Marathon Server Slam dates, rewards, content, and how to join

What are the Marathon Server Slam dates? Almost a year after its less than impressive closed alpha, Bungie's finally ready to let the world get its hands on Marathon. Tau Ceti is a very different arena now, and this time everyone's invited to push Marathon's updated systems, as well as its servers, to the limit.

As the name implies, a Server Slam is Bungie's way of ensuring that you won't be stuck in networking purgatory when the Marathon release date rolls around. It's also a great opportunity to check out the FPS game for free, before deciding whether or not you wish to splash your cash on the full version. Below, we'll take you through the Marathon Server Slam dates, how to get in on the test, what you can experience, and, most importantly, all of the juicy rewards you can pick up.

The Marathon Server Slam will take place from Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm GMT, until the same time on Monday, March 2, 2026. The Server Slam is free to all players on PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S consoles.

Fortunately, you won't have to pre-order a copy of Marathon to get involved in the Server Slam. You don't need to sign up for it either. Presumably, you'll be able to simply download the test client from your digital storefront of choice. Bungie says Marathon crossplay and cross-save will be enabled, so you'll be able to pick up and carry on where you left off if you switch between platforms.

Unfortunately, it doesn't look like your progress will carry over to the full version of the game, but we'll update this guide if Bungie provides clarity on that.

Marathon Server Slam rewards

The Marathon Server Slam rewards include weapons, cosmetics, and other in-game loot that carry over to the full game, getting your account off to a flying start. Additionally, simply completing the introductory mission yields a "unique emblem and player background" to celebrate the fact you were there at the very beginning.

Here are the Marathon Server Slam rewards and how to unlock them:

Complete the first mission: Standard Arrival Cache

• 6x Standard implants
• 4x Standard Runner shell cores
• 6x Standard weapon chip mods
• 1x Overrun and Hardline weapons

Reach Runner Level 10: Enhanced Arrival Cache (Green)

• 6x Enhanced implants
• 2x Enhanced Runner shell cores for each shell (12x total)
• 4x Enhanced weapon chip mods
• 1x Enhanced Magnum and Enhanced Hardline weapons

Reach Runner Level 30: Deluxe Arrival Cache (Blue)

• 3x Deluxe and Enhanced implants (6x total)
• 2x Deluxe and Enhanced weapon chip mods (4x total)
• 1x Deluxe Magnum and Enhanced Volley Rifle
• 1x Deluxe Base Backpack

Marathon Server Slam content

The Marathon Server Slam won't grant access to everything the shooter has to offer, but Bungie does say that it will provide "enough to get comfortable." Bungie's also revealed a chunk of content that it plans to add, both at launch and throughout Season 1.

The Marathon Server Slam content includes:

• Two infiltratable zones: Perimeter (an edge-site expansion located on the outskirts of the colony), and Dire Mash (the colony's agricultural research hub).
• Early contracts for five Marathon factions: CyberAcme, NuCaloric, Traxus, MIDA, and Arachne (Sekiguchi Genetics is excluded). You'll be able to get through the early faction levels, and delve into the progression trees for each one.
• Test five of the six Runner launch shells: Assassin, Destroyer, Recon, Triage, and Vandal (Thief is excluded). You can also experience the solo scavenger shell, Rook. This means you can either play as a crew or on your own.
• Proximity Chat.

The Marathon launch and Season 1 content includes:

• Two more zones: Outpost (found in the middle of a UESC military installation), and Cryo Archive (end-game zone set aboard the derelict UESC Marathon - arrives during Season 1).
• The sixth Runner shell, Thief.
• The sixth faction, Sekiguchi Genetics, as well as full progression, contracts, and upgrade trees for all factions.
• Ranked mode (arrives during Season 1).
• "Other secrets and surprises."

And that's everything you need to know about the Marathon Server Slam. To get you locked and loaded for the fight ahead, check out our guide to the Marathon maps and Marathon classes. Information is power, and we know there'll be plenty of players with prior playtest experience ready to use it against you; don't let them have the upper hand.