Marathon is live
with 88k peak players and ranked mode launching soon. Here's your shell selection roadmap for surviving your first extractions.
Start with Vandal
Vandal earns A-tier in both solo and squad ranked for good reason. It's forgivable for new Runners while remaining viable at high tiers. Perfect for learning core mechanics without specialist complexity.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Don't pick Rook in ranked — it's C-tier across the board - Avoid Triage for solo play (D-tier solo ranking) - Skip Assassin until you master fundamentals (Advanced difficulty, high skill floor)
Ranked Preparation
With ranked launching soon, understand the stakes: dying loses both gear AND rank points. Holotags set your extraction score target, making shell choice critical.
Shell Progression Path
1.
Vandal
: Learn the game (A/A ranked) 2.
Thief
: Master solo extractions (S-tier solo) 3.
Destroyer
: Dominate squad play (S-tier squad)
Squad Compositions
For ranked squads, pair Destroyer with Triage for maximum effectiveness. Add Recon for intel on rival Holotag carriers — knowing enemy positions becomes invaluable when extraction scores matter.
Key Takeaway
Start with Vandal regardless of your preferred playstyle. It teaches fundamental skills without punishing mistakes. Once comfortable, specialize based on whether you prefer solo extractions (Thief) or squad dominance (Destroyer/Triage).
Marathon's launch numbers show strong interest — expect competitive lobbies. Master one shell thoroughly before experimenting.