Marathon PS5 Crashing Fix & How to Report Cheaters

If you’ve been diving into Marathon on PS5, you know how thrilling this extraction shooter is—but sometimes the excitement hits a snag when the game crashes or freezes mid-match.

Don’t worry, I’ve put together a hands-on guide from a gamer’s perspective to help keep your gameplay smooth and frustration-free. Here’s what actually works.

Resident Evil Requiem Stamina Guide: How to Master Sprinting and Movement

1. Keep Everything Updated

First thing’s first: always make sure your software is current. Marathon is a big, live-service game, so hotfixes and patches are rolling out constantly.

• Update The Game: On your PS5 home screen, highlight Marathon, press Options, and check for updates.
• Update Console Firmware: Go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update. Latest firmware helps avoid weird crashes.

2. Clear Cache & Rebuild Database

This trick saved my PS5 more than once. Corrupted temporary files or fragmented data can cause random shutdowns or “corrupted data” errors.

• Power Down Completely: Don’t use Rest Mode.
• Enter Safe Mode: Hold the power button until the second beep (about 7 seconds).
• Connect Controller: Use a USB cable.
• Clear Cache: Select Option 5: Clear System Software Cache.
• Rebuild Database: Repeat the Safe Mode process and choose Rebuild Database to scan and organize your game files.

3. Prevent Overheating & Stress

Marathon looks incredible, but your PS5 works hard to render it. Overheating can make the console shut down entirely.

• Proper Airflow: Keep at least 4 inches of space around your PS5.
• Clean Vents: Compressed air works wonders for dust buildup.
• Placement: Some players find horizontal placement slightly improves cooling under heavy load.

4. Optimize Network & Connectivity

Being an always-online shooter, Marathon is sensitive to connection hiccups. A bad network can feel like a crash or freeze.

• Switch To Wired: Ethernet is much more stable than WiFi.
• Disable Crossplay: Limiting matchmaking to PSN-only can reduce Server Slam crashes.
• Restore Licenses: If the game won’t start, go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Restore Licenses.

5. Tweak Video Output

Sometimes, your TV settings can trigger crashes. VRR, 120Hz, or HDR can be problematic for certain setups.

• Lower Resolution: Try 1080p for stability.
• Disable VRR & 120Hz: Go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output.
• HDR Adjustments: Turn it off if you get black screens during transitions.

6. Reinstall If Nothing Else Works

If crashes persist, it’s possible your installation files are too corrupted. Delete Marathon from storage and redownload it from the PlayStation Store. Fresh install, fresh start.

Pro Tip: Bungie confirmed that if you crash mid-match, your shell stays in the world. If your teammates hold the fort, you can jump back in quickly and reclaim your gear.

Marathon 2026: How to Keep Cheaters Out and Play Fair in Tau Ceti

If you’ve jumped into Marathon this March, you know how brutal the extraction shooter can be. Nothing kills the vibe faster than a wall-hacker or someone spraying impossible headshots. Luckily, Bungie is taking a hard stance on cheaters, and I’ve been testing the waters to see how to actually keep Tau Ceti clean.

1. Reporting Cheaters in-Game: Quick and Effective

The fastest way to flag suspicious players is right from the game itself. Marathon’s reporting tools automatically capture critical metadata like server logs and player IDs, which makes your report much more actionable.

• During a Match: If a player kills you suspiciously, hit the “death” or “spectator” screen to report them immediately.
• From the Roster: Open the Roster tab, select the player’s nameplate, click “Report Player,” choose the reason (Cheating, Exploiting, Network Manipulation), and submit.
• Post-Match: Already back in orbit? Check the Previous Results screen, select the player, and file your report there.

2. Manual Reports: When You’ve Got Proof

Sometimes in-game reporting isn’t enough, especially if you have solid video evidence of a player moving like a “demon.”

• Bungie Help Form: Use the official Suspected Cheating Form on Bungie.net to submit your evidence.
• Evidence Matters: Link to videos or clips showing the cheat. Bungie’s team prioritizes reports with clear proof.

3. How Marathon’s Anti-Cheat Protects You

Bungie rebuilt the security system specifically for Marathon. Here’s what makes it different:

• BattlEye: Kernel-level anti-cheat monitors known prohibited software.
• Server Authority: Every shot, movement, and loot interaction is verified server-side to reject impossible actions.
• Fog of War: Player and loot locations are hidden until you’re close, stopping wall hacks in their tracks.
• Hardware Bans: First-time offenders are likely banned on the hardware level to prevent repeat cheating.

4. After You Report: What Actually Happens

Bungie doesn’t wait for ban waves—cheaters are removed instantly.

• Permanent Bans: One strike, and it’s game over for cheaters.
• Loot Safety: If you were robbed by a cheater, loot will be restored.
• Appeals: Mistakenly flagged? There’s a formal process to contest it.

Pro Tip: Not every suspicious movement is cheating. Someone crouch-walking may just be cautious, but impossible wall headshots? Report them immediately to keep the Tau Ceti system fair.