Marathon is Bungie’s upcoming PvP extraction shooter reboot, and due to its always-online design, large install size, and global server launch, preloading is strongly recommended. Marathon is confirmed to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam).
If you played the Server Slam test for Marathon, keep in mind that progress will be reset during the official launch, and you will need to play from the start, and only rewards earned from the server test will be available during the full game.
1. Marathon Preload
Marathon Cinematic
The Marathon preload is now live (as of March 3–4, 2026) — pre-downloads are available on Steam, PS5, and Xbox ahead of release day. This preload lets you get the game on your system now so you can jump in immediately once servers unlock on launch day.
Release Date: March 5, 2026, on all major platforms.
2. How to Preload Marathon
Preloading Marathon is the best way to jump straight into the game the moment it unlocks. By downloading the files ahead of launch, you avoid long release-day queues, server congestion, and last-minute updates that can delay your first session.
PC (Steam)
- Launch the Steam client and sign in to the account you used to purchase Marathon.
- Go to your Library tab, or search for Marathon directly from the Steam Store.
- Open the game’s store or library page. If preload is live and the game is already purchased, you’ll see a Preload or Install button.
- Click Preload, then choose your preferred install location if prompted.
- Steam will begin downloading the preload files. Let the download fully complete and avoid pausing it so the game is ready to unlock on launch day.
Once finished, the game will remain locked until release, then automatically decrypt and apply any final updates when servers go live. On PC, the Marathon preload appears as a partial download (around ~20 GB) containing core game files.
PlayStation 5
- Open the PlayStation Store from the home screen. Use the search function to find Marathon.
- Open the game’s store page and confirm it’s already purchased or pre-ordered on your account.
- Select Download or Preload when the option appears to begin downloading the game ahead of launch.
- You can monitor progress from the Downloads/Uploads menu or your Game Library.
- Once the download is complete, the game will remain installed on your console and automatically unlock when Marathon officially launches.
Marathon Combat
Xbox Series X|S
- Open the Microsoft Store from the dashboard.
- Search for Marathon, or navigate to My Games & Apps → Full Library → Owned Games if you’ve already pre-ordered it.
- Open the game’s page and select Preload or Install once the option is available.
- Choose your storage location if prompted, then allow the download to begin.
- Monitor the progress from My Games & Apps → Queue and make sure the download fully completes before launch day.
3. Marathon Download Size
The Marathon install size varies by platform, and it’s important to note that the preload download size is not always the same as the total storage space required once the game fully unlocks.
| Platform | Marathon File Size (Preload) | Storage Space Needed |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | 23.27 GB | 23.27 GB |
| Xbox Series X | S | 24.60 GB |
| Steam (PC) | 25.30 GB | ~52.00 GB |
4. Marathon Launch/Unlock Times
Marathon Launch time
Marathon officially launches on Thursday, March 5, and while Bungie has not issued a formal statement confirming the exact release time, all current indicators point to a global unlock (similar to Server Slam) at 1:00 p.m. EST. Here’s how 1:00 p.m. EST on March 5 translates across major regions:
- Los Angeles (PST): 10:00 a.m. — March 5
- New York / Toronto (EST): 1:00 p.m. — March 5
- São Paulo (BRT): 3:00 p.m. — March 5
- London (GMT): 6:00 p.m. — March 5
- Berlin / Paris (CET): 7:00 p.m. — March 5
- Tokyo (JST): 3:00 a.m. — Friday, March 6
- Sydney (AEDT): 5:00 a.m. — Friday, March 6
This is a simultaneous global unlock, meaning there is no local-midnight release—everyone gains access at the same moment, regardless of platform.
