How to join Marathon open beta, release date, and everything you need to know

Bungie is getting ready to let players step into Marathon ahead of launch, with an open beta playtest expected to roll out in mid-February 2026. The extraction shooter game is now locked in for a March 5 release; and the studio is set to give everyone a hands-on look at its next big universe well before day one.

The open beta will be free to access and available across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Unlike Bungie’s earlier closed alpha tests, this one will not require an invite or access code, making it the first real chance for the wider audience to see how Marathon plays.

Marathon Open Beta roll out date

Bungie has not confirmed an exact date yet, but all signs point to a mid-February window. That timing lines up neatly with the game’s early March launch and follows the studio’s usual pattern of running open tests a few weeks ahead of release.

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The beta is expected to run over a full weekend, giving players enough time to explore Marathon’s extraction-focused gameplay, new world design, and Bungie’s evolving approach to combat.

How to join the Marathon open beta

Getting into the open beta should be straightforward. Players will be able to download the beta client directly once it goes live on their platform of choice.

To make sure you do not miss it, you can wishlist Marathon on the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, or Steam. Bungie is also expected to allow pre-loading of the beta client around 24 to 48 hours before servers open, which should help avoid last-minute download rushes.

No purchase or pre-order is required to participate. As with most beta tests, any progress made during the playtest will not carry over to the full release.

With Bungie stepping into new territory while drawing on familiar shooter DNA, the Marathon open beta looks set to be one of the most closely watched playtests of early 2026. Will you be pre-loading this new shooter? Let us know in the comments section.