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You can’t join the Marathon Closed Alpha now: Bungie’s test ran from April 23 to May 4, 2025. At the time, eligible players in North America who were at least 18 could join Bungie’s official Marathon Discord and follow its signup steps for a chance at an invitation. Signup did not guarantee entry, and that route applied to the completed alpha only.
Can you still join the Marathon Closed Alpha?
No. The April 2025 Closed Alpha has ended, so its Discord signup route is no longer a way to enter that test. Bungie described it as a small, invite-based technical test; invitations were to be sent at the start and during the test, meaning even eligible applicants were not guaranteed access. Bungie’s alpha announcement set the dates as April 23–May 4, 2025.
What were the entry requirements?
For the April 2025 alpha, Bungie’s announced requirements were age 18 or older and location in North America. The signup route was to join the official Marathon Discord and follow the instructions there. These were historical requirements for that event, not current eligibility rules for a future test.
What the alpha included—and what it did not
Bungie called it “a true closed technical test of Marathon” in its April 18, 2025 update. The build was incomplete, with the main goals of testing technical capabilities and the moment-to-moment gameplay loop. Bungie sought feedback on weapons and gunplay, maps and survival, Runners and build-crafting, early progression, and both PvP and PvE engagements. Read the Marathon Dev Team’s April 18 update.
#1 Best Overall
- TRIFORCE TITANIUM 50 MM DRIVERS — Our cutting-edge proprietary design divides the driver into 3 parts for the individual tuning of highs, mids, and lows—producing brighter, clearer audio with richer highs and more powerful lows
- HYPERCLEAR CARDIOID MIC — An improved pickup pattern ensures more voice and less noise as it tapers off towards the mic’s back and sides, with the sweet spot easily placed at the mouth because of the mic’s bendable design
- ADVANCED PASSIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Sturdy closed earcups fully cover the ears to prevent noise from leaking into the headset, with its cushions providing a closer seal for more sound isolation
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN WITH MEMORY FOAM EAR CUSHIONS — At just 240 g, the headset features thicker headband padding and memory foam ear cushions with leatherette to keep gaming in peak form during grueling tournaments and training sessions
- WORKS WITH WINDOWS SONIC — Make the most of the headset’s powerful drivers by pairing it with lifelike surround sound that places audio with pinpoint accuracy, heightening in-game awareness and immersion
It was not a preview of the complete game. Bungie identified unfinished or excluded elements such as final visuals and a polished UI; all Runners and zones; endgame content; all weapons, items, factions, and upgrades; long-term progression; complete narrative systems; ranked play; and final balance.
How the alpha differed from the later technical test
The April alpha and the October 2025 Closed Technical Test were separate events, not one ongoing application. Bungie’s October test ran October 22–28, 2025, used its own application and invitation process, and was under NDA. Taking part in the April alpha did not guarantee an invitation to the later test. Those dates have also passed. Bungie’s October test announcement covers its separate terms and access process.
Rank #2
- 【Amazing Stable Connection-Quick Access to Games】Real-time gaming audio with our 2.4GHz USB & Type-C ultra-low latency wireless connection. With less than 30ms delay, you can enjoy smoother operation and stay ahead of the competition, so you can enjoy an immersive lag-free wireless gaming experience.
- 【Game Communication-Better Bass and Accuracy】The 50mm driver plus 2.4G lossless wireless transports you to the gaming world, letting you hear every critical step, reload, or vocal in Fortnite, Call of Duty, The Legend of Zelda and RPG, so you will never miss a step or shot during game playing. You will completely in awe with the range, precision, and audio quality your ears were experiencing.
- 【Flexible and Convenient Design-Effortless in Game】Ideal intuitive button layout on the headphones for user. Multi-functional button controls let you instantly crank or lower volume and mute, quickly answer phone calls, cut songs, turn on lights, etc. Ease of use and customization, are all done with passion and priority for the user.
- 【Less plug, More Play-Dual Input From 2.4GHz & Bluetooth】 Wireless gaming headset adopts high performance dual mode design. With a 2.4GHz USB dongle, which is super sturdy, lag＜30ms, perfectly made for gamers. Bluetooth mode only work for phone, laptop and switch. And 3.5mm wired mode (Only support music and call).
