Bungie’s Marathon Offers Free Trial During Upcoming Server Slam Event

A fresh trailer for Marathon has unveiled the dark trauma hidden within the vibrant landscapes of Tau Ceti IV, the setting for this extraction shooter. But it didn’t just focus on the sci-fi horror elements; Bungie also announced the dates for the pre-launch beta, giving players a final opportunity to experience the game before deciding whether to invest $40 in this new live-service multiplayer title.

The pre-launch “server slam” kicks off on February 26 and runs until March 2, just ahead of the game’s official release on March 5. Gamers can jump in for free on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, coinciding with the upcoming Steam Next Fest. No pre-order is necessary to participate, but console players will need a PS Plus or Game Pass Core subscription to access the server slam.

During the open beta, players can explore a “limited selection of maps, Runner shells, and contracts.” More content, including additional maps, factions, contracts, and gear, will be available at launch and throughout Season 1. While progress won’t transfer to the full game, players can earn tiered gear packages that will be useful when they dive into the loot extraction shooter upon release.

PS Plus subscribers will also have the opportunity to unlock exclusive rewards as a token of their participation in the server slam, including special emblems and banners tied to other PlayStation franchises. These rewards feature weapon charms from titles like Helldivers 2, Death Stranding 2, and Ghost of Yotei. Xbox and PC players will also have a chance to earn these rewards, though the specifics are still under wraps. After a challenging period last year, recent playtest leaks from China indicate that the game has made significant strides since the initial alpha test.