Shell Selection for New Runners
With Marathon officially live, choose wisely for your first matches.
Vandal
offers the most forgiving entry point — reliable A-tier performance in both solo and squad modes with room for error. Avoid Rook entirely; its C-tier ranking won't help you climb when ranked launches.
Essential Weapon Priorities
Grab the
M77 Assault Rifle
whenever possible. With a
Barrel Mod
equipped, it extends to Long range — the top-tier ranked configuration according to verified data. The
Overrun AR
and
Impact HAR
serve as solid mid-range alternatives when M77 isn't available.
Critical Early Mistakes to Avoid
Don't chase every fight. With ranked mode launching soon, dying costs both gear AND rank points. Focus extraction over elimination unless you're running
Destroyer
with squad support. The
Rook Pistol
performs poorly — swap it immediately for any alternative sidearm.
Mod Strategy That Matters
Chip Mods
provide universal performance boosts across all weapons. Higher rarity Chip Mods offer stronger baselines, making them ranked priorities.
Magazine Mods
excel on SMGs and shotguns, extending your firefight sustainability when rank points are on the line.
Squad Composition Basics
Triage
enables S-tier squad performance by keeping aggressive teammates alive longer. Pair with
Destroyer
for maximum effect — Destroyer forces Holotag kills while Triage ensures survivability.
Recon
adds invaluable intel on rival Holotag carriers, crucial for ranked success.
Holotag Preparation
Ranked mode's Holotag system means extraction score targets determine success.
Thief
dominates S-tier solo play with extraction-focused design, while
Assassin
specializes in Holotag theft despite its advanced difficulty requirements. Practice these mechanics now before ranked stakes arrive.