Play Two Upcoming PlayStation First-Party Titles Early This Weekend

It might seem like a curious strategy to host simultaneous pre-launch events for two major titles, but that is precisely the path PlayStation is taking this weekend. Whether you call them server slams, betas, or technical playtests, Sony is offering gamers the chance to dive into two of its upcoming first-party experiences at the exact same time. Bungie is kicking things off with a massive Marathon server slam starting Thursday, February 26, at 10 a.m. PT, running through March 2. Meanwhile, Guerrilla Games is inviting players to a more exclusive engagement with a closed playtest for Horizon Hunters Gathering from February 27 to March 1.

While the third-person cooperative action of Horizon stands in stark contrast to the high-stakes first-person extraction gameplay of Marathon, the scheduling remains an interesting choice. Pitting two internal multiplayer projects against one another for player attention is unconventional, but for the community, it results in a weekend overflowing with fresh content.

The timing for Bungie is logical, given that Marathon is set to debut on March 5. This final server stress test allows the Destiny creators to refine their infrastructure while letting players sample their neon-soaked, enigmatic take on the extraction genre. Conversely, Horizon Hunters Gathering was only unveiled earlier this month and lacks a concrete release window. Despite their different development stages, both titles are vying for your time this weekend.

Bungie’s Marathon: Server Slam Specifics

The Marathon event is categorized as an “Open Preview,” meaning it is accessible to all players on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam. Full crossplay and cross-save functionality will be active, ensuring a seamless experience across platforms. Players who participate can earn specific gear that carries over to the full retail version:

• Standard Arrival Cache (Complete the initial mission): Includes six standard implants, four Runner shell cores, four weapon chip mods, and the Overrun and Hardline weapons.
• Enhanced Arrival Cache (Reach Level 10): Unlocks green-tier rewards, including twelve total shell cores and enhanced versions of the Magnum and Hardline.
• Deluxe Arrival Cache (Reach Level 30): The premier blue-tier reward featuring deluxe implants, a Volley Rifle, and the Enhanced Base Backpack.

During the preview, players can infiltrate two distinct zones—Perimeter and Dire Marsh—while interacting with five of the game’s factions. Five of the six launch-day Runner shells will also be available for testing. Once the full game and Season 1 go live in March, Bungie will expand the map pool with the Outpost and Cryo Archive zones, introduce the final shell, and launch the competitive Ranked Mode.

Guerrilla Games: Horizon Hunters Gathering Closed Playtest

In contrast to Bungie’s open-door policy, the Horizon Hunters Gathering playtest is strictly limited. Interested participants must be enrolled in the PlayStation Beta Program for a chance at selection. The testing window is also more restricted, operating during specific three-hour blocks each day from Friday through Sunday.

For those selected on PS5 or PC, the playtest offers a glimpse into three playable hunters: Axle, Rem, and Sun. Two primary modes will be available—Machine Incursion (Normal/Hard) and Cauldron Descent. The action takes place in a beautifully realized Colorado Springs environment, which includes “The Gathering,” a social hub where players can customize their campsites and interact between missions.

Note that unlike the Marathon event, progress and rewards will not carry over from this Horizon playtest, as the project is still early in its lifecycle.

---

This weekend represents a rare opportunity to influence the development of two of PlayStation’s most anticipated multiplayer ventures. If you want to see what’s next for these iconic studios, be sure to check out the latest trailers for Horizon Hunters Gathering and Marathon before the servers go live.

Which of these first-party titles are you most excited to test drive? Share your thoughts in the comments!