A Week Before Launch, Marathon Crushes Competition on Steam

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Marathon, scheduled for release on March 5, 2026, has already achieved high rankings on Steam’s bestseller lists due to strong player anticipation and preorder numbers. The extraction shooter currently holds the third spot in the US and sixth globally, outperforming looter-shooter competitor ARC Raiders, which launched three months prior and maintains an active player base. Marathon’s preorder numbers also surpass those of multiplayer titles like Helldivers 2 and Apex Legends. The open preview weekend, or Server Slam, allows players to access the game before its official launch. Bungie also released a new character trailer, and players can earn in-game rewards by watching Twitch streams during the preview weekend via Twitch PlayersForLife. The open beta Server Slam and Bungie’s marketing efforts have driven this sales surge. This weekend event offers a chance to test Marathon’s servers before launch without requiring codes, preorders, or signups. The Marathon Server Slam is also part of Steam Next Fest. Bungie will monitor the event through their official Discord (Marathon Official Discord), Twitter (MarathonDevTeam), and Bluesky accounts. Updates will also be available on the Bungie Server Status page.

The excitement and anticipation surrounding Marathon have clearly translated into a strong commercial opportunity for Bungie, even before the game’s official release. The Marathon Server Slam takes place from Thursday, February 26, at 6 p.m. UTC, to Monday, March 2, at 6 p.m. UTC, on Steam, PlayStation Store, and Microsoft Store. Regional start and end times are as follows: US Pacific: February 26, 10 a.m. PST – March 2, 10 a.m. PST US Eastern: February 26, 1 p.m. EST – March 2, 1 p.m. EST UK: February 26, 6 p.m. GMT – March 2, 6 p.m. GMT Central Europe: February 26, 7 p.m. CET – March 2, 7 p.m. CET Australia: February 27, 5 a.m. AEDT – March 3, 5 a.m. AEDT New Zealand: February 27, 7 a.m. NZDT – March 3, 7 a.m. NZDT Players can download the Server Slam as an add-on from the game’s store page on Steam, rather than as a separate application. Currently, only CounterStrike 2 and Capcom’s Resident Evil Requiem rank higher on Steam’s top sellers list. Useful links: Marathon Homepage: \[insert link] Bungie News: \[insert link] Twitch PlayersForLife Setup: \[insert link]

Marathon’s Global Launch Approaches on Steam, PlayStation Store, and Microsoft Store with Server Slam Events

Download locations on Steam, PlayStation Store, and Microsoft Store: \[insert links] The Marathon Server Slam is available for download on Steam, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.

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“Join us on a thrilling gaming journey! First, dive into Jonathan Dubinski’s recent post about free tests for Horizon: Hunters Gathering and Marathon Free Tests for Horizon: Hunters Gathering and Marathon This Weekend. Explore an expansive environment, try out three playable hunters, and experience a shared social space in Horizon’s test from Feb 27 – Mar 1. Meanwhile, Marathon’s test offers a taste of two zones, unlocked contracts, and exciting rewards. Get ready for some intense multiplayer action with Carlos Mendoza’s sneak peek into Bungie’s upcoming shooter, Marathon Marathon Gets Cinematic Trailer. Witness an enticing glimpse into Rook’s world and mark your calendars for early access through Horizon Hunters Gathering’s beta just around the corner. Lastly, check out Jonathan Dubinski’s fascinating piece on Players for Life about Marvel’s Wolverine arriving two months before GTA 6 Marvel’s Wolverine to Arrive Two Months Before GTA 6, Avoiding Confrontation with Rockstar Games. This action-packed game promises a brutal third-person adventure through iconic Marvel locations and a semi-open structure reminiscent of God of War. Stay tuned for more updates!”