Marathon Weapons Tier List: Every Weapon Ranked

How This Tier List Was Built

This Marathon weapons tier list ranks all 29 weapons currently in the game from S-tier (meta-defining) down to D-tier (outclassed in almost every scenario). Rankings are based on a combination of verified CMS stats (firepower, accuracy, range, RPM, magazine size, ammo type), community consensus from sources including Mobalytics, PC Gamer, and MarathonDB, and practical performance in both PvP runner encounters and PvE UESC bot fights.

The current meta in Marathon rewards weapons that excel in distinct roles. The dominant loadout pairing is a close-range powerhouse (usually a shotgun or SMG) combined with a mid-to-long range precision weapon. Ammo economy also factors heavily into rankings: weapons that share ammo with strong partners get a meaningful bump, while lone-wolf ammo types that compete with nothing else in your kit drag your overall effectiveness down.

Tiers are defined as follows: S-Tier weapons are the strongest options in the game and should be prioritized whenever found. A-Tier weapons are strong picks that perform excellently with skilled play. B-Tier covers solid, situational choices that work well in the right hands or the right loadout. C-Tier weapons are below average and generally outclassed by better alternatives. D-Tier weapons have fundamental weaknesses that make them difficult to justify in most scenarios.

S-Tier Weapons: The Current Meta Kings

BR33 Volley Rifle (Precision Rifle, Light Rounds): The BR33 Volley Rifle is the single most versatile weapon in Marathon and a universal S-Tier pick across virtually every tier list. Its three-round burst mechanism fires at 900 RPM within each volley with 14.8 damage per shot, and its 27-round magazine gives it staying power. DPS reaches approximately 222 for runners who chain bursts rapidly, which exceeds many full-auto weapons. At 48 meters of effective range with hitscan detection and a 1.4x precision multiplier, the BR33 punishes runners at mid-range, shreds UESC bot shields, and stays competitive at close range. It draws clear inspiration from the Halo Battle Rifle, which tells you everything about the design intent: consistent, skill-rewarding performance across all engagement types. Light Rounds are the most abundant ammo type in the game, so the BR33 almost never runs dry.

WSTR Combat Shotgun (Shotgun, MIPS Rounds): The WSTR Combat Shotgun is the most oppressive close-range weapon in the game. Its double-barrel fire mode at 194 RPM delivers 15 damage per shot with a spread angle of 4 degrees and an extraordinary aim assist of 5.3 degrees, making it brutally effective in the corridors and cramped objectives that define much of Marathon's map design. The trade-off is a 2-round magazine that demands full commitment to both shots before the 2.64-second reload kicks in. Runners who can close the distance and time their double-tap reliably will find the WSTR is the safest close-range answer in the current meta.

Longshot (Sniper Rifle, MIPS Rounds): The Longshot is the benchmark precision sniper in Marathon. With 69.5 to 70 damage per shot, a 2x to 2.15x precision multiplier, 175 meters of effective range, and a 4x zoom scope, it can eliminate most runners in two body shots or one precision headshot. The semiautomatic fire mode separates it from bolt-action alternatives: faster follow-up shots let runners correct aim without committing to a single round. A 4-round magazine and manageable 60% recoil make it one of the more forgiving snipers to operate. In the current meta where shotgun plus sniper is the most feared loadout combination, the Longshot is the sniper side of that equation.

Hardline PR (Precision Rifle, Light Rounds): The Hardline PR earns its S-Tier rating through consistency. At 275 RPM with 28 damage per shot and a 1.8x precision multiplier, it applies steady pressure at 69 meters of effective range with a 16-round magazine. Its 0.87-second time-to-kill against unshielded targets improves sharply with headshots, and the weapon's manageable recoil lets skilled runners chain accurate shots rapidly. The Hardline PR dominates sightline control and punishes runners who break cover without cover fire. Light Rounds ammo keeps it perpetually fed.

Stryder M1T (Precision Rifle, Light Rounds): Rated S-Tier by multiple sources, the Stryder M1T boasts the longest effective range of any precision rifle at 84 meters, 36 damage per shot, a 1.6x precision multiplier, and a firepower score of 57.6. At 180 RPM its rate of fire is modest, but each shot hits hard enough that the deliberate pace works in its favor. The 1.8x zoom and 12-round magazine suit a measured, positional playstyle. Runners who pre-aim sightlines and punish enemies in the open will find the Stryder M1T exceptional.

