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Marathon Server Slam Starts Today With Free Cross-Play Preview, Launch Rewards and Twitch Drops

Bungie is running the short test to harden servers ahead of the March 5 launch.

Overview

  • The open preview runs Feb. 26–Mar. 2 starting at 1 p.m. EST, is free on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Steam, and supports cross-play and cross-save without requiring console subscriptions during the test.
  • Preloading is disabled for the preview and servers were offline until go‑live, with Bungie warning of expected login queues and possible maintenance during peak hours.
  • Progress from the test will not carry into launch, but participants can earn tiered Arrival Caches plus a unique emblem and player background that will be credited when the full game releases.
  • The slice includes two zones (Perimeter and Dire Marsh), five Runner shells plus the Rook scavenger experience, contracts for five factions, and play in solo, duos, or trios.
  • Twitch Drops are active during the event with rewards earned for 1–4 hours of viewing; players must link Bungie and Twitch accounts and claim via Twitch Inventory, with items delivered at or after launch (the Twitch Sponsored Kit may take up to 48 hours).