Bungie Set to Launch Marathon Server Slam Ahead of March Release
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Bungie is launching a free Marathon Server Slam from February 26 to March 2, giving players across PC and consoles an early look at the extraction shooter featuring exclusive cosmetic rewards, regional zones, and class options ahead of its March 5 release.
Bungie is giving players their first hands on experience with Marathon through an upcoming Server Slam, offering an early look at the much anticipated extraction shooter before its official launch on March 5. Reporting from Polygon, the free public test runs from February 26 to March 2 across Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X. While player progression will not carry over to the full release, participating in the beta does unlock exclusive cosmetic rewards like unique player backgrounds and emblems for completing the introductory mission.
The test event provides a substantial slice of the game, featuring two of the four planned zones in Perimeter and Dire Marsh alongside five distinct Runner shells and the scavenger focused Rook character. Players can dive into the extraction loops solo, in duos, or in trios, balancing high risk player versus player combat and environmental threats to secure rare loot. Bungie is treating the test as an introductory taste rather than a full reveal, noting that the content is designed to let communities get comfortable with the core mechanics without spoiling the entire experience.
Extraction shooters have carved out a massive space in modern multiplayer gaming, making this upcoming test a major stress test for both Bungie's server infrastructure and the broader genre's appeal. With full cross play and cross save enabled out of the gate, the studio is clearly prioritizing a connected player base. As digital economies and live service models continue to dictate the rhythm of modern gaming, getting this foundational test right will be crucial for building long term community momentum ahead of launch.
Tags: Marathon, Bungie, Extraction Shooter, Beta, Gaming News
Original article: Polygon