Network Setup: Wi-Fi v. Wired Connections – Marathon Help Center

This is a sub-page of the Network Troubleshooting Guide. To return to the start of the Guide, please click the above image or click here.

Marathon is an online shared-world shooter that requires a constant and stable internet connection to play. For the best Marathon experience, Bungie recommends players use a wired internet connection instead of Wi-Fi.

For more information on the differences between wired and Wi-Fi connections, and the connection quality required by Marathon, please see below.

Marathon Internet Connection Requirements

Marathon requires sufficient bandwidth to function at an optimal level.

Marathon aims to be as efficient as possible when transmitting and receiving data so that players with limited bandwidth can have a quality gameplay experience.
While average bandwidth usage is considerably lower, Marathon may request up to 1 Mbps download and upload bandwidth.
Marathon data requirements will be impacted by player behavior, with average data usage of up to 1 gigabyte per hour for live gameplay, plus the size of downloaded game updates
Players who have metered internet may see their data usage cause fluctuations in their ISP costs
Other applications on a player's network, such as streaming video, file sharing, or other bandwidth-intensive services, may have a negative impact on Marathon gameplay.
If the bandwidth of a player's network connection dips below the required level for sustained periods of time, the player may encounter error codes and be disconnected from Marathon.
Marathon creates connections between a player's system, Bungie’s servers, and other players in a unique way. As such, network performance in other games and applications is often NOT a good indicator that the network is set up for a stable connection to Marathon.

Connecting Console or PC to the Internet

A reliable internet connection is required in order to play Marathon games. Marathon is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For support connecting console devices to the internet, please see:

For information on connecting a PlayStation console to the Internet, please see PlayStation Support.
A PlayStation Plus subscription is required to play most activities.

For information on connecting an Xbox console to the Internet, please see Xbox Support.
An Xbox subscription is required to play some activities.

PLEASE NOTE:

For further assistance in connecting to the internet, network troubleshooting, or setting up internet access on a PC, players will need to reach out to their internet service provider.

Wi-Fi: Convenience vs Stability

While Marathon can be played with a strong and stable Wi-Fi connection, many players have found that using Wi-Fi can increase the likelihood that they will lose their connection to Marathon's services.

Sources of interference for Wi-Fi connections

Wi-Fi is susceptible to a variety of different sources of interference and introduces additional latency to a player's network connection.

The process of sending data wirelessly takes time and increases latency. This may increase the total latency of a player's network to the point where they encounter latency, packet loss, or error code disconnects from Marathon.
Wi-Fi connections use one of several frequencies – called channels – to transmit data. If more than one Wi-Fi network is trying to use the same channel, it can create congestion that slows down network traffic. It can even cause data to be lost or the connection to be interrupted.
If multiple devices are connected to the same wireless network and attempting to reach the internet at the same time, they can interfere with each other.
The distance and layout of a player's system from their Wi-Fi source can also negatively impact signal strength and stability.
Some home appliances and consumer electronics, such as microwave ovens, can directly interfere with a network's Wi-Fi signal.

Improving the stability of a Wi-Fi connection

Some Wi-Fi setups can provide a strong, stable connection to Marathon. To optimize a wireless connection to Marathon, please try the following steps:

Move the console or PC as close as possible to the Wi-Fi source.
Turn off or disable all other devices connected to the Wi-Fi network while playing Marathon.
Avoid obstructions between the system and the Wi-Fi source whenever possible, especially large appliances or other electronics.
Switch the Wi-Fi router to an un-congested wireless channel.
Disable the Wi-Fi router's "Channel Bonding" feature to help avoid interference. Depending on the type of router, this feature may be called "Channel Width (20/40Mhz)", "Wireless Bandwidth", or "Channel Bonding".
Contact the router manufacturer to ask about advanced settings that can improve the wireless signal strength and stability.

Mobile Internet

While some players may be able to connect to and launch Marathon using a mobile Internet connection, it is not recommended. Players using a mobile Internet connection to connect to Marathon may be subject to a high volume of error codes, complications connecting to a Crew, and may receive restrictions or bans from in-game activities due to connectivity issues which negatively impact the experiences of other players.

Network Troubleshooting Guide Directory

This is a sub-page of the Network Troubleshooting Guide, which is designed to help players through the recommended steps for troubleshooting network connectivity issues that may be impacting their ability to play Marathon. Please click the appropriate button below to return to the start of the guide or to read through the other pages.

Error Codes Network Setup Common Hardware Issues

Optimizing Connections Advanced Troubleshooting Return to Start