Marathon Weapon Tier List – Best Guns Ranked
Welcome to the ultimate Marathon weapon tier list for Season 1 alpha meta. With Bungie's extraction shooter featuring fast time-to-kill and high-stakes loot extraction, choosing the right weapons can mean the difference between walking away rich or losing everything.
This comprehensive tier list ranks all 16 confirmed alpha weapons based on PvP performance, versatility, consistency, and how reliably each gun converts good positioning into winning fights. Whether you're a beginner learning the ropes or a veteran optimizing loadouts, this guide will show you exactly which weapons dominate Marathon's brutal firefights.
🎯 Marathon Weapon Tier List – Quick Summary
Before diving into detailed breakdowns, here's the complete tier ranking:
S-Tier (Best in Slot)
- V00 ZEUS RG (Railgun)
- Magnum MC (Pistol - Prestige)
- Twin Tap HBR (Precision Rifle)
- WSTR Combat Shotgun (Shotgun)
- Conquest LMG (Machine Gun - Purple/Gold)
A-Tier (Excellent Choices)
- Longshot (Sniper Rifle)
- M77 Assault Rifle (Assault Rifle)
- Repeater HPR (Precision Rifle)
- Hardline PR (Precision Rifle)
- Demolition HMG (Machine Gun)
B-Tier (Solid Performers)
- Overrun AR (Assault Rifle)
- Retaliator LMG (Machine Gun)
- V11 Punch (Pistol)
- BRRT SMG (Submachine Gun)
- Bully SMG (Submachine Gun)
C-Tier (Situational/Starter)
- CE Tactical Sidearm (Pistol)
D-Tier (Avoid)
- Gray-tier weapons without attachments
📊 What Each Tier Means
S-Tier: The absolute best weapons in the game. These combine penetration, accuracy, mod versatility, and efficiency under all conditions. Ideal for consistent extractions.
A-Tier: High-performing weapons that are reliable in most scenarios. They have minor drawbacks but remain top-tier for most playstyles.
B-Tier: Solid all-rounders with good damage and control but limited by niche performance or weaker mod options.
C-Tier: Starter or situational weapons with clear weaknesses. Useful early on but easily outclassed as you progress.
D-Tier: Gray-tier weapons without attachments. Only usable in absolute desperation or when practicing mechanics without economic pressure.
🔥 S-Tier Weapons – The Meta Dominators
V00 ZEUS RG (Railgun)
The undisputed king of Marathon's weapon roster.
The ZEUS Railgun is a Prestige-tier monster that melts both players and AI enemies with devastating efficiency. This weapon can drop a fully-armored opponent in two body shots, making it the most oppressive gun in skilled hands.
Why It's S-Tier:
- Highest damage-per-shot in the game
- Can clear entire squads when positioned correctly
- Dominates long-range engagements
- Railgun technology provides instant projectile travel
Drawbacks:
- Slow fire rate (charge-up mechanic)
- Limited ammunition (Volt Cells are scarce)
- High economic risk if lost
- Requires coordinated team play for optimal use
Best Use Cases:
- Extraction zone denial
- Long-range overwatch
- Squad wipes from safe positions
- Coordinated team pushes
Pro Tip: Only bring the ZEUS RG when playing with a coordinated team and have multiple escape routes planned. The weapon's power is unmatched, but losing it is crushing.
Magnum MC (Pistol - Prestige/Gold)
The gold-tier Magnum transforms this sidearm into a precision instrument that competes with primary weapons.
When upgraded to Prestige rarity, the Magnum becomes one of the most versatile weapons in Marathon. It excels at medium-range duels while maintaining exceptional mobility.
Why It's S-Tier:
- Gold rarity dramatically increases performance
- High damage-per-shot for a pistol
- Excellent mobility while equipped
- Can serve as a primary weapon in skilled hands
Drawbacks:
- Requires Prestige/Gold rarity to shine
- Semi-automatic fire rate demands precision
- Lower magazine capacity than rifles
Best Use Cases:
- Aggressive flanking
- Medium-range duels
- Secondary weapon for shotgun users
- Solo play mobility builds
Pro Tip: The Prestige version is worth fighting over. A gold Magnum with proper mods can delete enemies before they register your position.
Twin Tap HBR (Heavy Burst Rifle)
The most consistent all-around pick for winning duels at mid to long range.
The Twin Tap HPR is a semi-automatic marksman rifle that fires two-shot bursts per trigger pull. This design offers incredible burst DPS while maintaining high accuracy, making it one of the strongest rifles for skilled hands.
