Marathon’s Server Slam Is Live — Here’s How to Jump Into Bungie’s Free Extraction Shooter Preview
Bungie’s Marathon opens to all players today with a free Server Slam preview on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam running through March 2.
The wait is officially over, Runners. Bungie’s Marathon — the long-awaited extraction shooter that has been living rent-free in our heads since its reveal — just opened its doors to literally everyone with a free Server Slam running from today, February 26, through March 2.
What the Server Slam Includes
Think of this as Marathon’s final dress rehearsal before its full launch on March 5. The Server Slam gives you access to a selection of maps, Runner shells (your playable characters), and contracts to complete. It is a taste of the full experience, designed to stress-test the servers while giving players a genuine feel for how the game plays.
The best part? No PlayStation Plus subscription required. No Xbox Game Pass needed. If you have a PS5, Xbox Series X|S, or a Steam account on PC, you are in. Just download and go.
What Kind of Game Is Marathon
If you have been sleeping on Marathon coverage, here is the quick version: it is a PvP extraction shooter set in a sci-fi world where players deploy as Runners — customizable characters with distinct abilities — into hostile zones to grab valuable loot and extract before rival squads eliminate them. Think of the tension of extraction gameplay meets Bungie’s signature gunfeel that made Destiny’s combat so satisfying.
The original Marathon trilogy from the 1990s was Bungie’s pre-Halo masterpiece, and this reimagining takes the lore in a completely new direction while keeping the franchise’s identity intact.
Earn Exclusive Rewards Before Launch
Players who participate in the Server Slam can earn exclusive cosmetic rewards that carry over to the full game on March 5. Bungie has not detailed exactly what those rewards are, but if history is any guide, expect something that lets day-one players flex on latecomers.
Why This Server Slam Matters
Free open previews like this are a smart move. They let curious players try before they commit, build community buzz in the final stretch before launch, and — critically — help Bungie identify and fix server issues before the real thing. After the rocky launches that plagued several live-service games in recent years, stress-testing at this scale is exactly the right call.
If you have even a passing interest in extraction shooters or Bungie’s brand of sci-fi action, today is the day to find out if Marathon is for you. The servers are live. See you out there.
Sources: PlayStation Blog, February 2026; GamesRadar, February 2026; PC Gamer, February 2026; Bungie.net, February 2026