A-Tier Weapons: Strong Picks for Skilled Runners

Bully SMG (SMG, Heavy Rounds): The Bully SMG is the strongest submachine gun in Marathon. Heavy Rounds give it 15 damage per shot at 540 RPM, with 62% accuracy out to 27 meters and a 1.5x precision multiplier. A 1-second time-to-kill against unshielded targets and a high aim assist score of 2.59 make it an elite close-range weapon, and the 23-round magazine is smaller than its competitors, so shot discipline matters. What pushes the Bully to A-Tier rather than S-Tier is that it faces more competition at close range from the WSTR, and its Heavy Rounds can conflict with other heavy weapons in a loadout.

Outland (Sniper Rifle, MIPS Rounds): The Outland is the bolt-action alternative to the Longshot, trading the semi-auto follow-up shot for raw per-shot stopping power. At 74 damage per shot with a 2.2x precision multiplier, a firepower score of 162.8, and 175 meters of range, the Outland can down well-shielded runners in fewer body hits than the Longshot. The 43 RPM fire rate, 4.1-second reload, and demanding 1.7-second equip time make it punishing to miss. In the hands of a patient, positional runner who hits their shots, it is devastating. Runners who prefer forgiveness on follow-ups should stick with the Longshot.

Twin Tap HBR (Precision Rifle, Heavy Rounds): The Twin Tap HBR fires two-round bursts of Heavy Rounds at 420 RPM with 13 damage per shot and a 1.6x precision multiplier. Landing both shots on a headshot is brutally efficient, and its low recoil of 44.9% makes the burst pattern remarkably predictable. At 48 meters with a 20-round magazine and a 2.37-second reload, it holds the mid-range bracket confidently. Its weakness is high moving inaccuracy of 81.8%, making it almost exclusively a stationary or crouched weapon.

M77 Assault Rifle (Assault Rifle, Light Rounds): The M77 is Marathon's bread-and-butter assault rifle, delivering 24 damage per shot at 450 RPM with 59.3% accuracy and a 1.5x precision multiplier. A 46-meter range and 24-round magazine suit mid-range firefights perfectly. Its time-to-kill of roughly 1.2 seconds against unshielded targets improves meaningfully with headshots. Low recoil and a reliable performance profile make it the best all-rounder assault rifle, and its Light Rounds keep it consistently stocked across all zones.

Ares RG (Railgun, Volt Cells): The Ares RG delivers 123 to 136 damage per shot with 100% accuracy and 0-degree ADS spread. At 55 to 60 meters of effective range with a 2.5x zoom and a low 33.8% recoil, it produces one of the highest single-shot damage values in Marathon. The 60 RPM fire rate and 3.9-second reload make it a high-commitment weapon, but runners who pre-charge from elevated positions and hit their shots will dominate sightlines no other weapon can contest. Its low Volt Drain of 1% per shot conserves battery effectively.

BRRT SMG (SMG, Light Rounds): The BRRT SMG fires a five-round burst at 1000 RPM within each burst, dealing 15.4 damage per shot with a 35-round magazine. Its time-to-kill of 0.72 seconds against unshielded targets is one of the fastest values in the SMG class. The major downside is extreme recoil of 143.6, which punishes anything beyond close range. Runners who manage burst spacing carefully and fight at close quarters will find the BRRT remarkably effective.

B-Tier Weapons: Solid but Situational

Overrun AR (Assault Rifle, Light Rounds): The Overrun AR fires at 720 RPM, the highest rate of fire among assault rifles, with 11.5 damage per shot and a 20-round magazine. At 27 meters of effective range it dominates corridor fights and close-to-mid engagements, but the small magazine empties quickly and its per-shot damage is low. Runners who want raw aggression in tight spaces will appreciate it; runners who need range will find it lacking.

V75 Scar (Assault Rifle, Volt Battery): The V75 Scar features smart-tracking projectiles that home slightly on targets, making it one of the more forgiving assault rifles for runners still developing their aim. It fires at 120 RPM in full-auto at 18 damage per shot with 60-meter range and 59.3% accuracy. The heat mechanic, where sustained fire overheats the weapon and reduces fire rate, pushes runners toward burst discipline. It is an excellent training tool and a legitimately competitive option for volt-focused loadouts.

