Marathon Launches Today: Everything You Need to Realize

Bungie’s highly anticipated extraction shooter, Marathon, is officially live today, March 5, 2026, on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Here’s a comprehensive guide to everything players need to know about accessing the game, pre-load details, launch day specifics, and what to expect in the coming weeks.

Marathon Launch Times

The global launch of Marathon is scheduled for 6:00 PM UTC on March 5, 2026. Here’s a breakdown of launch times by region:

• Los Angeles: 10:00 AM PST
• Modern York: 1:00 PM EST
• São Paulo: 3:00 PM BRT
• London: 6:00 PM GMT
• Berlin: 7:00 PM CET
• Dubai: 10:00 PM GST
• Mumbai: 11:30 PM IST
• Tokyo: 3:00 AM JST (March 6)
• Sydney: 5:00 AM AEDT (March 6)
• Auckland: 7:00 AM NZDT (March 6)

Marathon Pre-Load

Players who pre-ordered Marathon can pre-load the game on all platforms – PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam).

Redownload Required for Server Slam Players

Players who participated in the Marathon Server Slam beta will need to download the full launch build of the game. The Server Slam client is different from the final release version.

Platforms, Crossplay, and Cross-Save

Marathon is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam). The game supports both crossplay and cross-save, allowing players to seamlessly continue their progress across different platforms. A PlayStation Plus subscription is required to play on PlayStation 5, and an Xbox Game Pass Core subscription (formerly Xbox Live Gold) is required on Xbox Series X|S.

What’s New in the Launch Day Build

The final release build of Marathon includes the complete progression systems, a new Runner shell, and the following features:

• Full faction and contract progression with all six factions, including Sekiguchi Genetics.
• All six launch Runner shells, including the Thief.
• Three zones, including Outpost (unlocking on March 6).
• 28 weapons, plus mods, implants, cores, and more for Runner customization.
• Earnable cosmetics, achievements, and storytelling through the Codex.

Bungie has implemented fixes and updates based on feedback from the Server Slam, including adjustments to PvP frequency on Perimeter (Beginner), with further changes planned.

Upcoming Content: Cryo Archive and Ranked Mode

The endgame experience, Cryo Archive, located within the derelict UESC Marathon ship, will go live in the second half of March. Ranked Mode is as well slated to launch as part of Season 1, with details to be shared closer to its release.

Server Slam Rewards

Rewards earned during the Server Slam will be distributed on launch day. These include cosmetic rewards and Arrival Caches, determined by the Runner level achieved during the playtest. Players must log in during Season 1 to claim their rewards.

Twitch Drop Rewards

Twitch Drop rewards are available from 10:00 AM PT, March 5, through 10:00 AM PT, March 9. Rewards include:

• Weapon Sticker: Smol K.i.t.t.y. (Subscribe or Gift a Subscription)
• Twitch Sponsored Kit (Watch for 1 hour)
• Profile Emblem: Pink Graffiti Bingus (Watch for 1 hour)
• Profile Background: Pink Graffiti Bingus (Watch for 2 hours)
• Weapon Sticker: Pink Graffiti Bingus (Watch for 3 hours)
• Weapon Skin (Style): White and Purple – Ballistic Sniper (Watch for 4 hours)

Additional Twitch Drops will be available during the Tau Ceti Cup on March 14.

Platform-Specific Weapon Charms

Players will receive platform-specific weapon charms upon logging in:

• PlayStation: For Freedom, Battle Guitar, and Onryō (available via the PlayStation Store).
• Xbox: Emerald Clutch and Emerald Catch.
• Steam: Crowbar.

Login Queues and Issue Reporting

Bungie anticipates potential login queues on launch day and will provide updates via the Bungie Server Status accounts on X and Bluesky, as well as the Marathon community Discord.