The Marathon Open Beta is your chance to try Bungie’s upcoming extraction shooter for free before its March 5, 2026 release. This team-based PvPvE game lets you explore the lost colony of Tau Ceti IV as a bio-cybernetic Runner, scavenging for valuable resources while fighting off rival players and hostile UESC security forces. Whether you’re on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, or PC, this open beta weekend will give you hands-on experience with one of 2026’s most anticipated games. Read on to learn exactly when the beta starts and how you can join without any special invites or codes.
Key Takeaways
- Release Date: Marathon Open Beta expected mid-February 2026 (exact date TBA from Bungie)
- Free Access: No purchase required – completely free open beta for all players
- Platforms: Available simultaneously on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam
- No Invite Needed: Unlike previous alpha tests, this beta is open to everyone
- Duration: Expected to run for a full weekend
- Progress Reset: Beta progress won’t carry over to the full game
- Crossplay: Full crossplay support confirmed across all platforms
What is Marathon Open Beta?
The Marathon Open Beta is a free playtest that lets you experience Bungie’s new extraction shooter before the official launch. Unlike the previous Closed Technical Test that required special invites, this beta opens the floodgates for everyone interested. As a Runner, you’ll drop into the mysterious world of Tau Ceti IV, where you must complete objectives, gather valuable loot, and extract safely while competing against other players and fighting hostile forces.
This extraction shooter combines elements from popular games like Destiny and Escape from Tarkov, but with Bungie’s unique twist on the genre. The beta gives you a taste of the core gameplay loop: drop in, scavenge, fight, survive, and extract with your rewards. It’s the perfect opportunity to decide if Marathon deserves your money when it launches on March 5, 2026.
Marathon Open Beta Release Date
Based on the official March 5, 2026 release date announced by Bungie, industry experts expect the Marathon Open Beta to launch in mid-February 2026. While Bungie hasn’t confirmed the exact date yet, this timing aligns with typical beta testing schedules for major game releases.
The beta will likely run for a full weekend, giving players ample time to experience different aspects of the game. Bungie typically allows players to pre-load beta clients 24-48 hours before servers go live, so you’ll want to keep an eye on your platform’s store in early February. The beta will be available simultaneously across all platforms, so no matter whether you’re playing on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, or PC, you’ll get to jump in at the same time as everyone else.
How to Join Marathon Open Beta
Joining the Marathon Open Beta is surprisingly simple compared to other beta tests. Here’s exactly what you need to do:
Step 1: Wishlist the Game
Head to your preferred platform’s digital store (PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, or Steam) and add Marathon to your wishlist. This ensures you’ll get an automatic notification when the beta becomes available for download.
Step 2: Pre-load When Available
Once Bungie announces the beta date, you can pre-load the client 24-48 hours before the test begins. This saves you time on launch day and ensures you’re ready to play immediately when servers go live.
Step 3: Launch and Play
When the beta starts, simply launch the Marathon Open Beta client from your game library. No special codes, no invites, no purchases required – just jump right in!
Unlike the previous alpha tests that required special invitations, this open beta is available to everyone. You don’t need to pre-order the full game or pay anything to participate. Just make sure you have enough storage space on your console or PC for the beta client.
Platforms and System Requirements
The Marathon Open Beta will be available on three major platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Each platform offers the same core experience with some platform-specific optimizations.
For console players, you’ll need a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S with sufficient storage space. Bungie recommends having at least 100GB of free space for the beta, though this may change by launch. PC players should check the official system requirements on Steam, but expect to need a modern gaming PC with at least a GTX 1660 or equivalent graphics card, 16GB of RAM, and an SSD for optimal performance.
One of the best features of Marathon is its full crossplay support. You can team up with friends regardless of their platform, and matchmaking will pull from the entire player pool across all systems. This means shorter wait times and more balanced matches, which is especially important for an extraction shooter that relies on having enough players in each session.
What to Expect in the Beta
The Marathon Open Beta will likely include several core gameplay modes and features. Based on previous technical tests and Bungie’s approach with Destiny, you can expect:
- Core Extraction Mode: The main gameplay loop where you drop into Tau Ceti IV, complete objectives, gather loot, and extract safely
- Multiple Factions: Interact with different faction agents like Gantry from MIDA, each offering unique contracts and rewards
- Varied Loadouts: Test different weapons, gadgets, and abilities including grappling hooks and defensive shields
- PvPvE Combat: Fight both AI-controlled UESC forces and other player Runners
- Progression Systems: Experience some of the game’s progression mechanics, though remember that beta progress won’t carry over
The beta will showcase Bungie’s signature gunplay combined with the tactical elements of extraction shooters. You’ll need to balance risk and reward – push deeper for better loot but risk losing everything if you die before extracting. This creates intense, memorable moments that define the extraction shooter genre.
Marathon Game Overview
Marathon represents Bungie’s return to the sci-fi shooter genre after years of focusing on Destiny. Set on the lost colony of Tau Ceti IV, the game puts you in the role of a Runner – a bio-cybernetic scavenger exploring this dangerous world. The colony has been abandoned for decades, but valuable resources and mysterious secrets remain hidden throughout its ruins.
As you explore, you’ll encounter six different factions, each with their own agendas and agents. Completing contracts for these factions unlocks new story content and rewards through the game’s Codex system. Bungie is combining world design, gameplay, and discoverable narrative to create a rich, living world that rewards exploration and curiosity.
