Marathon server testing begins February 26 – everything you need to know

Bungie announced a Server Slam for Marathon – a test weekend running from February 26 to March 2 across all platforms. The event lets players worldwide experience the survival extraction shooter and earn rewards for the official launch.

Marathon is Bungie's new game from the creators of Halo and Destiny. Set on the lost colony of Tau Ceti IV, players take on the role of bio-cybernetic mercenaries known as Runners. Gameplay combines PvPvE mechanics: complete contracts, battle hostile security forces, rival Runners, and unpredictable environmental conditions.

The game offers solo modes, co-op team play, and the ability to form temporary alliances through proximity chat. Runners can craft different builds and take on increasingly difficult challenges, culminating with the derelict Marathon ship in planetary orbit.

Story of the lost colony

A new trailer dives into the game's story. The UESC Marathon colony ship left Mars in 2472, heading for the Tau Ceti star system. The ship reached its destination 300 years later, but then contact with the 30,000 colonists who set out to make a new home on an alien world was lost.

The year is 2893. Runners have arrived on Tau Ceti IV – bio-cybernetic outlaws funded by warring factions. They risk everything to reach the planet's deadly surface in search of answers, glory, and riches in the shadow of the derelict Marathon hanging in low orbit.

Server Slam details

Open testing runs from February 26 to March 2. The Server Slam provides a basic introduction to Marathon's gameplay, with full content unlocking at launch and in Season 1.

What's available in the Server Slam:

• Two zones: Perimeter and Dire Marsh

• Opening contracts for five factions

• All six Runner Shells, plus Rook in scavenger mode

• Solo queue, proximity chat, and other features

What Season 1 adds:

• Two more zones: Outpost and Cryo Archive

• Full contract and progression trees for all six factions

• Ranked mode

• Additional content

Test participants will receive a special emblem and player banner, plus a tiered gear package for launch including weapons, body implants, and other items for initial runs.

Marathon launches March 5 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series. Pre-orders are now available and include bonuses – weapon cosmetics, an emblem, and player background, plus Destiny 2 rewards when linked to a Bungie.net account.