Why It's S-Tier:
- Excellent balance between mid and long-range power
- Rapid burst damage deletes enemies in seconds
- Perfect for overwatch roles
- Reliable in 1v1 duels
- Great accuracy for tracking runners across open areas
Drawbacks:
- Requires good crosshair placement
- Less forgiving than full-auto weapons
- Moderate recoil management needed
Best Use Cases:
- Mid-range engagements (20-40m)
- Holding angles and lanes
- Flanking maneuvers
- Dueling other precision weapon users
Pro Tip: Players who excel at crosshair placement and tracking love the Twin Tap for its ability to delete enemies before they can react. Pair with aggressive Runners like Destroyer or Vandal.
WSTR Combat Shotgun
The most oppressive close-range finisher in Marathon.
The WSTR is a sawn-off lever-action shotgun that packs tremendous stopping power at point-blank distances. With Marathon's punchy time-to-kill, a well-placed blast will one-shot an enemy runner at close range.
Why It's S-Tier:
- One-shot potential at close range
- Absolutely devastating in point-blank fights
- Ideal for breaching, camping, or ambushing
- Great panic defense option
- Easy to use under pressure
Drawbacks:
- Extremely short effective range
- Slow fire rate and reload
- Miss your shot and you're dead
- Not ideal for open areas
Best Use Cases:
- Room breaching
- Holding tight corridors
- Objective camping
- Ambushing around corners
- Stairwell control
Pro Tip: Never run the WSTR without a reliable mid or long-range backup. Pair with Twin Tap HBR or M77 AR for complete coverage. Best used with aggressive Runners like Assassin or Thief.
Conquest LMG (Purple/Gold)
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Area denial incarnate.
The Conquest LMG in purple or gold variants becomes a map control tool that forces enemies to completely change their approach. The sustained damage output is unmatched, and the suppression effect creates psychological pressure that's hard to quantify.
Why It's S-Tier:
- Ramping fire rate increases damage over time
- Incredible sustained DPS
- Exceptional for defensive strategies
- Increased stability when crouched
- High magazine capacity
Drawbacks:
- Reduced mobility while equipped
- Slow reload speed
- Requires commitment to firing lanes
- Less effective in fast flanks
Best Use Cases:
- Defensive holds
- Extraction point control
- Suppressing enemy advances
- Squad support fire
- Locking down chokepoints
Pro Tip: Reserve high-tier Conquest loadouts for defensive strategies or when you know exactly where fights will happen. Crouch for maximum stability and let the ramping fire rate do the work.
⭐ A-Tier Weapons – Excellent Performers
Longshot (Sniper Rifle)
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Marathon's premier sniper rifle.
The bolt-action Longshot is capable of one-shot kills to the head, making it devastating in the hands of skilled snipers.
Why It's A-Tier:
- One-shot headshot potential
- Dominates open areas and extraction zones
- Excellent for backline control
- Even body shots weaken enemies significantly
Drawbacks:
- Not ideal in tight hallways
- Requires high precision
- Slow fire rate punishes misses
- Limited close-range utility
Best Use Cases:
- Exfil denial from distance
- Overwatch positions
- Perimeter map control
- Eliminating runners before they react
M77 Assault Rifle
The best starting-style weapon in Marathon.
The M77 is a ballistic assault rifle with a built-in flip scope for high precision at range.
Why It's A-Tier:
- Stable and versatile
- Easy to control at most fight distances
- Built-in scope for range flexibility
- Reliable for beginners and veterans
- Balanced damage profile
Drawbacks:
- Slightly slower fire rate than Overrun AR
- Doesn't excel at any one thing
- Outperformed by specialists at extreme ranges
Best Use Cases:
- Learning the game
- All-purpose loadouts
- Solo play
- Mixed engagement distances
Pro Tip: The M77 is the perfect weapon for new players. Its stability and versatility make it reliable in unpredictable situations.
Repeater HPR (Heavy Precision Rifle)
A heavy lever-action weapon with high damage per shot.
The Repeater HPR delivers punishing damage with each round, ideal for precision-focused players.
Why It's A-Tier:
- High damage per shot
- Excellent at punishing poor positioning
- Great for peek-shooting
- Strong mid to long-range option
Drawbacks:
- Slower fire rate
- Requires accuracy to maximize effectiveness
- Less forgiving than burst weapons
Hardline PR (Precision Rifle)
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3-shot burst rifle for semi-sniper roles.
The Hardline PR offers a 3-round burst that bridges the gap between ARs and sniper rifles.
