Marathon Hits 143k Concurrent Players Ahead of March Launch
Bungie needed a definitive win to silence the skeptics, and they just found it, as over 143,000 Runners flooded Steam simultaneously in the Marathon Server Slam, proving that the studio’s sci-fi extraction shooter is officially the year’s most anticipated heavyweight.
The stakes couldn’t have been higher for Bungie. After a series of strategic shifts and a complete reimagining of their classic IP, the Marathon Server Slam finally opened the gates to the public this week.
The results? A massive peak of 143,621 concurrent players on Steam within the first 24 hours, comfortably securing its spot in the top three best-sellers on the platform ahead of its official launch on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S on March 5, 2026.
👉 READ ALSO: How to Play the Marathon Server Slam Free
Is Marathon the New King of Extraction Shooters?
The intensity of this final test felt different from previous betas. Movement is fluid, the “Bungie feel” for gunplay is present in every encounter, and, most importantly, the servers actually held up under the weight of six-figure player counts.
Hitting a peak of 143,000 concurrent users on Steam alone puts Marathon in a league of its own compared to most niche extraction titles. Clearly, the community is hungry for a high-production alternative to the current genre leaders.
Beyond the Hype: Editions and Access
If you’re looking to jump in at launch, you’ll be facing the official storefront markup of $39.99 for the Standard Edition. This baseline entry includes access to the full game and several profile customization options.
For those wanting a bit more flash, the Deluxe Edition exists for a premium retail price, adding weapon and Shell cosmetics to the pile. Both versions represent Bungie’s shift toward a premium-entry model rather than the free-to-play route seen with Destiny 2.
Should You Secure Your Key Now?
The Server Slam proved that the technical foundation is rock solid. However, paying the Standard store cost isn’t your only option if you want to be there on Day One.
While the game justifies its existence through sheer style and mechanical polish, it pays to keep an eye on price trackers. You can often find a way around the official markup if you know where to look before the final release. Click on the links above to get started.
Fueled by a passion for gaming and the ever-evolving world of gaming news, Daniel loves connecting with seasoned and new players to bring games to life on the page, exploring their narratives and gaming trends. A self-published fiction and fantasy author, Daniel has nearly 20 years of experience writing gaming news and a love for storytelling that drives his enthusiasm to deliver breaking news, in-depth analysis, and industry innovations. You will find him in-game as "Windfell."
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