Marathon Alpha Test: How to Sign Up, Release Date and More

Bungie has finally revealed the official gameplay for their upcoming extraction FPS game, Marathon. While the game also disclosed the release date, some players can experience the challenges early. If you also want that, follow this guide as we explain how to sign up for the Marathon alpha test, its duration, and more.

How to Sign Up for the Marathon Alpha Test

Marathon is one of the most anticipated games of 2025, so many players are excited to get their hands on the game. After the gameplay reveal, Bungie announced a release date for Marathon along with the alpha test details. Before you can sign up for the closed alpha test, you must join the official Marathon Discord server. Once you have joined it, follow the step-by-step process below:

• Go to the #alpha_access channel and type /alpha.
• Now, the MarathonAlphaBot will reply to you with a link.
• After you follow the link, log in with your Bungie account and select your platform of choice: PlayStation, Steam, or Xbox.
• Thoroughly read and accept the Marathon Alpha NDA. (If you are fine with the terms)
• Upon finishing, fill out the Marathon survey. It asks about your platform preferences (including PC specs, if chosen), experience with previous Bungie titles, and your knowledge of PvP games similar to Marathon.
• After completion, you will see a screen that says that if you are selected for the test, you’ll receive an email from marathonthegame@info.bungie.net.

Marathon Alpha Test Release and End Date

As per Bungie, the release date for Marathon’s alpha test is Wednesday, April 23, at 10 a.m. PDT. Keep in mind that it is a closed alpha test, which means there might be an open test later. The Marathon alpha test will end on Sunday, May 4, at 10 a.m. PDT. Selection for the Marathon alpha will be confirmed via email, which will also contain instructions for downloading the approximately 6 GB game. Below, we have mentioned important details about the closed alpha test.

Things to Remember About Marathon Alpha Test

Sign-up for the Marathon playtest is Discord-based. However, the closed alpha, launching five months before the game’s release, has notable restrictions. A strict NDA prohibits streaming or sharing any content. Receiving a priority code only increases the chance of access; it does not guarantee entry.

Moreover, this technical test is primarily for North American players, potentially causing limited functionality and slower matchmaking elsewhere. PlayStation codes are region-locked to North and South America. Participants with priority access receive two friend codes, but again, this does not guarantee their friends’ access.

The closed-off, NA-centric, and NDA-protected nature of this alpha, so close to launch, is questionable to some. Codes will be distributed starting the week of April 14th and throughout the alpha’s duration. While Bungie might introduce additional access methods later, none have been announced yet.

It also seems from Marathon’s official release date that Bungie is trying to avoid GTA 6. Keep in mind that the Borderlands 4 release date is also September 23. This way, Bungie is guaranteeing that they will not clash with the release of the biggest game of the year.

What to Expect from the Marathon Alpha

Bungie hosted a media and creator preview event at their headquarters, granting early access to the Marathon alpha, though some features may differ from the public version. During the preview, attendees explored two distinct maps: the smaller, early-game Perimeter and the larger Dire Marsh, which supports six squads of three players.

The alpha featured a diverse range of weapons and items, including rare golden legendary items with unique and potent effects. While it’s uncertain if all weapon types were available, Bungie confirmed the existence of unique weapon mods not included in this early build.

Players could test four distinct Runners: Locus, a tank-like character with a shield and rockets; Glitch, a fast character with an arm cannon and double jump; Blackbird, an information specialist with scanning abilities; and Void, a stealthy character capable of invisibility. The preview also allowed testing of contracts, which function as quests to improve relationships with various factions. Advancing faction progress unlocks account upgrades such as increased vault space and access to advanced shop items.

While we wait for our Marathon alpha test turn, the preview seems promising. Have you signed up for the closed alpha test already? Do tell us in the comments below.