Why It's A-Tier:
- Ideal for flexible defense or rooftop fights
- Good burst damage
- Effective at medium-long range
- Versatile engagement distances
Drawbacks:
- Burst fire takes practice
- Less consistent than Twin Tap
- Moderate recoil
Best Maps: Perimeter (verticality), any map with long corridors
Demolition HMG (Heavy Machine Gun)
Heavy machine gun with moderate rate of fire.
The Demolition HMG uses Heavy Rounds for sustained damage output.
Why It's A-Tier:
- Good sustained fire
- Heavy ammunition hits hard
- Reliable for area control
- Solid defensive option
Drawbacks:
- Reduced mobility
- Slower than LMGs
- Heavy ammo consumption
🔶 B-Tier Weapons – Solid Performers
Overrun AR
Standard 600 RPM assault rifle.
A close-to-medium-range weapon with balanced stats across the board.
Why It's B-Tier:
- High rate of fire
- Versatile at close-medium range
- Light Rounds are common
- Good for aggressive play
Drawbacks:
- High recoil pattern
- Outclassed by M77 at range
- Lower damage per shot
Retaliator LMG
Belt-fed light machine gun.
High rate of fire with sustained suppression capabilities.
Why It's B-Tier:
- Good fire rate
- Reliable suppression
- Decent magazine capacity
Drawbacks:
- Less stable than Conquest
- No ramping fire rate bonus
- Mobility penalty
V11 Punch (Pistol)
Volt-actuated pistol with charge mechanic.
Tap for semi-automatic fire or hold to build and release high-damage burst.
Why It's B-Tier:
- Unique charge mechanic
- High burst damage when charged
- 200 DPS potential
- Volt Battery ammo
Drawbacks:
- Requires charge time for max damage
- Pistol limitations
- Outperformed by Magnum at higher rarities
BRRT SMG
High mobility close-range SMG.
Compact weapon optimized for CQC engagements.
Why It's B-Tier:
- Excellent mobility
- High fire rate
- Good for aggressive flanking
Drawbacks:
- Short effective range
- High recoil
- Ineffective at distance
Bully SMG
Aggressive CQC weapon.
Heavy-ammo SMG with high damage but slow fire rate for an SMG.
Why It's B-Tier:
- Uses Heavy Rounds (rare for SMG)
- Can output serious damage
- Effective even at medium range
Drawbacks:
- High recoil makes long range non-viable
- Slower fire rate than typical SMGs
- Ammo consumption
🟤 C-Tier Weapons – Situational/Starter
CE Tactical Sidearm
Basic semi-automatic pistol.
Fires Medium rounds at 360 RPM. Default weapon for Rook shell.
Why It's C-Tier:
- Basic functionality
- Effective only at close range
- Steep damage falloff at medium-long range
- Outclassed by all other options
Best Use: Absolute starter weapon or emergency backup
🚫 D-Tier – Avoid These
Gray-tier weapons without attachments represent absolute bottom-tier performance. They're functional in the technical sense but severely disadvantaged against any equipped opponent.
When to Use D-Tier:
- Absolute desperation after losing everything
- Practicing basic mechanics without economic pressure
- New players learning maps and game sense
- Testing routes without combat focus
💡 Best Loadout Combinations
Meta Loadout (S-Tier)
Primary: Twin Tap HBR
Secondary: WSTR Combat Shotgun
Best For: Versatile players who can control range
Why It Works: Twin Tap dominates mid-long range, WSTR deletes anything close. You control every engagement distance.
Alternative Loadout (Balanced)
Primary: M77 Assault Rifle
Secondary: Magnum MC
Best For: Beginners and solo players
Why It Works: M77 is stable and versatile, Magnum provides high-mobility backup. Reliable in unpredictable situations.
Aggressive Loadout
Primary: WSTR Combat Shotgun
Secondary: Twin Tap HBR
Best For: Flanking and breaching
Why It Works: Shotgun for room clearing, rifle for escaping or holding after push.
Defensive Loadout
Primary: Conquest LMG (Purple/Gold)
Secondary: Longshot
Best For: Holding objectives and extraction points
Why It Works: LMG suppresses approaches, sniper punishes long-range attempts.
Sniper Loadout
Primary: Longshot
Secondary: Magnum MC or M77 AR
Best For: Overwatch and long-range control
Why It Works: Sniper for picks, secondary covers close-medium if pushed.
🚀 Need Help Mastering Marathon Weapons?
