Shell Selection for New Runners With Marathon officially live, choose wisely for your first matches. **VandalCombat** offers the most forgiving entry point — reliable A-tier performance in both solo and squad modes with room for error. Avoid RookFlex entirely; its C-tier ranking won't help you climb when ranked launches.
Essential Weapon Priorities Grab the **M77 Assault RifleAR whenever possible. With a Barrel Mod equipped, it extends to Long range — the top-tier ranked configuration according to verified data. The Overrun ARAR and Impact HARAR** 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 **DestroyerCombat 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 **TriageSupport 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. ReconIntel** adds invaluable intel on rival Holotag carriers, crucial for ranked success.
Holotag Preparation Ranked mode's Holotag system means extraction score targets determine success. **ThiefStealth dominates S-tier solo play with extraction-focused design, while AssassinStealth** specializes in Holotag theft despite its advanced difficulty requirements. Practice these mechanics now before ranked stakes arrive.
