Marathon Server Slam: marathon server slam open preview weekend schedule and rewards
The marathon server slam open preview weekend runs from February 26 to March 2 and gives players an early look at Marathon while Bungie spins up global infrastructure. Marathon Server Slam begins as a technical stress test intended to exercise systems ahead of the game's March 5 launch.
Marathon Server Slam schedule
Bungie has scheduled the Server Slam to run from February 26 at 10 AM PT to March 2 at 10 AM PT. Another schedule reference lists the start as Thursday, February 26 at 6pm GMT (1pm ET / 10am ET) and running until the same time on Monday, March 2. The preview weekend is described as an open preview weekend and an open weekend for Marathon ahead of its release.
What Bungie says the test will do
Bungie frames the Server Slam as a technical stress test: the studio will turn everything on worldwide, invite as many players as possible, and monitor systems as players log in, crew up, infil, exfil, log out, repeat. Bungie will be standing by throughout the weekend to address issues, monitor performance, and make adjustments. The studio notes that when something breaks, "that is data we can use to make our launch on March 5 all the better. "
Platforms, access and Steam Next Fest
Players will be able to play on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with cross-play and cross-save enabled. The game will be part of Steam Next Fest and will appear on Steam. On PC, the preview will only be available through Steam. At the time of writing, the Server Slam cannot be pre-loaded. Players do not need to have pre-ordered the game to participate.
Gameplay, genre and progression
Marathon is described as a first-person sci-fi extraction shooter from the developers of Halo and Destiny that focuses on PvPvE gameplay. Bungie characterizes the Server Slam as "a slice of Marathon's gameplay. Enough to get comfortable, not enough to see everything. " The preview weekend will not represent the full game, and progress in the Server Slam will not carry over to the main game.
Rewards, caches and exclusive cosmetics
Everyone who completes the introductory mission during the weekend will unlock a unique Beta. exe emblem and Complex Study player background exclusive to Server Slam participants. Time spent during the Slam will also bank loot rewards for launch based on progression: completing your first mission unlocks the Standard Arrival Cache; reaching Runner Level 10 unlocks the Enhanced Arrival Cache (Green); reaching Runner Level 30 unlocks the Deluxe Arrival Cache (Blue). Cosmetic and loot rewards will be delivered once Marathon launches on March 5. Bungie warns it will take a bit of time to roll out the rewards, so if you log in and don’t see them in your inbox, "hold tight – they should arrive soon!"
Streaming incentives and support
Throughout the Server Slam weekend, players will be able to tune in to anyone streaming Marathon on Twitch and snag a set of cosmetic rewards for launch. Full details on how to secure and claim those rewards will be available on Bungie's support pages, with an overview provided during the event.
The preview also emphasizes what will arrive at launch and with Season 1: additional zones, factions, contracts, gear, progression depth, Ranked, and some secrets players will have to experience themselves. Bungie invites participants to arrive on launch day "looking and feeling ready for all the dangers of Tau Ceti. "
Separately in the provided context, an unrelated entry titled "IGN Error 418 - I am a teapot" contains the lines: "Short and stout, this is my handle, this is my spout. "
Marathon launches and Season 1 begins on March 5; the Server Slam is positioned as a preview and stress test designed to improve that launch.
