Key Points
- Marathon Season 2 launch was disrupted by widespread server errors and bugs.
- Bungie took servers offline for emergency maintenance to deploy a patch.
- Affected players will receive seven sponsored kits as compensation.
- Some other bugs, like cosmetic unlocks, remain unresolved.
Marathon's Season 2 update, intended to revitalize the extraction shooter with new content and a free trial period, experienced a rocky launch on June 2, 2026. Players were met with significant server issues, manifesting as "Anteater, Monkey, and Weasel" error codes, which prevented many from accessing the game and caused frustration, particularly during a critical promotional week. This launch coincided with a PlayStation State of Play showcase that featured the game. Our previous coverage highlighted the Season 2 trailer's horror elements.
Server Outages and Resolution
Within hours of the Season 2 update going live, Bungie acknowledged an increase in error codes. To address the widespread disruptions, the studio took Marathon's servers offline for emergency maintenance and to deploy a patch. This downtime lasted for several hours, with some sources indicating it lasted up to five hours, before servers were brought back online. While major connection issues appear to have been resolved, with error codes significantly reduced, some secondary bugs persist. Players experiencing ongoing issues were advised to restart their game.
Player Compensation and Lingering Issues
Bungie announced that players who experienced disruptions between June 2nd, 10 AM PT and 4 PM PT will receive seven sponsored kits as compensation. These kits include various in-game items, such as the Superior CyberAcme Kit and Deluxe NuCal Kit. This offer is aimed at providing players with high-level gear, particularly beneficial for new players drawn in by the free trial.
However, not all issues were resolved with the emergency maintenance. Reports indicate that a bug is still preventing some players from unlocking cosmetic rewards for reaching VIP rank with in-game factions. Accounts that achieved full VIP status have reportedly only received a fraction of the expected rewards, a problem that Eurogamer confirmed firsthand.
Despite these initial technical difficulties, the Marathon community has shown enthusiasm for the Season 2 content since the servers stabilized. The new Night Marsh map variant, with its jump scares, along with menu screen improvements and new cosmetics, are seen as positive steps addressing Season 1 criticisms. The long-term success of Season 2 will depend on how these launch day technical problems are ultimately perceived by the player base. This period also follows rumors of financial strain at Bungie and reports of planned layoffs.