Marathon Server Slam preview weekend opens ahead of March 5 launch
Marathon Server Slam begins February 26 and runs through March 2, offering an open preview weekend that will let players stress-test the game’s online systems ahead of the full launch on March 5. Bungie lists the event as running from February 26 at 10 a. m. PT to March 2 at 10 a. m. PT, while another listing gives the start as February 26 at 6 p. m. GMT (1 p. m. ET / 10 a. m. ET), a discrepancy between the notices.
Marathon Server Slam schedule and timing
Bungie frames the Server Slam as an open preview weekend running from February 26 at 10 a. m. PT to March 2 at 10 a. m. PT, with the full game scheduled to launch on March 5. Another published schedule lists the kickoff as February 26 at 6 p. m. GMT (1 p. m. ET / 10 a. m. ET) and says the event will run until the same time on March 2.
Platforms, cross-play and Steam Next Fest
The Server Slam will be available on Steam, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S with cross-play and cross-save enabled, and the event is part of Steam Next Fest; on PC the weekend build will only be available through Steam. Players do not need to have pre-ordered the game to take part, and at the time of writing the open preview cannot be pre-loaded.
What the Server Slam will test
Bungie calls the Server Slam a technical stress test: the team will turn everything on worldwide and invite as many players as possible while watching systems closely as people log in, crew up, infil, exfil, log out and repeat. Bungie says staff will be standing by throughout the weekend to address issues, monitor performance and make adjustments, and that when something breaks that data will be used to improve the March 5 launch.
Rewards, caches and streaming bonuses
Everyone who completes the introductory mission during the Server Slam will unlock a unique Beta. exe emblem and a Complex Study player background exclusive to participants. Time spent during the weekend will also bank loot rewards for delivery at launch: complete your first mission to unlock the Standard Arrival Cache; reach Runner Level 10 to unlock the Enhanced Arrival Cache (Green); and reach Runner Level 30 to unlock the Deluxe Arrival Cache (Blue). Bungie warns that cosmetic and loot rewards will be delivered once Marathon launches on March 5 and that rollout may take a bit of time.
Streaming perks and progress carryover
Players who watch streams will get bonuses: Bungie says anyone tuning in to streamers on Twitch during the Server Slam can snag a set of cosmetic rewards for launch, and that full details on how to secure and claim those rewards will be posted on the developer’s support pages. The open preview is a slice of the game rather than the full experience, and published notes say progress in the preview will not carry over to the main game.
What to expect at launch and next steps
The Server Slam is offered as a preview, not the complete title; when Marathon launches and Season 1 begins, players can expect additional zones, factions, contracts, gear, deeper progression, Ranked play and other content that the previews do not include. Bungie frames the weekend as preparation for the hazards of Tau Ceti and asks that players arrive on launch day 'looking and feeling ready' for the full experience. The next confirmed milestone in the schedule is the full game launch on March 5, when the earned cosmetic and loot rewards will begin to roll out to participants.
