (7)Hard (10)

Part of the reveal highlighted more of Marathons overall story, which has only been hinted at in favor of showing off much of the combat players will now take part in. The colony ship UESC Marathon departed with over 30,000 colonists on board to establish a new home on Tau Ceti, but after arriving 300 years later, contact was lost. Now scavengers and mercenaries seek to scour the colony to uncover its secrets, funded by warring factions.

The final surprise was that PlayStation Plus subscribers could download some special rewards when Marathon launches. Specifically, 3 weapon charms that can be attached to weapons, one more tribute Ghost of Yotei, Death Stranding 2and Helldivers 2.


Marathon Tag Page Cover Art


Released

March 5, 2026

ESRB

Teen/animated blood, language, violence, in-game purchases, user interaction

Multiplayer

Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op


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