MARATHON SERVER SLAM
Download & play the Marathon Server Slam — free on all platforms
February 26 – March 2, 2026 • Free to play • Steam, PS5 & Xbox • Cross-play & cross-save • Earn exclusive launch rewards
When Does the Server Slam Go Live?
The Marathon Server Slam goes live on February 26, 2026 at 10:00 AM PT / 6:00 PM UTC and runs until March 2, 2026 at 10:00 AM PT. Here's when it starts in your region:
| Location | Local Time | Timezone |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 Los Angeles | Feb 26, 10:00 AM | PST |
| 🇺🇸 Chicago | Feb 26, 12:00 PM | CST |
| 🇺🇸 New York | Feb 26, 1:00 PM | EST |
| 🇧🇷 São Paulo | Feb 26, 3:00 PM | BRT (GMT-3) |
| 🇬🇧 London | Feb 26, 6:00 PM | GMT |
| 🇫🇷 Paris / 🇩🇪 Berlin | Feb 26, 7:00 PM | CET (GMT+1) |
| 🇮🇳 Mumbai | Feb 26, 11:30 PM | IST (GMT+5:30) |
| 🇯🇵 Tokyo | Feb 27, 3:00 AM | JST (GMT+9) |
| 🇦🇺 Sydney | Feb 27, 5:00 AM | AEDT (GMT+11) |
| 🇳🇿 Auckland | Feb 27, 7:00 AM | NZDT (GMT+13) |
No Preloading Available
Bungie has confirmed there will be no preloading for the Server Slam. Downloads go live on all platforms at the specified start times — February 26 at 10 AM PT on Steam, PlayStation Store, and Xbox Store.
Download Marathon Server Slam
The Marathon Server Slam is free to download on all platforms. No pre-order or purchase required.
Downloads go live on all platforms at start time — February 26 at 10 AM PT. The Steam page is already available. PlayStation Store and Xbox Store listings will appear at launch. There is no preloading.
Feb 26 – Mar 2
Server Slam runs February 26 at 10 AM PT to March 2 at 10 AM PT. Full game launch follows on March 5, 2026.
Free for Everyone
Open to all — no pre-order or codes needed. Cross-play and cross-save enabled across all platforms.
Steam, PS5 & Xbox
Available worldwide on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S simultaneously.
What You'll Play During the Server Slam
The Server Slam is a slice of Marathon's gameplay. Enough to get comfortable, not enough to see everything.
You'll be able to:
- Infil into two zones:
- Perimeter — an edge-site expansion on the colony's outskirts
- Dire Marsh — the colony's agricultural research hub
- Take on early contracts for five factions: CyberAcme, NuCaloric, Traxus, MIDA, and Arachne
- Progress through the early faction levels and progression trees
- 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
Play the Slam, Earn Rewards for Launch
Everyone who completes the introductory mission will unlock a unique emblem and player background that marks you as part of the first wave of Runners.
Time spent during the Slam will bank loot rewards you'll receive at launch, based on how far you progress:
Standard Arrival Cache
- Standard implants (6x)
- Standard Runner shell cores (4x)
- Standard weapon chip mods (6x)
- Weapons: Overrun and Hardline
Enhanced Arrival Cache
- 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
- 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
The emblem, player banner, and loot rewards will be waiting for you when Marathon launches on March 5.
Launch & Season 1
Launch and Season 1 will bring additional maps, factions, contracts, gear and more, including:
- Two more zones:
- Outpost — set in the middle of a thriving UESC military installation
- Cryo Archive — an end-game zone aboard the derelict UESC Marathon (unlocks during Season 1)
- Thief, the sixth Runner shell
- Full progression for all six factions, including additional contracts, deeper upgrade trees, and the sixth faction Sekiguchi Genetics
- Ranked mode (unlocks during Season 1)
- Other secrets and surprises...
Launch Gameplay Trailer
In 2472, the UESC Marathon left Mars with 30,000 colonists aboard. Its mission: Establish a new home in a distant solar system.
300 years later they arrived. Then... silence. The ship, and its colony, were lost.
Until now... Your future, and the mysteries of the past, await on Tau Ceti IV.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Marathon Server Slam start?
The Server Slam runs from February 26 at 10 AM PT to March 2 at 10 AM PT. Full launch follows on March 5, 2026.
Do I need to pre-order Marathon to play the Server Slam?
No. The Server Slam is free and open to everyone — no purchase or pre-order required.
What platforms is the Server Slam on?
Steam (PC), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S — with cross-play and cross-save enabled.
Will my Server Slam progress carry over to launch?
Character progress does not carry over, but time spent during the Slam banks loot rewards you'll receive at launch based on your Runner Level. You'll also earn a unique emblem and player background for completing the introductory mission.
How long does the Server Slam last?
The Server Slam runs for approximately 4 days: February 26 at 10 AM PT to March 2 at 10 AM PT.
What content is available in the Server Slam?
Two zones (Perimeter and Dire Marsh), early contracts for five factions, five of six Runner shells plus Rook, early faction progression, and crew or solo play with proximity chat. It's a slice of the full experience.
What rewards can I earn in the Marathon Server Slam?
Everyone who completes the intro mission earns a unique emblem and player background. Reaching Runner Level 10 unlocks the Enhanced Arrival Cache (green-tier gear), and reaching Runner Level 30 unlocks the Deluxe Arrival Cache (blue-tier gear) including the Deluxe Magnum, Enhanced Volley Rifle, and Deluxe Base Backpack. All rewards carry over to launch day.
What Runner shells can I play in the Server Slam?
You can try five of the six Runner shells that will be available at launch, plus the scavenger experience Rook. The sixth shell, Thief, will be available at full launch on March 5.
Does the Marathon Server Slam support cross-play?
Yes. The Server Slam supports full cross-play and cross-save across Steam (PC), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Play with friends on any platform.
Can I preload the Marathon Server Slam?
No. Bungie has confirmed there is no preloading for the Server Slam. Downloads will go live across Steam, PlayStation Store, and Xbox Store at February 26, 10 AM PT.
This page is updated as new information is released by Bungie. Last updated: February 25, 2026. Content sourced from official Bungie announcements.
Follow @MarathonTheGame or join the official Discord for the latest updates.