Marathon is hosting an open beta server slam event for all players to enjoy, and apart from being able to play the game for free, you can also expect to get some neat rewards for your participation. If you're interested in trying out Bungie's take on a sci-fi extraction shooter, Marathon might just be able to deliver. Here, we'll go over how to join the server slam as well as all the rewards you can expect for when Marathon officially goes live.

marathon rook looting
Marathon’s Free Loadout Option Will Have Limits Some Arc Raiders Fans Would Go Absolutely Bananas Over

Attempting to avoid some free loadout pitfalls from other extraction shooters like ARC Raiders, Marathon features a few limits to its Rook shell.

How to Join the Marathon Open Beta

Marathon Reloading Shotgun
Marathon Reloading Shotgun
Image via TheBestWarGames; Source: Bungie

Anyone will be able to join the Marathon server slam through the respective storefronts of their preferred gaming devices. Simply on over to Steam or the Xbox/PlayStation stores, and search for Marathon. You should be able to download the game for free on the game's store pages.

When Does the Marathon Server Slam Beta Start & End?

Marathon's open beta will run from February 26 10AM PT to March 2 10AM PT. Shortly after, the game will officially launch on March 5 as a premium extraction shooter title.

Marathon supports crossplay and cross-save. If you have friends using different gaming consoles, or if you plan on bouncing between multiple consoles yourself, you won't have to worry about losing any of your progress.

All Marathon Open Beta Rewards

Marathon Combat vs NPC
Marathon Combat vs NPC
Image via TheBestWarGames; Source: Bungie

Players who participate in the server slam will receive plenty of rewards, assuming they manage to meet specified requirements. All rewards will carry over to the main game version, though any real account progress you make during the Marathon beta will likely not. The rewards and conditions are as follows:

  • Complete the introductory mission
    • Unique player background and emblem
  • Complete your first mission
    • ​​​​​​​6x Standard Implants
    • 4x Standard Runner Shell Cores
    • 6x Standard Weapon Chip Mods
    • Overrun and Hardline (Weapons)
  • Reach Runner Level 10
    • ​​​​​​​ 6x Enhanced Implants
    • Enhanced Runner Shell Cores (2x for each Shell)
    • 4x Enhanced Weapon Chip Mods
    • Enhanced Magnum and Enhanced Hardline (Weapons)
  • Reach Runner Level 30
    • ​​​​​​​3x Deluxe Implants and 3x Enhanced Implants
    • Deluxe and Enhanced Runner Shell Cores (1x of each type for each Runner Shell)
    • Deluxe and Enhanced Weapon Chip Mods (2x of each)
    • Deluxe Magnum and Enhanced Volley Rifle

All rewards will only be available upon Marathon's launch on March 5.

What to Expect in Marathon's Server Slam Beta

marathon-header-image
  • Two maps: Perimeter and Dire Marsh
  • Quests/Contracts for five different factions (MIDA, Arachne, NuCaloric, Traxus, and CyberAcme)
  • Five of the six Runner Shells (classes)
  • Scavenger Runs
  • Solo and Squad matchmaking options

The full game and its subsequent seasons will introduce more content in the form of maps, Runner Shells, weapons, Ranked mode, and more.

Marathon Tag Page Cover Art
Marathon
Extraction Shooter
FPS
Multiplayer
Systems
Released
March 5, 2026

WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL

ESRB
Teen / Animated Blood, Language, Violence, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
Developer(s)
Bungie
Publisher(s)
Bungie
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
Cross-Platform Play
Full
Cross Save
Yes
Number of Players
Single-player
Steam Deck Compatibility
Unknown
PC Release Date
March 5, 2026
Xbox Series X|S Release Date
March 5, 2026
PS5 Release Date
March 5, 2026
Genre(s)
Extraction Shooter, FPS, Multiplayer
File Size Xbox Series
21 GB