The countdown is on. On March 5, 2026, Marathon arrives on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC. But for Sony console gamers, the experience will start with a slight advantage. PlayStation Plus subscribers will be able to grab free exclusive content from launch. Behind this strategy, a simple logic. Bungie is owned by Sony Interactive Entertainment. As a result, playing on PlayStation 5 will offer bonuses that other platforms will not offer.
PlayStation Plus offers three exclusive bonuses for Marathon
Starting March 5, PlayStation Plus subscribers will be able to download three cosmetic items for free via the PlayStation Store. These are exclusive weapon keychains, equippable at any time in-game. These bonuses pay homage to three licenses belonging to the PlayStation ecosystem:
- For Freedom, inspired by Helldivers 2
- Battle Guitar, inspired by Death Stranding 2 On The Beach
- Onryō, inspired by Ghost of Yōtei
These elements do not directly impact gameplay, but they allow players to display their loyalty to the PlayStation universe from the first games.
Server Slam Open Beta Starts February 26
Even before the official release, Bungie will launch an open testing phase called “Server Slam”. The announcement was made during Sony’s State of Play last week. This beta will be available from February 26 at 6 p.m. GMT to March 2 at 6 p.m. GMT. For US players, this is 10am PT and 1pm ET. The exact access procedure has not yet been detailed. Everything indicates that the beta will be downloadable directly from the digital stores of the platforms concerned.
What players will be able to test during the beta
This test version will serve as an introduction to the main mechanics of Marathon. It will not reveal all of the final content, but will allow you to familiarize yourself with the rhythm and progression systems. Two areas will be accessible: the Perimeter and the Doom Swamp. Players will be able to accept contracts and progress through five distinct factions: CyberAcme, NuCaloric, Traxus, MIDA, and Arachne. On the character side, five of the six Runner shells planned for launch will be playable. Games can be played solo or as a team of three players.
A strategic launch for Bungie on PS5, Xbox and PC
With a simultaneous release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC on March 5, 2026, Bungie is aiming big. However, the PlayStation Plus advantage clearly shows a desire to strengthen the attractiveness of the Sony ecosystem. Between exclusive bonuses and open beta a few days before the official release, Marathon is preparing a structured launch. PlayStation players will be able, from day one, to view distinctive content that other platforms will not offer.