Marathon is the highly anticipated release from Bungie—the legendary studio that defined the shooter genre with Halo and Destiny 2. In this latest venture, players step into the roles of “Runners.” These are bio-synthetic avatars controlled remotely by players, designed to endure the brutal conditions of the planet Tau Ceti IV. As a PvPvE extraction shooter, the stakes are incredibly high.
Your objective is to explore an abandoned world, gather rare loot, complete complex objectives, and escape through an extraction point without being eliminated.
While the gunplay may feel familiar to fans of Destiny 2, Marathon introduces significant mechanical shifts. Notably, the game moves away from traditional character classes. Instead, players utilize “Shells”—android bodies with specific traits that act as your in-game class system.
However, even the best Shell needs the right firepower to survive. To help you navigate the dangers of Tau Ceti IV, we have compiled a comprehensive tier list of the best weapons in Marathon for 2026. This guide will break down every weapon by category, providing the essential stats you need to build a meta-defining loadout.
Struggling to fund your loadouts because of failed extractions and high gear loss? Use our professional Marathon Credits farming service to secure your vault, skip the grind, and focus on playing the high-tier meta with the best weapons in the game!
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Marathon Weapons Tier List Ranking System
Understanding how these weapons are categorized is vital for your survival. Our ranking system is based on raw stats, ease of use, and overall versatility in the current 2026 meta.
- S-Tier: These are the definitive “Meta” weapons. They offer the best performance, highest reliability, and most significant advantages in both PvP and PvE encounters.
- A-Tier: Highly effective weapons that are excellent choices for any loadout. They are nearly as good as S-tier but may have minor situational drawbacks.
- B-Tier: Decent weapons that perform well in the early game but have noticeable flaws that can be exploited by higher-tier gear.
- C-Tier: Highly situational weapons. These require specific playstyles or setups and are generally outclassed by more versatile options.
- D-Tier: The bottom of the barrel. These weapons are typically used as a last resort and should be replaced as soon as possible.
2026 Master Tier List Overview
| Tier | Weapon Names |
| S-Tier | BRRT SMG, WSTR Combat, Hardline PR, Stryder M1T, Overrun AR, M77 Assault, Ares RG |
| A-Tier | Magnum MC, Bully SMG, Copperhead RF, Misriah 2442, V85 Circuit Breaker, Twin Tap HBR, B33 Volley, Impact HAR, Retaliator, Longshot, Outland, V99 Channel |
| B-Tier | V22 Volt Thrower, V66 Lookout, V75 Scar, Demolition, V00 Zeus |
| C-Tier | Repeater HPR, Conquest |
| D-Tier | CE Tactical, V11 Punch |
Assault Rifles: Versatile All-Rounders
Assault Rifles (ARs) serve as the backbone for most Runner loadouts, offering a balance between range and fire rate.
Overrun AR (S-Tier)
The Overrun AR is a top-tier choice for its incredible fire rate and the abundance of its ammunition type. Even with minimal attachments, it performs exceptionally well in high-pressure situations.
- Firepower: 14
- Accuracy: 42
- Handling: 36
- Range: 27m
- Magazine: 20
- Zoom: 1.2x
M77 Assault (S-Tier)
The M77 is considered the “King of Versatility.” It is consistently praised by the community for its scaling capabilities and reliable damage per shot at mid-range.
- Firepower: 22.5
- Accuracy: 56
- Handling: 41
- Range: 37m
- Magazine: 26
- Zoom: 1.2x
Impact HAR (A-Tier)
A strong contender with great stability and competitive range. It only sits in A-tier because it struggles to compete with the raw fire rate of the Overrun AR.
V75 Scar (B-Tier)
A hybrid weapon with a high RPM that functions well at medium range. While official stats are still being finalized, it remains a solid mid-tier pick.
SMGs: Close-Quarters Dominance
Submachine Guns (SMGs) are essential for high-mobility Runners who prefer to engage in close-quarters combat (CQC).
BRRT SMG (S-Tier)
The BRRT SMG is the only S-tier weapon in this category. Its high fire rate and controllable recoil make it devastating. Furthermore, its high accessibility means you can find it frequently throughout the world.
- Firepower: 15
- Accuracy: 63
- Handling: 35
- Range: 16m
- Magazine: 35
- Zoom: 1.1x
Bully SMG (A-Tier)
True to its name, this weapon uses heavy rounds to “bully” opponents. With the right attachments, it scales beautifully into the late game.
- Firepower: 22.5
- Accuracy: 62
- Handling: 47
- Range: 27m
- Magazine: 23
- Zoom: 1.1x
Copperhead RF (A-Tier)
This weapon features a devastating fire rate but suffers from sudden damage falloff. It is a rare find and consumes ammunition faster than any other SMG.
