Joining the Marathon Server Slam is straightforward since it’s an open playtest. You don’t need a code, a pre-order, or even a prior sign-up. Since it is currently Thursday, February 26, 2026, the event is literally starting today.
How to Join
To get in, you just need to download the specific Server Slam client from your platform’s store:
PC (Steam): Search for “Marathon” on the Steam Store. Look for the “Marathon Open Beta (Server Slam)” button or a “Download Demo/Playtest” option on the main game page.
PlayStation 5: Open the PlayStation Store, search for “Marathon,” and select the “Server Slam” version to add to your library and download.
Xbox Series X|S: Go to the Microsoft Store on your console, search for “Marathon Open Beta,” and select download.
Note: There is no pre-load available for this event. You have to start the download once the servers go live in your region.
When Can I Download
The download is either live or about to go live today on Feb 26, depending on your platform’s specific store update. The most important thing to know is that the Server Slam uses a different client than the main game.
If you only look at the “Marathon” pre-order page, you might not see the download button.
Step-by-Step Download Instructions
On PC (Steam):
Open Steam and search for “Marathon.”
Click on the main Marathon store page.
Scroll down past the “Pre-purchase” section. Look for a box that says “Join the Marathon Open Beta (Server Slam)” or “Marathon Playtest.”
Click “Request Access” or “Play Now” to start the download (approx. 22 GB).
On PlayStation 5:
Open the PlayStation Store on your console.
Search for “Marathon Server Slam” or “Marathon Open Preview.”
Select the version that is marked as Free (do not select the $40 pre-order).
Select “Add to Library” and then “Download” (approx. 25 GB).
On Xbox Series X|S:
Open the Microsoft Store on your console.
Search for “Marathon Open Beta.”
Look for the tile labeled “Server Slam” or “Open Preview.”
Select “Get” or “Install” to begin the download (approx. 25 GB).
Start Times
The Server Slam begins globally today, February 26, and runs until March 2, 2026. Here is when you can jump in:
| Region | Start Time (Today, Feb 26) |
| Pacific Time (PT) | 10:00 AM |
| Eastern Time (ET) | 1:00 PM |
| GMT (UK) | 6:00 PM |
| India (IST) | 11:30 PM |
Rewards to Earn
Bungie is offering “Arrival Caches” that will carry over to the full game launch on March 5:
Intro Mission: Unlocks a unique emblem and player background.
Runner Level 10: Unlocks the Enhanced Arrival Cache (Green gear).
Runner Level 30: Unlocks the Deluxe Arrival Cache (Blue gear and a backpack).
The test includes two maps (Perimeter and Dire Marsh) and five of the six launch Runner Shells. Since you follow the Philadelphia Phillies, you might appreciate that the “Server Slam” is basically the “Spring Training” for the full launch next week!
Important Setup Tip
To make sure you actually get the Arrival Caches (loot rewards) for the full launch on March 5, you must link your platform account to your Bungie.net profile.
You can do this inside the game client when you first launch it, or by going to Bungie.net and signing in with your Steam/PSN/Xbox credentials.
Pro-tip : In India, the servers technically open at 11:30 PM tonight. If you start the download now, you’ll be ready to drop into the Perimeter map the moment the gates open!
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