Marathon Implements Zero-Tolerance Cheating Policy

- To combat exploits like wallhacks and loot-trackers, *Marathon* will utilize a server-side "Fog of War" system. This system limits the data sent to a player's client, meaning information about enemy or item locations is withheld until they are legitimately within view. - The game's anti-cheat combines the third-party kernel-level protection of BattlEye with a new, proprietary security stack built by Bungie specifically for the game. This is a different approach from *Destiny 2*'s hybrid network model, instead using dedicated servers as the "source of truth" for all player actions and loot. - Bungie has a history of taking aggressive legal action against cheat manufacturers for its other major title, *Destiny 2*. The company has won lawsuits resulting in multi-million dollar judgments against cheat sellers like Elite Boss Tech, AimJunkies, and Lavicheats. - The policy directly contrasts with the three-strike system in the competing shooter *ARC Raiders*, which escalates from temporary suspensions to permanent bans for repeat offenses. Following Bungie's announcement, the developer of *ARC Raiders* stated it would also tighten its rules and issue permanent bans for serious infractions. - Should a player be disconnected from a match due to Bungie's own server or network failures, the game will attempt to restore their starting gear to their inventory. Players who disconnect due to their own internet issues will have an opportunity to reconnect to the in-progress match. - The free server slam event runs from February 26 to March 2, 2026, ahead of the game's full release on March 5. It is an open test designed to stress the servers, and players are permitted to stream their gameplay. - Participants in the server slam can unlock cosmetic emblems and tiered gear packages for use in the final game by completing introductory missions. However, all character progression and levels from the event will be reset for the official launch.