- Firepower: 17
- Accuracy: 49
- Handling: 46
- Range: 20
- Magazine: 21
- Zoom: 1.1x
V22 Volt Thrower (B-Tier)
The V22 is a fantastic early-game tool due to its auto-lock system, making AI tracking effortless.
- Firepower: 21
- Accuracy: 66
- Handling: 42
- Range: 11m
- Volt Drain: 1.2
- Zoom: 1.4x
Shotguns: High-Impact Breachers
When a fight happens within a few meters, nothing beats the stopping power of a shotgun.
WSTR Combat (S-Tier)
The WSTR Combat is the gold standard for shotguns. It deals massive damage and can often one-shot an enemy player at point-blank range.
- Firepower: 195
- Accuracy: 45
- Range: 8m
- Spread Angle: 3.4
- Magazine: 2
- Zoom: 1.1x
Misriah 2442 (A-Tier)
The Misriah is more forgiving than the WSTR. With a larger magazine, missing your first shot isn’t a death sentence, though it lacks the raw one-shot potential of S-tier options.
V85 Circuit Breaker (A-Tier)
The V85 is the only auto-shotgun in Marathon. While not yet meta, it is one buff away from becoming a top-tier powerhouse.
Precision Rifles: Tactical Marksman Tools
For Runners who prefer to keep their distance while maintaining a high volume of fire, Precision Rifles are the answer.
Stryder M1T (S-Tier)
The Stryder M1T offers high accuracy and covers both medium and long ranges perfectly. It is one of the most consistent rifles in the arsenal.
- Firepower: 57
- Accuracy: 125
- Handling: 39
- Range: 84
- Magazine: 12
- Zoom: 1.2x
Hardline PR (S-Tier)
The Hardline PR is the most beginner-friendly S-tier weapon. It features high damage and a fast fire rate with very manageable recoil.
- Firepower: 44
- Accuracy: 61
- Handling: 36
- Range: 69m
- Magazine: 16
- Zoom: 1.2x
Twin Tap HBR (A-Tier)
A burst-fire rifle that offers excellent control. It pairs exceptionally well with a short-range SMG for a balanced loadout.
- Firepower: 21
- Accuracy: 73
- Handling: 51
- Range: 48m
- Magazine: 20
- Zoom: 1.4x
V66 Lookout (B-Tier)
The V66 features a unique toggle mode between high-power single shots and semi-automatic fire. However, its high time-to-kill (TTK) and clunky feel hold it back.
- Firepower: 47
- Accuracy: 126
- Handling: 45
- Range: 62m
- Volt Drain: 3.5
- Zoom: 1.2x
LMGs, Railguns, and Snipers: Specialized Firepower
Retaliator LMG (A-Tier)
The Retaliator is a squad-wiper thanks to its massive magazine size, though its average RPM prevents it from reaching S-tier.
- Firepower: 16
- Accuracy: 63
- Handling: 22
- Range: 35
- Magazine: 44
- Zoom: 1.2x
Ares RG Railgun (S-Tier)
The Ares RG is a true meta weapon. It can deliver one-shot kills with its unique charge mechanism that activates just by looking through the scope.
Longshot Sniper (A-Tier)
A semi-automatic sniper that is very forgiving. It has the potential to kill an enemy in half a second across incredible distances.
- Firepower: 70
- Accuracy: 74.8
- Handling: 29
- Range: 175
- Magazine: 3
- Zoom: 4x
Outland Sniper (A-Tier)
The Outland deals the highest damage of any sniper in Marathon. It scales exceptionally well with modifications.
Conclusion: Mastering the 2026 Meta
Surviving Tau Ceti IV requires more than just luck; it requires a deep understanding of the current weapon meta.
- S-Tier weapons like the BRRT SMG and Overrun AR provide the most reliable path to a successful extraction.
- A-Tier options like the Longshot and Misriah 2442 offer excellent power for specialized roles.
- B and C-tier weapons should be used cautiously or as stepping stones to better gear.
By investing in a loadout that balances fire rate, range, and accuracy, you can ensure your Runner remains at the top of the food chain in Bungie’s Marathon.
FAQ: Marathon Weapons and Loadouts
What is the best weapon for solo players in Marathon?
The M77 Assault and Stryder M1T are excellent for solo players due to their versatility across multiple ranges.
Are Railguns better than Snipers in Marathon?
Railguns like the Ares RG offer better one-shot potential at mid-range, whereas Snipers like the Longshot are superior for extreme distances.
Which weapon has the highest damage?
The WSTR Combat shotgun has the highest firepower stat (195), making it the strongest close-range weapon in the game.
What are “Volt Drain” weapons?
Weapons like the V22 Volt Thrower or V66 Lookout use energy-based ammunition. The “Volt Drain” stat indicates how quickly the weapon consumes its energy battery.