Bungie has officially pulled back the curtain on the Marathon Server Slam Beta test, and it turns out the scope of this final test is much larger than the rumours suggested. This event isn’t just a technical check, but an open invitation to the entire gaming community to flood the servers of Tau Ceti IV before the full launch on March 5. Most importantly, Bungie has confirmed that Xbox Series X|S players will be joining the fray alongside PlayStation 5 and PC users, with full cross-play and cross-save active from day one of the test.
Marathon Server Slam Beta Dates
The Server Slam is a four-day intensive event running from Thursday, February 26, to Monday, March 2. Bungie is using a synchronized global launch, meaning every Runner across the globe drops in at the exact same moment.
| Phase | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Server Slam Begins | February 26, 2026 | 10:00 AM PT / 6:00 PM GMT |
| Server Slam Ends | March 2, 2026 | 10:00 AM PT / 6:00 PM GMT |
Marathon Server Slam Beta Global Launch Times
Because the Server Slam is a synchronized global event, the gates open for everyone at the exact same moment. While it’s a morning launch for the West Coast, players in Europe and Asia will be dropping in during the evening or early morning of the following day.
Here is the breakdown of when you can start your descent onto Tau Ceti IV:
| Region | Release Date | Local Time |
|---|---|---|
| West US (Los Angeles) | February 26, 2026 | 10:00 AM PST |
| East US (New York) | February 26, 2026 | 1:00 PM EST |
| South America (Sao Paulo) | February 26, 2026 | 3:00 PM BRT |
| UK (London) | February 26, 2026 | 6:00 PM GMT |
| Central Europe (Berlin / Paris) | February 26, 2026 | 7:00 PM CET |
| Middle East (Dubai) | February 26, 2026 | 10:00 PM GST |
| East Asia (Tokyo) | February 27, 2026 | 3:00 AM JST |
| Australia (Sydney) | February 27, 2026 | 5:00 AM AEDT |
Marathon Beta Countdown Clock
If you’re not sure where your time zone fits with the above regions, then check out our handy countdown clock below to see exactly when you can join the Marathon Server Slam Beta in your region:
Where and How to Participate in the Beta
The Server Slam is completely open to the public, so no pre-order or invitation code is required. You can participate on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and on PC through Steam. Simply follow our step-by-step instructions to take part:
- Find the "Server Slam" Listing: Head to your platform’s store and search for Marathon. Look specifically for the "Server Slam" or "Open Preview" tile rather than the main game pre-order.
- Sign in with Bungie.net: To make sure that your Arrival Caches and emblems are saved for launch, you’ll need to link your platform account to your Bungie.net profile.
- Cross-Save Setup: If you plan on jumping between PC and console during the weekend, make sure your accounts are linked via the Bungie portal beforehand to keep your Banked Loot progress synced.
Is There Pre-Load?
Because the Server Slam utilizes a specific Open Preview client that is separate from the retail game, you cannot pre-load it. Instead, the download will appear on the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and Steam exactly at the launch time (refer to the regional table above).
However, the Beta client is a slimmed-down version of the game, coming in at approximately 12 GB to 16 GB, depending on your platform. This is significantly smaller than the estimated 42 GB expected for the full retail launch, designed to get players into the servers as quickly as possible.
What's in the Marathon Beta?
Bungie is giving us a massive head start by opening up two distinct zones on Tau Ceti IV: Perimeter, a wide-open site on the colony's edge, and Dire Marsh, the colonial agricultural research hub. You’ll be able to infil as a solo Runner, as part of a crew, or even form uneasy alliances with other players via proximity chat. The goal is to take on early contracts for factions like MIDA and Traxus to progress through their upgrade trees and prove the servers can handle the chaos. Factions present in the Beta include:
- CyberAcme
- NuCaloric
- Traxus
- MIDA
- Arachne
To survive these zones, you’ll have access to five of the six launch Runner shells, each offering a different gameplay flavour, alongside a specialized scavenger experience called Rook. While we won't get to see every endgame secret just yet, there’s more than enough here to bank those Arrival Caches and secure your gear ahead of the March 5 launch.
Transferable Rewards From the Beta
While your character level and raw gear won't carry over to the full game, Bungie is introducing a Banked Loot system. By hitting specific milestones during the Server Slam, you’ll unlock Arrival Caches – bundles of high-end gear and weapons that will be waiting for you when the game officially launches on March 5.
- Participation Tier: Complete the introductory mission to unlock a unique emblem and player background exclusive to the first wave of Runners.
- Standard Arrival Cache: Complete your first mission to bank a set of standard implants, shell cores, and the Overrun and Hardline weapons.
- Enhanced Arrival Cache (Level 10): Reach Runner Level 10 to secure enhanced weapon chip mods and upgraded variants of the Magnum.
- Deluxe Arrival Cache (Level 30): The ultimate prize for the grinders. Reaching Level 30 banks Deluxe implants, the Enhanced Volley Rifle, and a Deluxe Base Backpack.
