- The Marathon Open Beta playtest is expected to release in mid-February 2026.
- You can wishlist and pre-load the game to make sure you don't miss out on the playtest.
- You do not need to purchase or pre-order Marathon to access the Open Beta.
With the final release date for Marathon finally being revealed, players are undoubtedly excited to hop into Bungie’s new yet familiar extraction shooter. The Destiny developers are introducing a whole new world for players to explore, and you can catch a glimpse of this new title with the upcoming Marathon Open Beta.
But before you go ahead and make a purchase, you can test out Marathon yourself, and that too for free. Here’s everything you need to know about the Marathon Open Beta playtest.
Marathon Open Beta Expected Release Date
Marathon’s Open Beta Playtest is expected to take place in mid-February 2026. While Bungie is yet to announce the exact date and time for the beta, the March 5, 2026, release date suggests February as the optimal time for the playtest. The Open Beta is expected to run for a full weekend and be simultaneously available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
How to Join Marathon Open Beta
You can join the Marathon open Beta playtest by downloading the beta client for the game when it is available. Unlike the previous Alpha tests held by Bungie, the beta test will not require an invite or a special code to participate. This playtest will essentially open the floodgates on Marathon and what it has to offer. Here are the steps you can follow to take part in the playtest:
- Wishlist the game on your preferred platform’s store (PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, or Steam). Doing this allows you to receive an automatic notification when Bungie makes the beta client available for download.
- Pre-load the game when you can, as Bungie generally allows players to pre-load beta clients 24-48 hours before servers go live.
- Launch the beta client when the playtest begins.
The beta client will provide players with access to Marathon for the duration of the playtest. Since it’s an Open Beta, you do not have to purchase or pre-order Marathon to access it. It is important to remember that progress made in the beta test will not carry over to the full game when it releases.
Will you be hopping into the Open Beta when it releases? Let us know in the comments below!
As of now, there are no reports regarding the Open Beta granting exclusive rewards.
Yes, the Beta playtest will feature cross-play, allowing you and your friends to take part in it together, regardless of the platform.
No, you do not need an invite to play the beta.
