How to Play the Marathon Server Slam Open Test

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This weekend, players can get an early look at Bungie’s new Extraction Shooter, Marathon, with the start of the Server Slam Open Test on PS5, Xbox Series, and Steam. From the team behind Halo and Destiny—and the original Marathon games—this game blends player-versus-player and player-versus-environment action on a lost planet called Tau Ceti IV. If you’re not familiar with the test or how to join, we’ve put together a guide to help you get playing this weekend.

How Do You Play the Marathon Server Slam Open Test?

The Marathon Server Slam Open Test is available to play for free for a limited time on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (through the Steam Store). To access it, simply add the “Server Slam Open Test” to your cart—it’s free! You don’t need to pre-order the full Marathon game to participate in the test.

Marathon Server Slam Open Test Start & End Time

The Marathon Server Slam Open Test will run from Thursday, February 26th, 2026, to Monday, March 2nd, 2026.

Just a heads-up, anything you unlock or achieve during the Open Test won’t transfer over to the full game when it launches. But don’t let that stop you from jumping in! They’re giving us rewards for hitting certain goals during the test, so it’s worth playing to snag those extras.

  • Completing your first mission unlocks the Standard Arrival Cache:
    • Standard implants (6x)
    • Standard Runner Shell Cores (4x)
    • Standard weapon chip mods (6x)
    • Weapons: Overrun and Hardline
  • Reaching Runner Level 10 unlocks the Enhanced Arrival Cache (Green)
    • Enhanced Implants (6x)
    • Enhanced Runner shell cores (2x for each shell, 12x total)
    • Enhanced Weapon chip mods (4x)
    • Weapons: Enhanced Magnum and Enhanced Hardline
  • Reaching Runner Level 30 unlocks the Deluxe Arrival Cache (Blue)
    • Deluxe and Enhanced implants (3x each, 6x total)
    • Deluxe and Enhanced Runner shell cores (1x for each shell, 12x total)
    • Weapons: Deluxe Magnum and Enhanced Volley Rifle
    • Backpack: Enhanced Base Backpack

What to expect in Marathon Server Slam Open Test

Marathon is a game where you try to survive and collect valuable items within a limited time. You explore a location, find loot, and then need to escape safely. It sounds simple, but there’s actually a lot more to it than that!

As a fan, I’m really excited about the mix of battling other players and the environment in this game! You’ll be facing off against both real people trying to snag your hard-earned loot, and the UESC mechs that are just trying to destroy you. But don’t worry, you can team up with up to two friends to take on the world together. If you’re feeling brave, though, you can totally go it alone!

In the Open Test, you’ll be able to explore two areas: Perimeter and Dire Marsh. You can also take on missions from five different groups – NuCaloric, CyberAcme, Traxus, MIDA, and Arachne. As you play, you’ll start earning progress with these factions, unlocking upgrades to make your character stronger.

Similar to the recent Arc Raiders Server Slam test, not all features planned for the full game will be available. Here’s what you won’t find just yet:

  • Late-game zones (Outpost and Cryo Archive)
  • Full contract and progression depth for all factions
  • Ranked mode
  • Sixth Runner Shell (Thief)
  • Season 1 and end-game unlock content

That covers everything you need to know to play the Marathon Server Slam Open Test on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Good luck to everyone playing – we hope you earn some great rewards!

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2026-02-26 18:09