V99 Channel Rifle (Sniper Rifle, Volt Battery): The V99 Channel Rifle charges before firing for increased damage, with 67 base damage, a 2.5x precision multiplier, and 175-meter range. At 75 RPM with a 4.7-second reload, it demands patience and charge timing. The 0.65-degree ADS spread and 79.4% accuracy support precision shots at any distance. It is a rewarding but demanding alternative to the ballistic snipers, held back primarily by its shared volt battery pool and high commitment per shot.

Repeater HPR (Precision Rifle, Heavy Rounds): The Repeater HPR is a lever-action precision rifle with 48 damage per shot, a 2x precision multiplier, and a single-round-at-a-time reload that rewards top-off discipline. At 86 RPM and 37-meter effective range, it demands careful shot selection. Runners who land shots consistently can achieve excellent time-to-kill values against shielded targets, but its low 9-round capacity and methodical reload make it unforgiving.

Impact HAR (Machine Gun, Heavy Rounds): The Impact HAR delivers 24 damage per shot at 400 RPM with a 1.6x precision multiplier and 60 meters of range. Its DPS of 160 and 0.75-second time-to-kill against unshielded targets (when landing headshots) place it above average, but the 18-round magazine and 3.3-second reload create vulnerability windows. Best used as a deliberate, mid-range option by runners who can maintain accuracy.

Misriah 2442 (Shotgun, MIPS Rounds): The Misriah 2442 is a pump-action shotgun with 11.7 damage per shot, a firepower score of 182.52, a 3.8-degree spread, and an aim assist of 3.73 degrees. At 58 RPM and a 4-round magazine with per-round reloads at 0.8 seconds each, it rewards runners who top off between engagements. It is the more methodical shotgun versus the WSTR's explosive burst style, offering slightly more range through tighter pellet patterns.

V85 Circuit Breaker (Railgun, Volt Battery): The V85 Circuit Breaker is a volt shotgun with a three-level charge mechanic. At full charge, DPS potential reaches 431.8, capable of instantly dropping gold and purple shield enemies that conventional shotguns struggle against. Its 11-meter range and 93% recoil demand close-range positioning, and volt battery management is a real constraint.

V66 Lookout (Precision Rifle, Volt Battery): The V66 Lookout offers dual fire modes: standard semi-auto or a charged shot for increased damage. With 26 base damage, a 1.8x precision multiplier, and 62 meters of range, it is a flexible volt-powered option. An aim assist of 1.64 and 19.1% moving inaccuracy make it forgiving for tracking targets. Held back by lower base damage compared to ballistic competitors and the inherent constraints of the volt battery economy.

V00 Zeus RG (Railgun, Volt Cells): The V00 Zeus RG reaches 155 meters of effective range with 120 firepower and auto-fires once the 0.75-second charge completes. A 0.67-second time-to-kill against unshielded targets sounds exceptional, but the 50% Volt Drain per shot means two rounds effectively empty the battery. Best used as a specialist weapon for runners who can afford the ammo cost and who operate at extreme ranges.

C-Tier Weapons: Below Average

Conquest LMG (Machine Gun, Light Rounds): The Conquest LMG fires at 540 RPM with 16 firepower per shot, a 36-round magazine, and 60-meter range. Its ramping rate of fire mechanic rewards sustained fire, and stability from crouch gives it a defensive niche. The problem is its 6.4-second reload, one of the longest in Marathon, which creates massive vulnerability windows. Runners who can play stationary and manage reload timing will extract solid value; everyone else will find something more consistent.

Retaliator LMG (Machine Gun, Light Rounds): The Retaliator LMG carries 44 rounds, fires immediately without spin-up, and reaches 51 meters with 16.4 firepower and 52.1% accuracy. Area denial and suppression are its strengths. The lengthy reload and modest per-shot damage hold it below the B-Tier threshold.

