Marathon Confirms Server Slam Dates That Let You Play Early

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Fans eager to play Marathon will soon have a chance to try it out before its official release. Bungie recently shared more details about the game, including the dates for a special “Server Slam” test period. After a challenging development process – including a rocky alpha test, accusations of plagiarism, and a delay – Marathon is almost ready to launch, with release just weeks away.

The delay of Marathon until 2026 might actually be a good thing. It allows the game to avoid launching alongside the popular ARC Raiders and gives the developers more time to polish the gameplay and add features players have been asking for, such as proximity chat. They’ve also revisited and improved the available characters, adding new options like the “free loadout” Rook and the combat medic, Triage. To help people decide if it’s for them, Bungie is offering a chance to play Marathon before its release.

Marathon Server Slam Dates

  • February 26 at 10 AM PT to March 2 at 10 AM PT

During Sony’s PlayStation State of Play event, the game Marathon was highlighted, offering a closer look at its world and gameplay ahead of its March 5th release. As promised, a special test period called “Server Slam” will be available from February 26th at 10 AM PT/1 PM ET and will run through March 2nd. This gives players a chance to experience Marathon early, and Bungie will also be giving away rewards that can be used when the game officially launches.

Players will receive rewards as they advance in the Slam. You can earn new gear by finishing the first mission, reaching Runner Level 10, and then Runner Level 30. Here’s a detailed look at what’s available:

Standard Arrival Cache – Complete 1 mission

  • Standard implants (6x)
  • Standard Runner shell cores (4x)
  • Standard weapon chip mods (6x)
  • Weapons: Overrun and Hardline

Enhanced Arrival Cache – Reach Runner Level 10

  • Enhanced implants (6x)
  • Enhanced Runner shell cores (2x for each shell, 12x total)
  • Enhanced 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
Image via Bungie

Just a heads-up: the Marathon Server Slam is only a portion of the complete game. Players will have access to two maps – Perimeter and Dire Marsh – which represent the first areas of the game. As for the in-game factions, you’ll be able to get contracts from five of them: CyberAcme, NuCaloric, Traxus, MIDA, and Arachne. Sekiguchi Genetics won’t be available until the full game launches. Also, only five of the playable character models (Runner shells) will be available in the Slam, including the Rook. If you’re a fan of the Thief shell, you’ll need to wait for the complete release.

Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.

Easy (5)Medium (7)Hard (10)

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PlayStation Plus members will get a special bonus when Marathon is released: three unique weapon charms. These charms are inspired by the games Ghost of Tsushima, Death Stranding 2, and Helldivers 2.

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2026-02-13 06:05