Bungie is hosting an open Server Slam for Marathon from February 26 to March 2, 2026, giving all players a chance to experience the extraction shooter before its March 5 launch. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about participating, what content will be available, exclusive rewards that transfer to the full game, and how to prepare for your time on Tau Ceti IV.
Server Slam Dates: February 26, 2026 (10am PT) through March 2, 2026 - Open to all players, no sign-up required!
What Is the Date for Marathon Server Slam?
The Marathon Server Slam runs from Thursday, February 26, 2026 through Monday, March 2, 2026. This five-day preview window gives players ample opportunity to dive into Marathon's extraction shooter gameplay while helping Bungie stress-test their server infrastructure ahead of the official March 5 release.
Exact Server Slam Schedule
Start: Thursday, February 26, 2026
10:00 AM Pacific Time (PT) / 1:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) / 6:00 PM Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
Duration: 5 Days of Testing
Continuous access throughout the preview period with potential for brief maintenance windows
End: Monday, March 2, 2026
Time to be announced, likely similar to start time or earlier in the day
What Is the Marathon Server Slam?
The Server Slam represents Bungie's final large-scale stress test before Marathon's full release. Unlike previous closed beta tests, this event is completely open to everyone - no special access codes, no selection process, and no purchase required.
The primary objectives of the Server Slam are twofold:
- Server Infrastructure Testing - Simulating launch day conditions by having as many concurrent players as possible to identify and resolve any network, matchmaking, or stability issues
- Community Introduction - Allowing prospective players to experience Marathon's core gameplay loop firsthand, helping them decide whether to purchase the game before the March 5 release
Bungie has incorporated extensive feedback from earlier closed testing phases, including the highly requested addition of proximity voice chat (VOIP), making this Server Slam the most polished preview yet.
How to Access the Marathon Server Slam
Participating in the Server Slam is remarkably straightforward - Bungie has removed virtually all barriers to entry.
Step-by-Step Access Guide
- Choose Your Platform - The Server Slam is available on PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S
- Download the Client - Search for "Marathon Server Slam" on your platform's digital store and download the test client
- No Sign-Up Required - Unlike typical betas, there's no registration process or access code needed
- No Purchase Necessary - You do not need to pre-order Marathon to participate
- Launch and Play - Once the Server Slam goes live on February 26 at 10am PT, simply launch the client and start playing
Server Slam Exclusive Rewards
To thank players for participating in the stress test, Bungie is offering exclusive rewards that will transfer to your account when Marathon officially launches. These rewards are tied to specific progression milestones during the Server Slam.
Reward Progression Tiers
Tier 1: Complete Your First Mission STANDARD
Unlocks: Standard Arrival Cache
- 6x Standard tier implants - Basic stat-boosting modules
- 4x Standard Runner shell cores - Upgrade materials for Runner progression
- 6x Standard weapon chip mods - Entry-level weapon modifications
- 1x Overrun weapon - Standard tier assault rifle
- 1x Hardline weapon - Standard tier precision weapon
Tier 2: Reach Runner Level 10 ENHANCED
Unlocks: Enhanced Arrival Cache
- 6x Enhanced tier implants - Improved stat bonuses over Standard
- 12x Enhanced Runner shell cores (2 for each of 6 shells) - Accelerate Runner progression
- 4x Enhanced weapon chip mods - Mid-tier weapon enhancements
- 1x Enhanced Magnum - Upgraded sidearm with better stats
- 1x Enhanced Hardline weapon - Improved version of the standard variant
Tier 3: Reach Runner Level 30 DELUXE
Unlocks: Deluxe Arrival Cache
- 6x Mixed tier implants (3x Deluxe + 3x Enhanced) - Premium stat modifications
- 4x Mixed tier weapon chip mods (2x Deluxe + 2x Enhanced) - High-end weapon modifications
- 1x Deluxe Magnum - Top-tier sidearm variant
- 1x Enhanced Volley Rifle - Burst-fire weapon with solid performance
- 1x Deluxe Base Backpack - Increased inventory capacity for launch
All three reward tiers stack - reaching Runner Level 30 grants you all three caches' worth of items when Marathon officially launches. This gives dedicated Server Slam participants a significant head start in their gear progression.
Available Content During Server Slam
While the Server Slam doesn't provide access to every system and feature in the full game, Bungie has confirmed a substantial content offering designed to showcase Marathon's core experience.
Playable Maps
Two of Marathon's four launch maps will be accessible during the Server Slam:
- Perimeter - An entry-level zone set in Tau Ceti IV's outskirts, featuring relatively open terrain and straightforward navigation. This map serves as an introduction to Marathon's extraction mechanics with lower overall risk.
- Dire Marsh - A more complex research hub environment with tighter corridors, vertical spaces, and increased AI density. This map challenges players to utilize cover and tactical positioning more effectively.
Runner Shells (Character Classes)
Five of Marathon's six Runner shells will be playable during the test:
- Assassin - Stealth-focused Runner with abilities emphasizing surprise attacks and repositioning
- Destroyer - Heavy assault class featuring enhanced durability and area-of-effect damage capabilities
- Recon - Intelligence specialist with enhanced enemy detection and information warfare tools
- Triage - Support Runner providing healing and combat sustainability for the team
- Vandal - Explosive specialist controlling zones with area denial abilities
Additionally, the Rook Runner will be available - this is Marathon's "free loadout" option that allows solo players to join in-progress matches with basic gear for low-risk scavenging.
Tips for Maximizing Your Server Slam Experience
Prioritize Learning Over Winning
Use the Server Slam as a learning environment. Since your in-match progress won't carry over to launch (only the milestone rewards transfer), focus on understanding mechanics, testing different Runner shells, and learning map layouts rather than optimizing for efficiency.
Try All Five Runner Shells
Don't commit to a single Runner immediately. Test each of the five available shells to understand their playstyles, strengths, and weaknesses. This knowledge will help you make better loadout decisions when the full game launches.
Push for Runner Level 30
If you plan to buy Marathon, dedicating time to reach Runner Level 30 during the Server Slam provides significant value. The Deluxe Arrival Cache gives you premium gear and resources that accelerate your early progression at launch.
Final Thoughts
Marathon's Server Slam represents an excellent opportunity to experience Bungie's extraction shooter before committing to a purchase. The completely open access, substantial content offering, and generous reward structure make this more than just a typical beta test - it's a meaningful preview of what Marathon offers.
Mark your calendar for February 26, 2026 at 10am PT, download the client on your platform of choice, and prepare to deploy to Tau Ceti IV. Whether you play casually or grind to Runner Level 30 for maximum rewards, the Server Slam provides valuable hands-on time with one of 2026's most anticipated multiplayer releases.
With only three days between the Server Slam's end and Marathon's official launch, this preview serves as the perfect warmup before the full game releases on March 5, 2026.