- 【Wide Compatibility with Gaming Devices】Setup the perfect entertainment system by plugging in 2.4G USB. The convenience of dual USB work seamlessly with your PS5,PS4, PC, Mac, Laptop, Switch and saves you from swapping cables.
| Event | Dates | Access route and eligibility | Sharing rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closed Alpha | April 23–May 4, 2025 | Official Marathon Discord signup; 18+ and North America; invitations were not guaranteed. | Bungie removed the NDA before the test. Participants could share feedback and footage, including streaming from April 23, as stated in its April 18 update. |
| Closed Technical Test | October 22–28, 2025 | Separate application and invitation process; alpha participation did not guarantee a place. | Under NDA, according to Bungie’s October test announcement. |
Where to look for another chance to play
The old alpha signup does not establish how access to any future playtest will work. Check Bungie’s official news and Marathon Discord for current announcements rather than assuming the earlier requirements or signup process still apply.
Bungie’s December 15, 2025 development post said the game was then targeting March 2026 and that more information about opportunities to try it would come closer to launch. That was a dated target and statement of intent, not confirmation of current release or playtest availability. Bungie’s Help FAQ lists PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC as intended platforms, but its statement that the game is in development and has no release date conflicts with the later December post. See the December update and Bungie Help’s Marathon FAQ.
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Best Value
- ADVANCED PASSIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — sturdy closed earcups fully cover ears to prevent noise from leaking into the headset, with its cushions providing a closer seal for more sound isolation.
- 7.1 SURROUND SOUND FOR POSITIONAL AUDIO — Outfitted with custom-tuned 50 mm drivers, capable of software-enabled surround sound. *Only available on Windows 10 64-bit
- TRIFORCE TITANIUM 50MM HIGH-END SOUND DRIVERS — With titanium-coated diaphragms for added clarity, our new, cutting-edge proprietary design divides the driver into 3 parts for the individual tuning of highs, mids, and lowsproducing brighter, clearer audio with richer highs and more powerful lows
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN WITH BREATHABLE FOAM EAR CUSHIONS — At just 240g, the BlackShark V2X is engineered from the ground up for maximum comfort
- RAZER HYPERCLEAR CARDIOID MIC — Improved pickup pattern ensures more voice and less noise as it tapers off towards the mic’s back and sides
Rank #4
- Enjoy expansive cinematic sound. Big 50 mm audio drivers deliver an incredible sound experience
- Hear Enemies From All Sides. DTS Headphone:X 2.0 surround sound(1) lets you hear enemies sneaking behind you, special ability cues, and immersive environments. It’s positional clarity that can make the difference between victory and defeat. Experience three-dimensional audio that goes beyond 7.1 channels to make you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. (1) DTS Headphone:X 2.0 requires Logitech G HUB Software.
- Be Heard Loud and Clear. The big 6 mm boom mic makes sure you’re heard by gaming partners and mutes when flipped up.
- Use One Headset For Most Game Platforms. Your headphones work with your PC or Mac via USB DAC or 3.5 mm cable, mobile devices with 3.5 mm cable or with gaming consoles including PlayStationⓇ 5 and PlayStationⓇ 4 (USB wireless stereo sound only), Nintendo Switch (wireless stereo sound when docked)
- Game for Hours in Comfort. Everything about these headphones is about comfort: The deluxe lightweight leatherette ear cups and headband are made to keep pressure off your ears. Ear cups rotate up to 90 degrees for convenience.
Rank #3
- Immersive 7.1 Surround Sound: This gaming headset delivering stereo surround sound for realistic audio. Whether you're in a high-speed FPS battle or losing yourself RPG adventures, this Ps5 headset provides crisp treble, punchy bass, and precise directional cues, giving you a competitive edge
- Great Humanized Design: Comfortable and breathable permeability protein over-ear pads perfectly on your head, adjustable headband distributes pressure evenly, you’ll enjoy lasting comfort during hours of gaming and suitable for all gaming players of all ages
- Sensitivity Noise-Cancelling Microphone: 360° omnidirectionally rotatable sensitive microphone, premium noise cancellation, sound localisation, your voice comes through loud and natural, ensuring your teammates catch every callout, even in chaotic battle scenes.
- Universal Compatibility: This gaming headphone support for PC, Ps5, Ps4, Xbox one, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Laptop, Mobile Phone and other devices with 3.5mm jack.Note 1: When you use headset on your PC, be sure to connect the "1-to-2 3.5mm audio jack splitter cable" (Red-Mic, Green-audio). (Please note you need an extra Microsoft Adapter when connect with an old version Xbox One controller)
- Cool style gaming experience: Colorful RGB lights create a gorgeous gaming atmosphere, adding excitement to every match. Heightening immersion for FPS, MOBA, and action titles. These eye-catching lights give your setup a gamer-ready look while maintaining focus on performance. (*Note: The USB connector is for LED lighting only)
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