Bungie runs Marathon Server Slam Feb 26 to Mar 2 with cross-play

Bungie is inviting players to test Marathon in a cross-play Server Slam that runs from February 26 at 10 AM PT through March 2 at 10 AM PT, a public playtest aimed at putting the game’s servers “through their paces” before the full March 5 launch. The preview will be available worldwide on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S with cross-play and cross-save enabled, giving players a hands-on slice of the game’s extraction and loot loop before the $40 release.

Bungie framed the event as an onramp into the Marathon experience: “It’s time to begin your journey across the stars,” and urged players, “Now’s your chance to jump in, put our servers through their paces, and help us get ready for launch on March 5.” The Server Slam coincides with Steam Next Fest, increasing PC visibility while letting console players sample the core mechanics for free, though platform access details vary across reports.

Available content in the Server Slam includes a limited selection of maps, Runner shells, and faction contracts that aim to replicate the core extraction loop - get in, secure loot, and extract or risk losing gear on death. Sources disagree on some specifics. Game8 says players will visit Perimeter and Dire Marsh and can pick contracts from CyberAcme, NuCaloric, Traxus, MIDA, and Arachne. Neonlightsmedia reports the playable zones as Vicinity and Dark Moor and describes access to six Runner shells. Game8 instead reports access to five of six Runner shells plus the scavenger-style character Rook. Those differences remain unconfirmed and should be verified against Bungie’s press materials.

Rewards are a central draw. Bungie promises, “Everyone who completes the introductory mission will unlock a unique emblem and player background that marks you as part of the first wave of Runners.” Bungie also lists three PlayStation weapon charms and says, “PlayStation Plus members can redeem all three weapon charms at PlayStation Store when Marathon releases on March 5.” Bungie added, “We’ll have weapons charms for Steam and Xbox players as well, which we’ll share more about in the future.” Game8 and Bungie materials outline a Runner Level 30 Deluxe Arrival Cache (Blue) with implants, shell cores, weapon chip mods, the Deluxe Magnum, Enhanced Volley Rifle, and a Deluxe Base Backpack as an example of launch-era rewards.

Access details still require clarification. Kotaku reports the Server Slam is free to try across platforms but also claims PS Plus or Game Pass Core may be required on consoles; Bungie’s published note limits the subscription caveat to full launch, stating, “Gameplay at full launch requires internet access and paid-for subscription on console (sold separately).” Kotaku also notes that while full progression may not carry over, tiered gear packages earned during the Server Slam will be waiting at launch.

Marathon’s Server Slam is the last broad public hands-on before launch and follows a development run that included a delayed September 2025 target and iterative tests through late 2025. For players, the Server Slam is a chance to vet the extraction loop, earn early cosmetic and gear rewards, and stress-test Bungie’s infrastructure ahead of March 5; verify Bungie’s official Server Slam details for final map names, available Runner shells, and console-access rules before you log in.