Bungie’s Marathon Server Slam is a free, four-day open beta-style stress test running February 26 through March 2 ahead of the March 5 launch. You can join, play, and test the game before it officially releases. There is no cost, and you do not need special access.
This event helps the developers test the servers, but it also gives you early hands-on experience. You can try the gameplay, see how it runs on your system, and decide if you like it.
It’s really simple: download it, play it, and be part of the final test before launch!
Marathon Server Slam Start Date And End Times
The Server Slam begins at the same moment worldwide, so you can jump in as soon as it goes live in your region. Here are the exact Marathon open beta times:
- 10 am PT
- 1pm ET
- 6 pm GMT
- 7 pm CET
- 10 pm GST
- 5 am AEDT (February 27)
The servers will shut down on March 2, ending the test period. After that, the full launch follows on March 5, giving the team a few days to prepare for release.
How To Play
The Server Slam is completely free to join. You do not need to pre-order the game or buy anything. Just download the test on your platform and start playing when it goes live. The Marathon Beta platforms are:
- PC (Steam)
- PS5
- Xbox Series X/S
The test supports cross-play, so you can team up with friends on different platforms. It also includes cross-save through your Bungie account, which means your progress carries across supported systems. Simply log in, link your account, and jump in.
Content Available In Server Slam
The Server Slam gives you a strong preview of the full experience. You can explore core maps, try different playstyles, and test the main gameplay systems. Below, you’ll find the full Server Slam stress test details:
- two maps: Perimeter and Dire Marsh
- five Runner Shells: Destroyer, Assassin, Recon, Vandal, Triage and the scavenger Rook
- five factions with contracts: CyberAcme, NuCaloric, Traxus, MIDA, and Arachne
- early progression systems
- full PvPvE extraction gameplay loop
It means that you can drop in, complete contracts, fight other players and AI enemies, extract with loot, and start building your progression.
Marathon Server Slam Rewards
The Server Slam also gives you a small bonus for taking part. If you complete the required objectives during the event, you can earn:
- a unique emblem
- a special player background
These rewards will unlock in the full game after launch. However, your progress during the Server Slam does not carry over. This means your levels, gear, and stats will reset when the test ends. Remember that the rewards are the only things that transfer to the full release.
Marathon PC System Requirements
Below, there are the currently announced PC system requirements for Marathon. We divided them into minimum and recommended specs to help you understand how the game may run on your system.
Marathon Minimum System Requirements PC:
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit
- Processor: Intel Core i5-6600 or AMD Ryzen 5 2600
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti (4GB) or AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT (4GB) or Intel Arc A580 (8GB, with ReBAR on)
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 50 GB available space
Marathon PC Recommended Specs:
- OS: Windows 10/11 64-bit
- Processor: Intel Core i5-10400 or AMD Ryzen 5 3500.
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 or AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT or Intel Arc A770 (16GB, with ReBAR on)
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 50 GB SSD available space
Meeting the minimum specs should allow you to run the game, while the recommended specs will deliver smoother performance and better visuals.