Before Bungie officially drops the puck on its highly anticipated PvPvE extraction shooter Marathon, they are opening the doors for a massive, cross-platform stress test. Dubbed the “Server Slam,” this open preview weekend gives players a hands-on slice of the action while allowing developers to pressure-test their dedicated servers ahead of the official March 5 release.
Whether you are dropping in solo or running with a squad, here is the complete tactical breakdown of the upcoming Marathon Server Slam, including the schedule, available content, and the exclusive loot you can earn for the full game.
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Game Day Schedule: When Does the Server Slam Start?
The Server Slam is a completely open event. You do not need to have pre-ordered the game to participate.
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Start Time: Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET (6:00 PM GMT)
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End Time: Monday, March 2, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET (6:00 PM GMT)
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Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (exclusively via Steam).
The Pre-Game Delay: Why Is There No Pre-Load?
You cannot pre-load the Server Slam client. The download will only become available precisely when the event begins on Thursday at 1:00 PM ET.
Why the delay? From a development standpoint, forcing the entire player base to download and log in simultaneously creates the exact kind of massive traffic spike Bungie needs to accurately test their server infrastructure. Additionally, withholding the client prevents data miners from leaking unannounced late-game secrets before kickoff.
The Playbook: What Content is Available?
Bungie has explicitly stated that the Server Slam is just a “slice” of the Marathon experience—enough to get a feel for the mechanics, but holding back the heavy hitters for launch.
Here is what is on the schedule for the weekend:
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Two Infil Zones: You can deploy to the Perimeter (a colony outskirt expansion) and the Dire Marsh (an agricultural research hub).
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The Roster: You will have access to five of the six base Runner shells available at launch, plus the scavenger experience, Rook. (The sixth shell, Thief, is being held back for the official release).
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Faction Contracts: Players can take on early-level contracts and begin progressing through the skill trees of five factions: CyberAcme, NuCaloric, Traxus, MIDA, and Arachne.
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Comms: Proximity chat is fully enabled, allowing for uneasy alliances (or brutal trash talk) with rival squads.
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The Payout: Exclusive Launch Rewards
While your physical progression (levels and faction standing) will not carry over to the main game, your time on the field will be highly compensated.
Playing the Server Slam banks exclusive loot that will be waiting for you when the game officially launches on March 5. Everyone who completes the introductory mission will receive a unique player banner and emblem. Beyond that, rewards scale based on your progression:
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Complete Your First Mission (Standard Arrival Cache): Unlocks 6x Standard Implants, 4x Standard Runner shell cores, 6x Standard weapon chip mods, and two weapons (Overrun and Hardline).
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Reach Runner Level 10 (Enhanced Arrival Cache): Upgrades your loot pool with 6x Enhanced Implants, 12x Enhanced Runner shell cores, 4x Enhanced weapon chip mods, and two weapons (Enhanced Magnum and Enhanced Hardline).
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Reach Runner Level 30 (Deluxe Arrival Cache): The ultimate payout. Secures a mix of Deluxe and Enhanced Implants (6x total), Deluxe and Enhanced shell cores (12x total), Deluxe and Enhanced weapon mods (4x total), two elite weapons (Deluxe Magnum and Enhanced Volley Rifle), and the Deluxe Base Backpack.
The Post-Game Press Conference: FAQs
Does Marathon support crossplay and cross-progression?
Yes. Whether you are on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, or PC, you can squad up with friends across any platform and carry your progression with you.
What happens to cheaters?
Bungie has established a zero-tolerance policy. Anyone caught cheating during the Server Slam or the main game will receive a permanent ban with absolutely no second chances.
What is being held back for the March 5 Launch?
The full release (and Season 1) will introduce the Outpost and Cryo Archive zones, the Thief Runner shell, full progression for all six factions (including the new Sekiguchi Genetics), and the official Ranked mode.
