Ranked Ready: Your First Shell Tier List for Marathon Competitive

With ranked mode launching soon, choosing the right shell for your skill level is crucial. Holotags set your extraction score targets, and dying loses both gear AND rank points — making shell choice more critical than ever.

Vandal - Combat earns A-tier in both solo and squad ranked, making it the best starting shell. Its versatility works across all Holotag tiers without requiring specialist knowledge. Pair it with an M77 Assault Rifle - AR equipped with Barrel Mod to extend range to Long — this is the top ranked configuration.

Rook - Flex serves as your learning shell with C-tier rankings, but avoid the Rook Pistol entirely in ranked matches.

Thief - Stealth dominates S-tier solo ranked as the ultimate extraction specialist. Built for hitting Holotag targets and escaping safely, it maximizes survival over combat. Assassin - Stealth offers A-tier solo potential but demands high skill floor mastery — reserve this for experienced Runners.

Destroyer - Combat, Triage - Support, and Recon - Intel all earn S-tier squad rankings. Destroyer forces Holotag kills with highest damage output, while Triage enables aggressive teammate plays through squad sustain. Recon provides invaluable intel on rival Holotag carriers.

Prioritize higher rarity Chip Mods on every weapon — this baseline boost matters more in ranked. For CQB shells, Magazine Mod on SMGs like BRRT provides crucial reload advantages in firefights.

Start with Vandal to learn ranked mechanics, then specialize based on your playstyle. Solo players should graduate to Thief or Assassin, while squad players excel with Destroyer/Triage combinations.