Excitement is building for Marathon, the highly anticipated extraction shooter developed by Bungie, the creators of Destiny. With the game’s challenging development process spanning several years, the studio is eager to make a substantial impact with its first new title in over a decade. To accomplish this, Bungie is organizing an extensive preview event known as the Marathon Server Slam, allowing players to experience a significant portion of the game’s content ahead of its official release.
The Marathon Server Slam serves as an opportunity for Bungie to evaluate game performance and server stability, much like the Dungeon 4 Server Slam and other pre-launch test events. By inviting a large number of players to join in, Bungie aims to gather invaluable feedback to optimize the gaming experience.
Participating in the Marathon Server Slam
Participation in the Marathon Server Slam is completely free; no purchase, pre-order, or access codes are necessary. Players on PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S can access the client once it goes live. Utilizing a Bungie account will enable cross-play capabilities and allow players to save their progress across different platforms.
When Will the Marathon Server Slam Begin and End?
The Server Slam will kick off for a four-day period, commencing on February 26 and concluding on March 2. After this period, the servers will temporarily go offline to prepare for the official launch on March 5, post which players will need to purchase the game to continue playing.
The Server Slam will commence and finish at the same timings on each day listed:
- 10 AM PT
- 1 PM ET
- 6 PM GMT
- 7 PM CET
- 10 PM GST
- 5 AM AEDT (February 27)
What to Expect from the Marathon Server Slam
The Marathon Server Slam features the most extensive offering yet for a beta, showcasing the game’s complete extraction shooter loop. Players can engage solo or in co-op modes, select different classes, venture into diverse maps, and experience both PvPvE gameplay and proximity chat. Key elements include strategies for extraction and base loot management.
Here’s a breakdown of the content players can expect:
- Two expansive zones: Perimeter and Dire Marsh.
- Five unique Runner Shells: Destroyer, Assassin, Recon, Vandal, Triage, alongside a scavenger option known as Rook (free loadout).
- Contracts from five factions: CyberAcme, NuCaloric, Traxus, MIDA, and Arachne.
- Early-level progression, including faction reputation skill trees.
In-Game Rewards for Marathon Server Slam Participants
Bungie has tailored rewards for participants who delve deep into the Server Slam content. For example, completing the introductory mission will grant players a distinctive emblem and background for use in the full game. It’s important to note that all rewards obtained during the Server Slam are exclusive to players who purchase the full version of the game, and progress will not transfer between the test period and launch.
The more you engage with the Server Slam, the more substantial your rewards will be at launch. Here’s a comprehensive list of the potential benefits:
First Mission Completion: Unlock the Standard Arrival Cache
- Standard implants (6x)
- Standard Runner shell cores (4x)
- Standard weapon chip mods (6x)
- Weapons: Overrun and Hardline
Reach Runner Level 10: Unlock the Enhanced Arrival Cache (Green)
- Enhanced implants (6x)
- Enhanced Runner shell cores (12x total, 2x for each shell)
- Enhanced weapon chip mods (4x)
- Weapons: Enhanced Magnum and Enhanced Hardline
Reach Runner Level 30: Unlock the Deluxe Arrival Cache (Blue)
- Deluxe and Enhanced implants (6x total; 3x of each)
- Deluxe and Enhanced Runner shell cores (12x total; 1x of each for each shell)
- Deluxe and Enhanced weapon chip mods (4x total; 2x of each)
- Weapons: Deluxe Magnum and Enhanced Volley Rifle
- Backpack: Deluxe Base Backpack
System Requirements for Marathon on PC
In line with its predecessor Destiny 2, Marathon is expected to run on relatively modest system specifications. Early feedback indicates a smooth gameplay experience across various setups. Below are the system requirements to ensure optimal performance:
Minimum Requirements
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit (latest Service Pack)
- CPU: Intel Core i5-6600 or AMD Ryzen 5 2600
- RAM: 8GB
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti (4GB), AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT (4GB), or Intel Arc A580 (8GB, with ReBAR enabled)
- DirectX: 12
Recommended Requirements
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit (latest Service Pack)
- CPU: Intel Core i5-10400 or AMD Ryzen 5 3500
- RAM: 16GB
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 (6GB), AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT (8GB), or Intel Arc A770 (16GB, with ReBAR enabled)
- DirectX: 12
Leave a Reply