Magnum MC (Pistol, Heavy Rounds): The Magnum MC has the highest precision multiplier of any pistol at 2.1x, with 33 damage per shot and a 12-round magazine. At 138 RPM it is the slowest-firing pistol in Marathon, demanding headshot accuracy to justify use. Against shielded opponents who can absorb the slow rate of fire, it falls behind faster sidearms. Exceptional in the right hands; punishing for everyone else.

V22 Volt Thrower (Railgun/SMG, Volt Battery): The V22 Volt Thrower deals 21 damage per shot at 507 RPM with a 0.71-second time-to-kill and a smart lock-on targeting system. Its 11-meter effective range is extremely limiting, and its high Volt Drain of 1.2% per shot at that fire rate drains the battery quickly. Strong in its window but too situational for consistent use.

V95 Lookout (Precision Rifle, Volt Battery): The V95 Lookout is a charge-fire volt precision rifle with limited verified stats. Based on its V-series lineage and community reports, it performs comparably to the V66 Lookout but with a higher charge ceiling. Held back by unverified stats and the inherent constraints of the volt ecosystem.

CE Tactical Sidearm (Pistol, Light Rounds): The CE Tactical Sidearm offers 36 damage per shot at 360 RPM with an 18-round magazine and the lowest recoil of any pistol at 43%. It is the most accessible sidearm in Marathon and a strong choice for new runners. Against experienced opposition, the CE Tactical Sidearm rarely wins sidearm duels against the Magnum MC or V11 Punch. It earns its place as a utility pick and ammo-sharing backup.

D-Tier Weapons: Hard to Justify

Demolition HMG (Machine Gun, Heavy Rounds): The Demolition HMG hits hardest per shot of any machine gun at 31.5 damage per hit, but at 225 RPM with a 20-round magazine and a crippling 5.46-second reload, it is almost unusable in fast-paced runner confrontations. Its 33-meter range and 47.4% accuracy are also mediocre for the firepower investment. The reload time alone disqualifies it from serious consideration in most loadouts.

Copperhead RF (Precision Rifle, Light Rounds): Despite being labeled a precision rifle, the Copperhead RF behaves like an aggressive SMG at 720 RPM with 12 damage per shot and a 20-meter range. Its 49.1% accuracy and 2.36-degree hipfire spread undermine the precision rifle label entirely. The DPS of 144 sounds impressive but requires being within arm's reach to land reliably. Against enemies with any distance, it falls apart quickly. Better alternatives exist for every role it tries to fill.

V11 Punch (Pistol, Volt Battery): The V11 Punch fires at 600 RPM with 20 damage per shot and a 0.6-second time-to-kill at close range, which sounds compelling. The reality is a 36% accuracy score (the lowest of any pistol), a 3.4-second reload (the longest pistol reload in the game), and a 1.72-degree ADS spread that makes it wildly inconsistent beyond 21 meters. The dual tap-and-charge mechanic is interesting but the volt drain at 2.5% per shot at 600 RPM makes sustained use impractical. Primarily a novelty pick.

Best Weapon by Category

Best Assault Rifle: M77 Assault Rifle. The M77 beats the Overrun AR and V75 Scar through a better balance of damage per shot (24), rate of fire (450 RPM), and effective range (46 meters). Its 1.5x precision multiplier and low recoil reward accurate runners across the full engagement spectrum. The Overrun AR wins in pure close-quarters aggression, but the M77 is the better all-around option.

Best SMG: Bully SMG. The Bully's Heavy Rounds advantage, high per-shot damage (15), and aim assist score (2.59) give it the edge over the BRRT SMG for general use. The BRRT wins on time-to-kill (0.72 seconds vs 1 second) but is far more punishing to control. The Bully is the safer, stronger pick for most runners.

Best Shotgun: WSTR Combat Shotgun. The WSTR's 194 RPM double-barrel, devastating close-range DPS, and exceptional aim assist (5.3 degrees) make it the dominant shotgun choice. The Misriah 2442 is more methodical and has a higher firepower score (182.52 vs 172.5), but the WSTR's double-barrel burst potential wins close fights faster.

Best Sniper Rifle: Longshot. The Longshot's semiautomatic follow-up shots, 175-meter range, and manageable 60% recoil make it the better all-around sniper over the bolt-action Outland. The Outland hits harder per shot (74 damage vs 69.5) but the Longshot's forgiveness on a missed first shot is more valuable in live-fire situations.

