Gamers worldwide are gearing up for a highly anticipated weekend as Bungie, the renowned studio behind Destiny 2, opens the doors to its latest creation: Marathon. The Marathon Server Slam, a large-scale open beta event, begins on February 26, 2026, at 10 a.m. PT and will run until March 2, 2026, at the same time, giving players a first-hand look at the studio’s ambitious team-based extraction shooter ahead of its full release on March 5.
According to Bungie’s official press release, the Server Slam is open to everyone on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam—no PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass subscription required. The event is part of Xbox’s Free Play Days and Steam Next Fest, making it as accessible as possible to players across the globe. This approach seems designed to maximize participation and stress-test the game’s infrastructure before launch day. Bungie has been up front about the possibility of login queues, server downtime, and the occasional bug, but the development team will be on standby to address any issues that arise during the test.
The Server Slam offers a “generous peek” at Marathon’s core gameplay, but with some limitations to keep things focused. Players will have access to two distinct maps—Dire Marsh and Perimeter—set on the neon-soaked, eerie ruins of Tau Ceti IV. Five out of six available Runner shells (think: character classes) will be playable, and a selection of contracts from the game’s five factions can be taken on. As noted by Gaming Trend, “additional maps, factions, contracts, gear, and more” are slated to arrive with the full launch and throughout Season 1, so this preview is just the tip of the iceberg.
For those unfamiliar, Marathon puts players in the shoes of bio-cybernetic mercenaries called Runners. Teams of three compete against rival crews and hostile security forces, scavenging for weapons, upgrades, and valuable loot. The game’s extraction shooter format means that every match is a high-stakes gamble: survive and escape, and the loot is yours to keep for future runs—or risk it all for even greater rewards. Bungie promises “best-in-class first-person gunplay” and a competitive experience that’s fun for players at all skill levels. Ranked mode and high-stakes zones will be added at launch for those looking for an extra challenge.
Bungie is also keen to ensure a fair and competitive environment, with robust anti-cheat measures and dedicated server support. As the company stated, “Cheaters don’t stop, so neither do we.” This commitment is likely a response to concerns from the competitive gaming community, as well as lessons learned from previous titles.
The Server Slam isn’t just about gameplay—it’s packed with incentives for both players and spectators. Anyone who logs in and completes the introductory mission will unlock the Beta.exe emblem and the Complex Study player background. As players progress, they’ll earn tiered “Arrival Caches” packed with starter loot. For instance, completing the first mission unlocks the Standard Arrival Cache, which includes six standard implants, four standard Runner shell cores, six standard weapon chip mods, and two weapons: Overrun and Hardline. Reaching Runner level 10 earns the Enhanced Arrival Cache, featuring enhanced versions of these items and additional weapons like the Enhanced Magnum and Enhanced Hardline. The Deluxe Arrival Cache, unlocked at level 30, contains even more powerful gear, including deluxe implants, weapon chip mods, and the Enhanced Volley Rifle.
These rewards won’t appear in your inventory until the full release on March 5, but they offer a strong incentive to dive deep during the Server Slam weekend. And for those who prefer to watch rather than play, Bungie has set up a robust Twitch Drops campaign. By watching any streamer in the Marathon category, viewers can earn cosmetic rewards for launch—including the SMILEYworm Emblem (after one hour), WEAVEworm Background (after two hours), GLOWworm Weapon Sticker (three hours), and the HMG Twitch Engine Weapon Skin (four hours). Players are reminded to link their Bungie and Twitch accounts to ensure rewards are granted. There are also exclusive rewards for Xbox and PlayStation users throughout the event.
Beyond the digital loot, Bungie is launching the Marathon Collection [001] merchandise line at 10 a.m. PT on February 26. Fans can pick up items like the Marathon Logo Hat and the WEAVEworm Plush, both available for purchase on the Bungie Store. For those eager to secure their spot in the next big shooter, the Marathon Collector’s Edition is also available for pre-order.
Marathon has had an eventful journey to this point. The game was first revealed last year to mixed reception, with some fans praising its unique 3D-printed-punk art style and others expressing skepticism about its direction. A controversy involving a graphic design artist and subsequent marketing missteps led to further backlash. However, Bungie responded by delaying the game, addressing community feedback, and showcasing revisions through behind-the-scenes content and cinematic trailers. As mxdwn Games observed, these efforts seem to have restored much of the public’s excitement around the project.
With the Server Slam, Bungie is offering players a chance to shape the game’s final days before launch. The event is not only a technical stress test but also a celebration—a chance for the community to come together, experience the tense firefights and sci-fi atmosphere of Tau Ceti IV, and earn exclusive rewards that will carry over to the full release. Whether you’re a solo scavenger or prefer to squad up, the weekend promises high-octane action and a first taste of what could become the next big thing in competitive shooters.
As the countdown to March 5 continues, all eyes are on Bungie and Marathon. Will the Server Slam vindicate the studio’s vision and silence the skeptics, or will new challenges emerge as players flood the servers? One thing’s for sure: for fans of multiplayer shooters, this is a weekend not to miss.