Marathon Server Slam Free Weekend Announced Ahead of March Launch
Bungie has officially announced a Server Slam free weekend for its highly anticipated extraction shooter Marathon, providing players with a chance to experience the game before its official launch next month. This announcement comes after a development period marked by delays and controversies, including issues with stolen art, but the game now appears to be on the final stretch toward release.
During Sony's latest State of Play event, Marathon was highlighted with a new trailer that showcased its gameplay, though it cleverly downplayed its multiplayer shooter elements. The key revelation was the Server Slam open preview weekend, which will allow gamers to try the title for free ahead of its scheduled launch.
When Does the Marathon Open Beta Start and End?
The Marathon Server Slam is set to begin on Thursday, February 26, at 6pm GMT and will run until Monday, March 2, at 6pm GMT. This beta will be accessible across multiple platforms, including:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X/S
- PC via Steam
Cross-play and cross-save features will be enabled, ensuring a seamless experience for players on different systems.
What Will Be Available in the Marathon Server Slam?
Bungie has described the Server Slam as offering a slice of Marathon's gameplay, featuring two distinct zones:
- Perimeter: An edge-site expansion
- Dire Marsh: An agricultural research hub
Players will be able to undertake contracts for five factions: CyberAcme, NuCaloric, Traxus, MIDA, and Arachne, with progression available through early faction levels. Five of the six character classes, known as Runner Shells, will be playable, along with the Rook shell specific to the scavenger mode. Additionally, solo queue and proximity chat functionalities will be activated during the beta.
Will Progress Carry Over from the Server Slam?
While progress from the Server Slam will not transfer to the full game, participants can earn exclusive rewards by meeting specific requirements. All players who complete the introductory mission will receive a unique emblem and player background. Further rewards are available for achieving certain milestones, as detailed below:
- Complete your first mission to unlock the Standard Arrival Cache, which includes:
- Standard implants (6x)
- Standard Runner shell cores (4x)
- Standard weapon chip mods (6x)
- Weapons: Overrun and Hardline
- Reach Runner Level 10 to unlock the Enhanced Arrival Cache (Green), containing:
- Enhanced implants (6x)
- Enhanced Runner shell cores (2x for each shell, 12x total)
- Enhanced weapon chip mods (4x)
- Weapons: Enhanced Magnum and Enhanced Hardline
- Reach Runner Level 30 to unlock the Deluxe Arrival Cache (Blue), featuring:
- Deluxe and Enhanced implants (3x each, 6x total)
- Deluxe and Enhanced Runner shell cores (1x each for each shell, 12x total)
- Deluxe and Enhanced weapon chip mods (2x each, 4x total)
- Weapons: Deluxe Magnum and Enhanced Volley Rifle
- Backpack: Deluxe Base Backpack
What Will Be Added at Marathon's Launch?
Upon its official debut on March 5, priced at £34.99, the full version of Marathon will include:
- Two additional zones: Outpost and Cryo Archive
- A sixth Runner shell called Thief
- Full progression across all factions
- Ranked mode
- Other secrets and surprises, as hinted by Bungie
PlayStation 5 players will receive exclusive weapon charms inspired by Helldivers 2, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, and Ghost of Yōtei. Bungie has also confirmed that PC and Xbox players will have their own weapon charms, though details remain undisclosed.
For those interested in additional cosmetics, a deluxe edition of Marathon is available for £49.99, which includes:
- 200 SILK rewards pass tokens
- Weapon and Runner cosmetics
- A premium rewards pass voucher
This Server Slam event represents a significant opportunity for gamers to get a firsthand look at Marathon before its launch, with Bungie aiming to build excitement and gather feedback through this free preview weekend.
