top of page

Marathon Server Slam Start Times, Rewards, and Activities Explained

marathon runner.
Image via Bungie

Bungie is opening up Marathon for a limited free play period called the Server Slam, running from February 26 through March 2, ahead of the game's full launch on March 5.


Marathon is a PvP-focused extraction shooter set on the mysterious planet of Tau Ceti IV, where players take on the role of Runners, cybernetic mercenaries built to endure the planet's brutal conditions.


The full release is confirmed for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S on March 5, so the Server Slam is essentially a try-before-you-buy opportunity for anyone on the fence.


Beyond letting players explore the game, Bungie is also using the event to stress test its anti-cheat infrastructure and is actively asking players to report any cheaters they encounter during the Slam.


Marathon Server Slam Start Times

The Server Slam kicks off at different times depending on where you are in the world. Here is a full breakdown:


Thursday, February 26 through Monday, March 2, 2026:

  • Pacific Time (San Francisco): 10 am PST 

  • Central Time (Austin, Mexico City): 12 pm CST 

  • Eastern Time (New York): 1 pm EST 

  • GMT (London): 6 pm

  • CET (Paris): 7 pm

  • IST (India): 11: 30 pm


Friday, February 27 through Tuesday, March 3, 2026:

  • JST (Tokyo): 3 am

  • CST (Beijing): 3 am

  • AEST (Sydney): 5 am

  • NZST (Wellington): 7 am


What Content Is Available During the Server Slam

  • Infil into two zones: Perimeter (an edge-site expansion) and Dire Marsh (agricultural research hub)

  • Take on early contracts for five factions: CyberAcme, NuCaloric, Traxus, MIDA, and Arachne

  • Progress through early faction levels and progression trees for each faction

  • Try out five of the six Runner shells available at launch, plus the scavenger experience Rook

  • Play as a crew, solo Runner, form uneasy alliances with proximity chat, and more


Marathon Server Slam Rewards

According to Bungie, players will "bank loot rewards you'll receive at launch, based on how far you progress." Here is what you can earn:


Complete your first mission: Standard Arrival Cache

  • Standard implants (6x)

  • Standard Runner shell cores (4x)

  • Standard weapon chip mods (6x)

  • Weapons: Overrun and Hardline


Reach Runner Level 10: Enhanced Arrival Cache (Green)

  • Enhanced implants (6x)

  • Enhanced Runner shell cores (2x for each shell, 12x total)

  • Enhanced weapon chip mods (4x)

  • Weapons: Enhanced Magnum and Enhanced Hardline


Reach Runner Level 30: Deluxe Arrival Cache (Blue)

  • Deluxe and Enhanced implants (3x each, 6x total)

  • Deluxe and Enhanced Runner shell cores (1x each per shell, 12x total)

  • Deluxe and Enhanced weapon chip mods (2x each, 4x total)

  • Weapons: Deluxe Magnum and Enhanced Volley Rifle

  • Backpack: Enhanced Base Backpack


There are also some platform-specific bonuses worth knowing about. PlayStation Plus subscribers will be able to grab bonus weapon charms themed around Ghost of Yotei, Death Stranding 2, and Helldivers 2 at launch.


Players on Steam will automatically receive the exclusive Crowbar Weapon Charm when Marathon releases on March 5.


And Xbox Series X and S players are not left out either, picking up both the Emerald Clutch Weapon Charm and the Emerald Catch Weapon Charm as platform exclusives.


Is the Marathon Server Slam Free?

Yes, the Marathon Server Slam is completely free for everyone. Players simply need to download the open beta on their preferred platform and jump right in.


Where and How to Participate

The Server Slam is fully open to the public, meaning no pre-order or invitation code is required to take part. It is available on PS5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC through Steam.


Here is a simple step-by-step breakdown of how to get in:

  • Find the Server Slam Listing: Head to your platform's store and search for Marathon. Look specifically for the "Server Slam" or "Open Preview" tile instead of the main game pre-order listing.

  • Sign in with Bungie.net: To ensure your Arrival Caches and emblems are saved for launch, you will need to link your platform account to your Bungie.net profile.

  • Cross-Save Setup: If you plan on jumping between PC and console during the weekend, make sure your accounts are linked via the Bungie portal beforehand to keep your Banked Loot progress synced across platforms.


Is There a Pre-Load Option?

Because the Server Slam uses a specific Open Preview client that is separate from the retail game, pre-loading is not an option. The download will go live on the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and Steam exactly at the regional launch times listed above.


The good news is that the beta client is a noticeably slimmed-down version of the game, coming in at approximately 12 GB to 16 GB, depending on your platform. That is a significant difference compared to the estimated 42 GB expected for the full retail release.

Comments

bottom of page