Bungie has confirmed that the Marathon Server Slam will not offer a preload. The client only becomes available once the event goes live on February 26, 2026, at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET across PS5, Steam, and Xbox.
The confirmation came through official Bungie channels, including the Marathon Discord, and it's left a chunk of the player base frustrated. Anyone hoping to have the game downloaded and ready to launch the second servers open will instead be hitting the download button at the same time as everyone else.
A Separate Client, Not the Full Game
The Server Slam runs on a dedicated "Open Preview" client that is separate from Marathon's retail build. No storefront will list it until the event officially starts, and there's no way to access it early.
Bungie hasn't given a specific technical reason for skipping the preload, but the logic tracks with how most developers handle tests like this. Early access to game files opens the door for dataminers to pull apart the build and leak content ahead of launch. Forcing everyone to download and log in at the same time also gives Bungie a more realistic stress spike to test against, which is the whole point of a Server Slam.
Download Size Won't Be a Problem
The Server Slam build is reportedly small, estimated at around 12 to 16 GB. Even on a modest connection, that shouldn't translate to a long wait. Most modern shooters demand far more for a full install, so the Server Slam client is quick by comparison.
Free, Open, No Strings Attached
Once the event goes live, the client will be searchable under "Marathon Server Slam" on the PlayStation Store, Steam, and Xbox. There's no preorder requirement and no prior signup needed. Anyone can download it and jump in.
Full Release Will Support Preload
Bungie confirmed that Marathon's full release on March 5, 2026, will include a preload window. One source suggests the download could open 24 to 48 hours before launch, though Bungie hasn't locked down exact timing yet. Players who want the game ready on day one won't have the same issue they're dealing with for the Server Slam.
What the Server Slam Actually Offers
The event doubles as both a public stress test and an open preview of Marathon before its official launch. Bungie has said there will be plenty of content available during the test, and exclusive rewards earned during the Server Slam carry over to the full game.
Marathon is Bungie's next major project after Destiny, and it's an extraction shooter. Players drop into missions on Tau Ceti IV, scavenge loot, fight AI enemies and other players (or team up with them), and then extract back to base. Games like Gray Zone Warfare, Arc Raiders, and Hunt: Showdown have popularized the format in recent years, but Bungie is betting on its gunplay and production quality to stand apart.
The Short Version
No preload for the Server Slam. The client drops at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET on February 26 across all platforms. The build is small, participation is free, and no signup or preorder is needed. Preload will be available for the full launch on March 5.
