Okay, so Marathon is a really big deal for PlayStation. Sony dropped over $3 billion on Bungie, and this is the first brand new game they’ve released since the acquisition. As a gamer, I’m definitely keeping my eye on this one – a lot is riding on it!
The game, which was postponed last year for final improvements, will now launch on March 5th. To help players get familiar with the game world, Tau Ceti, the developers are holding a special early access event called a Server Slam.
Wondering what our pre-release event is all about? We’ve answered all your questions right here, so let’s dive in!
What Is the Marathon Server Slam?
Marathon’s Server Slam is not a beta, but it’s not a demo either – honestly, it’s a bit of both.
Bungie is running this test for two main reasons. First, they want players to experience the game firsthand. Second, they believe letting people play is the most effective way to promote it – as long as the game itself is enjoyable.
The company also wants to make sure its game servers can handle a lot of players. By letting everyone play for free beforehand, they can simulate the peak load they expect at launch. This allows them to test everything thoroughly and make any necessary improvements, with the goal of providing a smooth and problem-free experience when the game officially releases.
What Time Will the Marathon Server Slam Start and End?
The Marathon Server Slam will begin simultaneously for all players, no matter their location, at 10:00 AM Pacific Time on February 26th.
If you’re not sure what time that is in your country, we’ve included a handy guide below:
- North America: 10am PST / 11am MST / 12pm CST / 1pm EST
- UK/Ire: 6pm GMT
- Europe: 7pm CET / 8pm EET
- Asia/Oceania: 3am (Fri) JST / 2am (Fri) AWST / 5am (Fri) AEDT
The Marathon Server Slam will stay online continuously—unless something unexpected goes wrong—until 10:00 AM Pacific Time on March 2nd, giving you the entire weekend to enjoy it.
Just in case you’re wondering when that is where you are, I’ve got you covered – I’ve already converted the time to different time zones below!
- North America: 10am PST / 11am MST / 12pm CST / 1pm EST
- UK/Ire: 6pm GMT
- Europe: 7pm CET / 8pm EET
- Asia/Oceania: 3am (Tue) JST / 2am (Tue) AWST / 5am (Tue) AEDT
Can You Pre-Load the Marathon Server Slam?
You won’t be able to download Marathon Server Slam ahead of time. Please download it once the servers go live at the stated time.
Do You Need PS Plus to Play the Marathon Server Slam?
You won’t need a PlayStation Plus subscription, or any other paid service, to try out the Marathon Server Slam test. It will be open to all players.
What’s Included in the Marathon Server Slam?
It’s clear you won’t have access to the complete game during the Marathon Server Slam. Bungie is saving some content to be released on March 5th.
You will be able to engage with the following content, though:
- Two Zones
- Perimeter and Dire Marsh
- Five Factions
- CyberAcme, NuCaloric, Traxus, MIDA, and Arachne
- Five Runner Shells
- Destroyer, Vandal, Recon, Assassin, and Triage (Rook also included)
- Other Features
- Solo Play, Multiplayer with Crew, Proximity Chat
Are There Any Rewards for Playing the Marathon Server Slam?
Playing the Marathon Server Slam will earn you rewards that you can use in the complete game if you buy it.
The rewards are as follows:
Complete the Introductory Mission
- Beta.exe emblem
- Complex Study player background
Complete the First Mission
- Standard implants (6x)
- Standard Runner shell cores (4x)
- Standard weapon chip mods (6x)
- Overrun and Hardline weapons
Reach Runner Level 10
- Enhanced implants (6x)
- Enhanced Runner shell cores (2x for each shell, 12x total)
- Enhanced weapon chip mods (4x)
- Enhanced Magnum and Enhanced Hardline weapons
Reach Runner Level 30
- 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)
- Deluxe Magnum and Enhanced Volley Rifle weapons
- Enhanced Base backpack
Is the Marathon Server Slam Exclusive to PS5?
When Sony bought Bungie, they stated that their games would still be available on multiple platforms. That means you’ll be able to play Marathon Server Slam on PC and Xbox Series X|S, as well as PlayStation 5, just as originally planned.
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2026-02-26 13:08