Bungie's new extraction shooter, Marathon, is almost ready for launch but the Destiny 2 developer has one final open-beta-style server slam to host. Starting on February 26 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET and finishing on March 2 at the same time, the Marathon server slam is an opportunity for players to get their hands on the game ahead of launch. It'll also allow Bungie to test its infrastructure before the full Marathon release date lands.

While Bungie has warned that there will "likely" be login queues, server down time, disconnections, error codes, and bugs, it's also said that the team will be on standby to address any issues that crop up. It's important to note that there will only be two of Tau Ceti's zones available during the server slam--Perimeter and Dire Marsh--and players can try out five of the six available Runner shells. When the full game releases there will be more zones, factions, contracts, gear, a ranked mode, and, Bungie says, "some secrets you'll have to experience yourself."

However, if you're wondering what the benefits are of playing Marathon during the server slam--other than getting to play the game before it's officially released--Bungie has made some rewards available for players, including console-specific exclusives. There are also Twitch Drops available for those that can't get into the action this weekend, but still want some goodies.

Marathon Server Slam rewards

For players that log in during the Server Slam, Bungie has made several rewards available. Everyone who completes the introductory mission will unlock the Beta.exe emblem and Complex Study player background. In addition, the following rewards will be gained based on your progression in Marathon over the weekend:

• Complete your first mission - Unlock the Standard Arrival Cache
  • 6x Standard Implants
  • 4x Standard Runner shell cores
  • 6x Standard weapon chip mods
  • Overrun weapon
  • Hardline weapon
• Reach Runner level 10 - Unlock the Enhanced Arrival Cache
  • 6x Enhanced implants
  • 12x Enhanced Runner shell cores
  • 4x Enhanced weapon chip mods
  • Enhanced Magnum weapon
  • Enhanced Hardline weapon
• Reach Runner level 30 - Unlock the Deluxe Arrival Cache
  • 3x Deluxe implants
  • 3x Enhanced implants
  • 6x Deluxe Runner shell cores
  • 6x Enhanced Runner shell cores
  • 2x Deluxe weapon chip mods
  • 2x Enhanced weapon chip mods
  • Deluxe Magnum weapon
  • Enhanced Volley Rifle weapon
  • Enhanced Base Backpack

These rewards won't appear in your inventory until the full release of Marathon on March 5.

Marathon Twitch Drops

For those of you that prefer to watch the action, Bungie has set up Twitch Drops that run throughout the Server Slam weekend. All you need to do is watch any Twitch streamer in the Marathon category and you'll get cosmetic rewards for the game's launch. Make sure you link your Bungie and Twitch accounts to ensure the rewards are granted. There are five rewards as follows:

• Twitch Sponsored Kit aka Standard in-game loot - Watch for one hour
• SMILEYworm Emblem - Watch for one hour
• WEAVEworm Background - Watch for two hours
• GLOWworm Weapon Sticker - Watch for three hours
• HMG Twitch Engine Weapon Skin - Watch for four hours

In addition to the above rewards, there are Xbox and PlayStation console-exclusive rewards running throughout the Server Slam weekend.