Just a few days before its official release, Marathon is entering a decisive phase. Bungie has announced the organization of a Server Slam, a testing period open to all players on Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and PC. The objective is twofold: to allow the community to discover the game and to verify the capacity of the servers to handle a massive influx of connections. This trial phase will begin on February 26 at 7:00 p.m. Paris time and end on March 2 at 7:00 p.m. During these four days, everyone will be able to download and launch the game for free.
A full-scale technical test before March 5
Server Slam is not a simple demo. This is a saturation test intended to simulate the conditions of the official launch scheduled for March 5, 2026. Bungie explains that “Server Slam serves as an introduction to Marathon’s gameplay, revealing the bare essentials so you can get your bearings, with more content to explore upon release.” In other words, players will have access to some of the final content, but not the entire experience. This strategy allows the studio to collect technical data while generating interest in the game. The balance is delicate: offering enough to convince, without revealing all the surprises.
Two playable zones and five factions available
During this limited period, two environments will be accessible: The Perimeter, located on the outskirts of the colony, and The Troubled Swamp, an agricultural research complex. These cards will allow you to experiment with the extraction mechanics that define Marathon’s identity.
Players will be able to accept contracts from five factions: CyberAcme, NuCaloric, Traxus, MIDA and Arachne. It will be possible to progress in the first levels and explore the basics of the progression trees. Five Runner frames will be playable, plus the ROOK looting frame. Participants will be able to go solo, form a team or negotiate temporary alliances using local chat.
Rewards to keep for the final version
Server Slam is about more than just early access. Bungie has planned rewards transferable to the full version of the game. Players who complete the introductory mission will unlock an exclusive emblem and background attesting to their participation in this first wave of Runners.
As you progress, it will be possible to unlock different arrival caches. Tier 10 offers an improved cache including higher quality implants, frame cores, and weapon mods. Level 30 grants access to a luxury cache including advanced equipment, specific weapons such as an improved Magnum or a multi-barrel shotgun, as well as an improved backpack.
Season 1 in focus
March 5, 2026 will mark the full release of Marathon on Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and PC. The Standard edition is available for pre-order at the price of €39.99. The launch will coincide with the start of Season 1. This will add two new zones: The Outpost, at the heart of an active military installation, and The Cryo Archive, located in the wreck of the Marathon ship. A sixth Runner frame, the Thief, will enrich the gameplay possibilities. Full progression for all six factions will also be rolled out, with the addition of Sekiguchi Genetics. A Ranked mode will be introduced during the season. The Server Slam therefore represents a key step before the definitive opening of the game’s competitive ecosystem.