Best Precision Rifle: BR33 Volley Rifle. The BR33's combination of versatility, DPS, Light Rounds economy, and consistent performance across all engagement ranges places it above the Hardline PR and Stryder M1T. If you find a BR33, equip it.

Best Railgun: Ares RG. The Ares RG wins through its combination of high damage (123 to 136 per shot), 100% accuracy, and efficient Volt Drain (1% per shot). The V00 Zeus RG reaches further (155 meters vs 55 to 60 meters) but at 50% Volt Drain per shot it is too costly for regular use.

Best Machine Gun: Impact HAR. Despite its modest magazine and reload demands, the Impact HAR's 1.6x precision multiplier, 160 DPS, and Heavy Rounds damage profile place it above the LMG alternatives for competitive play. Zone holders who need sustained suppression will prefer the Retaliator LMG's 44-round capacity, but the Impact HAR wins direct gunfights.

Best Pistol: Magnum MC. The Magnum MC's 2.1x precision multiplier and Heavy Rounds stopping power make it the most lethal pistol for runners who land their shots. The CE Tactical Sidearm wins on ease of use and ammo economy (Light Rounds), and the V11 Punch wins on burst fire rate, but in a direct comparison the Magnum MC's headshot reward ceiling is highest.

Ammo Economy Tips: What to Pair and Why

Marathon uses three main ballistic ammo types (Light Rounds, Heavy Rounds, and MIPS Rounds) plus the energy-based Volt Battery and Volt Cells systems. Understanding these ecosystems is as important as choosing the right weapon.

Light Rounds are the most abundant ammo type across all zones in Tau Ceti IV. If your primary fires Light Rounds, you will rarely run dry. The BR33 Volley Rifle, Hardline PR, M77 Assault Rifle, Overrun AR, BRRT SMG, Retaliator LMG, Conquest LMG, and CE Tactical Sidearm all feed from this pool. The risk is that two Light Rounds weapons compete for the same supply, so you are better off running one Light Rounds weapon and pairing it with a different ammo type for your secondary.

Heavy Rounds are less common than Light Rounds but more plentiful than MIPS or Volt. The Bully SMG, Impact HAR, Demolition HMG, Twin Tap HBR, Repeater HPR, and Magnum MC all use Heavy Rounds. The best Heavy Rounds pairing in the current meta is the Bully SMG plus the Twin Tap HBR: the Bully handles close range, the Twin Tap handles mid-range, and both weapons compete for the same ammo pool without conflicting with each other since they fill entirely different roles.

MIPS Rounds feed both shotguns (WSTR, Misriah 2442) and the sniper rifles (Longshot, Outland). The ideal MIPS loadout pairs one shotgun with one sniper: the most feared runner kit in the current meta is WSTR plus Longshot, giving you point-blank devastation and 175-meter reach from a single ammo type. MIPS availability is moderate; you will need to scavenge carefully during longer runs.

Volt Battery weapons (V75 Scar, V11 Punch, V22 Volt Thrower, V66 Lookout, V95 Lookout, V85 Circuit Breaker, V99 Channel Rifle) share a single volt pool. Running two Volt Battery weapons halves your effective battery life per engagement. The upside is that volt weapons do not consume physical ammo, which can be an advantage in ammo-scarce zones. Runners who commit to full volt loadouts need to manage drain rates carefully: pair a low-drain weapon like the V75 Scar (2.5% per shot at 120 RPM) with a high-drain close-range option only when needed.

Volt Cells feed the Ares RG and V00 Zeus RG. These are heavy, slow railguns that consume voltage in meaningful chunks (1% per shot for the Ares, 50% per shot for the Zeus). Neither pairs well with Volt Battery weapons since the ammo systems are distinct. Treat Volt Cell railguns as standalone specialist options and build the rest of your loadout around ballistic weapons to stay stocked in all scenarios.

The universally recommended starting approach: pair a Light Rounds precision weapon (BR33 Volley Rifle or Hardline PR) with a MIPS close-range weapon (WSTR Combat Shotgun). This gives you coverage from 0 to 175 meters across two of the most efficient ammo types in the game, with both individual weapons sitting at or near the top of their respective tier brackets.