The game features an impressive voice cast including industry veterans like Roger Clark (Red Dead Redemption 2), Darin De Paul (Overwatch), and Jennifer English (Baldur’s Gate 3). This level of talent suggests Bungie is investing heavily in the story and character development, which could set Marathon apart from other extraction shooters that focus purely on gameplay.
Tips for Your First Beta Session
If you’re new to extraction shooters, here are some tips to help you succeed in the Marathon Open Beta:
Start Conservatively
Your first few runs should focus on learning the maps and basic mechanics. Don’t push too deep or engage in unnecessary fights. Extract early with whatever loot you find to build confidence and understanding.
Learn the Extraction Points
Knowing where extraction points are located is crucial in any extraction shooter. Spend time studying the maps and memorizing multiple extraction routes in case your primary option is compromised.
Team Up When Possible
While you can play solo, teaming up with other players significantly increases your chances of survival. Use voice chat to coordinate movements and share information about enemy positions.
Manage Your Resources
Ammo, health items, and special abilities are limited. Use them wisely and don’t waste resources on low-value targets. Sometimes the best strategy is avoiding fights altogether.
Extract Smart
Don’t get greedy. It’s better to extract with a decent haul than die and lose everything. Know when to call it quits and head for extraction, even if you haven’t found the best possible loot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
New players to extraction shooters often make these mistakes in the Marathon Open Beta:
Looting Too Long
Spending too much time searching for loot makes you vulnerable to other players who may be rotating to your position. Grab what you can quickly and keep moving.
Ignoring Sound Cues
Sound is crucial in Marathon. Pay attention to footsteps, gunshots, and other audio cues that can alert you to nearby threats or opportunities.
Poor Loadout Choices
Don’t bring your best gear to the beta if you’re worried about losing it. The beta should be about experimentation, so try different weapons and abilities to find what works for you.
Going Solo Immediately
While solo play is possible, extraction shooters are often more enjoyable and successful with a team. Try to find teammates through Discord or other community channels.
Forgetting the Objective
Remember that extraction isn’t just about killing other players – it’s about getting out alive with valuable loot. Sometimes avoiding fights is the smartest play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be an open beta or public test before release?
Yes, Bungie has confirmed that Marathon will have an open play test weekend before the March 5, 2026 launch. Unlike the previous closed alpha and technical tests that required special invitations, this beta will be open to everyone interested in trying the game. The open beta is expected to take place in mid-February 2026, giving players about two weeks to experience the game before making their purchase decision.
Is marathon going to have PC and console crossplay?
Yes, Marathon features full crossplay support across all platforms – PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. This means you can team up with friends regardless of their preferred gaming system, and matchmaking will pull from the entire player pool. Crossplay is especially important for extraction shooters that rely on having enough players in each session to create engaging matches. Bungie has also confirmed that players will have options to manage their crossplay preferences.
How to join Marathon shooter game’s open beta?
Joining the Marathon Open Beta is straightforward: wishlist the game on your preferred platform store (PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, or Steam), pre-load the beta client when it becomes available 24-48 hours before launch, and then simply launch and play when the beta begins. No special codes, invitations, or purchases are required. The beta will be completely free and open to everyone who wants to participate.
Any news on the next beta? Open or otherwise?
The Marathon Open Beta is the next confirmed beta test following the previous closed technical tests that ran in late 2025. Bungie hasn’t announced any additional beta tests beyond this open weekend, but it’s possible they could hold smaller focused tests for specific features closer to launch. The open beta in mid-February 2026 is expected to be the final large-scale test before the game’s March 5 release.
Do you need an invite to play the Marathon open beta?
No, you don’t need an invite for the Marathon Open Beta. Unlike the previous alpha and closed technical tests that required special invitations from Bungie, this open beta is available to everyone. Simply wishlist the game on your platform of choice and download the beta client when it becomes available. The open nature of this test means no barriers to entry – anyone interested can participate without special codes or invitations.
Will the Marathon Beta playtest feature cross-play?
Yes, the Marathon Open Beta will include the same crossplay functionality as the full game. You’ll be able to play with friends on different platforms during the beta test, and matchmaking will work across the entire player base. This allows you to test the crossplay experience and decide how you want to play when the full game launches. Crossplay is particularly valuable for beta tests as it helps populate matches and reduces wait times.
Does the Marathon Open Beta grant any rewards?
Typically, beta participation doesn’t grant rewards that carry over to the full game, and Bungie hasn’t announced any special rewards for Marathon Open Beta participants. The main benefit of joining the beta is getting early hands-on experience with the game to help you decide whether to purchase it at launch. Any progress, unlocks, or achievements earned during the beta will not carry over to the full game when it releases on March 5, 2026.
Conclusion
The Marathon Open Beta represents an excellent opportunity to experience Bungie’s ambitious extraction shooter before committing to a purchase. With its free access, crossplay support, and availability on all major platforms, there’s no reason not to try it if you’re interested in competitive shooters. The beta will give you a taste of the tactical gameplay, rich world-building, and polished mechanics that Bungie is known for.
Mark your calendars for mid-February 2026 and make sure to wishlist Marathon on your preferred platform. Whether you’re a veteran of extraction shooters or new to the genre, this beta weekend will provide valuable insight into whether Marathon deserves your time and money when it launches on March 5, 2026. Don’t miss your chance to be among the first to explore the mysterious world of Tau Ceti IV!
For more information on extraction shooters and similar games, check out our guides on Arc Raiders gameplay and Arc Raiders quest systems. If you’re interested in other upcoming game betas, our Battlefield 6 free trial guide has everything you need to know.