Marathon's fast time-to-kill means weapon choice and aim matter more than almost any other shooter. Don't let poor loadouts cost you loot!
Our Marathon Weapon Services:
✅ Weapon Farming — Get Prestige/Gold tier weapons fast
✅ Loadout Optimization — Expert advice on best builds
✅ Aim Training Coaching — Improve your gunplay with pros
✅ Loot Runs — Extract with high-value weapons guaranteed
✅ PvP Training — Learn weapon matchups and positioning
✅ Mod Farming — Collect the best weapon attachments
Perfect for:
- Players struggling with weapon choices
- Anyone wanting Prestige-tier guns
- Competitive players optimizing loadouts
- New players learning weapon mechanics
[Order Marathon Weapon Boost Now →]
📊 Understanding Weapon Rarity
Marathon's rarity system deeply affects weapon performance:
Gray (Standard)
- Basic weapons, no attachments
- Nearly worthless for credits
- D-Tier performance
Green (Enhanced)
- Slightly better, possibly one attachment
- Minimal credit value
- C-B Tier performance
Blue (Deluxe)
- Multiple attachments possible
- Noticeable performance upgrades
- Great for PvE farming
- Average credit value
- B-A Tier performance
Purple (Superior)
- Significant gameplay advantages
- Faster reloads, improved recoil
- Perfect for PvP
- High credit value
- A-S Tier performance
Gold (Prestige)
- Top-tier, game-changing weapons
- Some drastically alter function
- Powerful effects and bonuses
- Massive credit value
- S-Tier performance
Important: Weapon damage in Marathon isn't tied to rarity. Lower-tier weapons can still win fights with good positioning and aim. Rarity affects attachments, stats, and mod slots—not base damage.
🔥 Final Thoughts
Marathon's weapon meta is shaped by fast time-to-kill, high-stakes extraction, and versatile loadout options. While S-Tier weapons like the V00 ZEUS RG, Twin Tap HBR, and WSTR Combat Shotgun dominate the alpha meta, even lower-tier weapons can win fights with proper positioning and aim.
Key Takeaways:
- Twin Tap HBR is the most consistent all-around weapon
- WSTR Combat Shotgun dominates close range
- M77 AR is best for beginners
- V00 ZEUS RG is the ultimate power weapon (but risky)
- Conquest LMG controls space like nothing else
- Rarity affects attachments and mods, not base damage
- Loadout coverage (close + range) is more important than individual guns
Remember: Marathon's time-to-kill is fast by design. Even basic guns can kill geared players with skill. Choose weapons that match your playstyle, cover multiple ranges, and support smart extraction routes.
Ready to dominate with the best weapons? Our professional team can farm Prestige-tier guns, teach optimal loadouts, and help you win more firefights.
🚀 Need Help Mastering Marathon Weapons?
Marathon's fast time-to-kill means weapon choice and aim matter more than almost any other shooter. Don't let poor loadouts cost you loot!
Our Marathon Weapon Services:
✅ Weapon Farming — Get Prestige/Gold tier weapons fast
✅ Loadout Optimization — Expert advice on best builds
✅ Aim Training Coaching — Improve your gunplay with pros
✅ Loot Runs — Extract with high-value weapons guaranteed
✅ PvP Training — Learn weapon matchups and positioning
✅ Mod Farming — Collect the best weapon attachments
Perfect for:
- Players struggling with weapon choices
- Anyone wanting Prestige-tier guns
- Competitive players optimizing loadouts
- New players learning weapon mechanics
Order Marathon Weapon Boost Now
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the best weapon for beginners?
A: M77 Assault Rifle. It's stable, versatile, and reliable at most engagement distances.
Q: Can gray weapons compete with gold weapons?
A: In skilled hands, yes—but rarity provides significant advantages through attachments and mod slots. Base damage is equal.
Q: What's the best all-around weapon?
A: Twin Tap HBR. It dominates mid-long range and is consistent across all scenarios.
Q: Should I always use S-Tier weapons?
A: Not necessarily. High-tier weapons have high economic risk. Use them when you can afford to lose them.
Q: What's the best close-range weapon?
A: WSTR Combat Shotgun. One-shot potential makes it the king of CQC.
Q: What's the best long-range weapon?
A: V00 ZEUS RG (Railgun) for pure damage, Longshot for versatility.
Q: How important are weapon mods?
A: Very important. Mods can completely change weapon performance, especially at higher rarities.
Q: Do different Runners need different weapons?
A: Yes. Aggressive Runners benefit from shotguns/SMGs, while support Runners do better with rifles/LMGs.
