The buzz around Marathon Alpha is growing fast, and for good reason. Bungie is opening the doors to a select group of players to test out its sci-fi extraction shooter ahead of its official September 23 release, and let me tell you this straight up—you absolutely have to try it.
I played it early. I dove deep into the Discord. And after testing some of the features firsthand, I can genuinely say: this game is going to be huge. If you’re into tactical PvP, rich sci-fi universes, and high-stakes shooter mechanics, Marathon Alpha isn’t just another playtest—it’s your chance to be part of the next big thing before the world catches on.
Bungie’s new title Marathon has been teasing players with cryptic trailers and dev hints for months. But now, with the Marathon Alpha live between April 23 and May 4, we’re finally seeing what this sci-fi shooter is really made of. You’ll get to play as one of four unique “Runners” on two expansive maps, testing weapons, mechanics, and a game world full of secrets.
This alpha test isn’t just for fun—it’s Bungie’s chance to stress test their systems and refine the gameplay before release. For us, it’s a golden opportunity to experience it early and maybe, just maybe, help shape its final form.
How Marathon Alpha Sets Itself Apart
What sets Marathon apart from other shooters is its blend of high-skill, tactical combat and mysterious lore. You’re not just dropping into a battlefield—you’re entering a world, uncovering secrets, building relationships with factions, and customizing your playstyle. Think Destiny meets Escape from Tarkov, but with tighter PvP mechanics and a strong character identity system.
How to Sign Up for Marathon Alpha
Right now, there’s only one official way to get access: through the Marathon Discord server. Bungie has kept this process relatively simple, but you’ll still need to act fast. Here’s how to do it step-by-step.
Step-by-Step Guide to Registering
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Join the official Marathon Discord at discord.gg/marathonthegame.
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Accept the rules and community guidelines.
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Navigate to the
#alpha_accesschat. -
Type the command
/alphain that channel. -
A bot will ping you in the
#new-noisechannel. -
Click the unique link provided to access the sign-up form.
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Sign into your Bungie account, or create one if needed.
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Choose your platform: PlayStation, Steam, or Xbox.
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Complete the survey (your platform, specs, game experience, etc.).
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Confirm submission. You’re now in the pool of potential alpha testers.
Remember: completing the survey does not guarantee access. Players are being selected over time, so keep an eye on your email.
Discord: The Only Way In (For Now)
Currently, Discord is the exclusive channel for signing up. There are no public code giveaways, and no external websites offering access. Bungie is curating this first phase carefully, likely to build a community and control feedback.
What Changed: No NDA Required
Originally, participants had to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). But as of April 18, that requirement has been dropped. This means players can now stream, share gameplay, and discuss everything openly. If you love talking about game mechanics, builds, or first impressions—now’s your time to shine.
Key Dates for Marathon Alpha
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Start: Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 10 a.m. PDT
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End: Sunday, May 4, 2025, at 10 a.m. PDT
Keep in mind that this test is exclusive to North America, and you must be 18+ to join.
Who Can Join the Marathon Alpha
To recap:
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Region: North America only
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Age: Must be 18 or older
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Platform: PlayStation, Xbox, or PC
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Account: Bungie.net account required
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No NDA = Open sharing
What Happens After You Register
If selected, you’ll receive an email with a download link and access instructions. The game build is approximately 6 GB, so it won’t take forever to install. Once you’re in, you’re free to play, stream, and provide feedback.
Details on the Download and Size
The download is lightweight at just 6GB, which is perfect for a quick installation. You’ll be able to hop in and explore both maps with minimal delay.
What You’ll Experience in the Alpha
The Alpha includes:
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2 Maps:
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Perimeter: A smaller, more tactical map for early-game fights.
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Dire Marsh: A large-scale map where 6 teams of 3 battle across vast terrain.
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4 Runners (Playable Characters):
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Locus – Heavy tank with rockets and a shield.
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Glitch – Speedy with a double jump and arm cannon.
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Blackbird – Recon expert with scan abilities.
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Void – Infiltrator with stealth capabilities.
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There are also legendary weapons, lootable gear, and even contracts tied to in-game factions that affect your long-term progression.
Weapons, Loot, and Legendary Drops
Weapons feel sharp, impactful, and come in tiers. During the test, I found gold legendary items with unique effects—super rare, but game-changing when equipped. It’s clear Bungie is going for replayability and long-term loadout depth.
Contracts, Factions, and Progression
You’ll be able to accept contracts that build your reputation with in-game factions. These unlock new features like expanded vault space and premium gear. This is Bungie’s way of merging PvP with MMO-style progression.
Why You Should Join Even If It’s Limited
I’ll say this loud and clear: you need to try this game. It’s slick, stylish, and just plain fun. The extraction mechanics are thrilling. The pacing is tight. And the community is already buzzing with theories and meta builds.
My Personal Take: It’s Worth It
Having tested this alpha firsthand, I can confidently say that Marathon is going to be a hit. It’s got the polish of Destiny with the competitive edge of Tarkov. It’s fast, fluid, and doesn’t hold your hand—exactly what a modern PvP extraction shooter should be. If you’re on the fence, stop hesitating. Sign up, dive in, and see what Bungie has in store.
Will There Be Future Tests?
Yes! Bungie has confirmed there will be more chances to play before the September release. This Alpha is just the beginning.
How Bungie Handles Account Progression
All progress in the Alpha will be wiped before launch, so don’t get too attached—but that’s all part of the fun. Use this chance to experiment, explore, and find your playstyle.
Play It While You Can
The Marathon Alpha is more than an early test—it’s a preview of what’s coming. With top-tier design, rich lore, and addictive gameplay, this is shaping up to be Bungie’s next classic. You don’t want to miss your shot at early access.
Get in the Discord. Fill out the form. Play it while you can.
FAQs
Is the Marathon Alpha free?
Yes, participation is free if you’re selected via the Discord signup process.
Can I play with friends?
Only if your friends also get selected. There are no friend codes.
Is there cross-play in the Alpha?
Yes, all platforms (Steam, PS5, Xbox) are supported.
Can I stream the Marathon Alpha?
Absolutely. The NDA has been lifted—you’re free to share everything.
Will I keep my progress in the full game?
No, progress will reset before launch.
Are more playtests coming?
Yes. Bungie plans additional pre-launch tests.