The highly anticipated Marathon Server Slam is set to run from Thursday, February 26, at 6 PM UTC, concluding on Monday, March 2, at 6 PM UTC. This global event will be accessible on Steam, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, providing players worldwide the opportunity to engage. For players in different regions, this translates to specific local timings: for US Pacific, it begins at 10 AM PST on February 26; for US Eastern, 1 PM EST on February 26; for the UK, 6 PM GMT on February 26; for Central Europe, 7 PM CET on February 26; for Australia, 5 AM AEDT on February 27; and for New Zealand, 7 AM NZDT on February 27. This free preview weekend requires no pre-registration or pre-orders; players can simply download and jump into the action once it goes live in their respective areas.
Participation in the Server Slam offers more than just an early look at "Marathon"; it provides an opportunity to earn unique cosmetic and in-game rewards that will be available when the full game launches on March 5. Although these items won't be visible during the preview, they will be securely waiting in players' accounts upon release. Completing the introductory mission will grant players an exclusive emblem and player background, symbolizing their day-one involvement. Further progression through the Server Slam unlocks additional tiers of rewards:
While the Server Slam represents only a fraction of "Marathon's" full launch content, it still offers a substantial gameplay experience. Players will have access to two distinct maps: Perimeter and Dire Marsh, allowing them to familiarize themselves with different environments (the Outpost map, featured in previous tests, will not be available). The preview also includes early contracts and progression trees for five of the six factions: CyberAcme, NuCaloric, Traxus, MIDA, and Arachne (Sekiguchi Genetics will be unavailable). Players can choose from five of the six launch Runner shells—Assassin, Destroyer, Recon, Triage, and Vandal—along with the free loadout Rook shell (the Thief shell will not be playable). The Server Slam supports both squad and solo queue options, features proximity chat, and enables cross-play and cross-save functionality, ensuring a broad and connected player experience.