In this Marathon Weapons Ranking guide, we’ll break down the best weapons in Marathon beta, ranking them from strongest to weakest based on early feedback and performance impressions. We will also outline the basic characteristics of the currently available weapons. Additionally, we have prepared close and long-range weapons rankings for your convenience.
Marathon Weapons Tier List Key Takeaways:
- Marathon currently features 28 weapons across eight categories: sidearms, SMGs, shotguns, precision rifles, assault rifles, LMGs, railguns, and sniper rifles.
- The current S-Tier weapons are BRRT SMG, WSTR Combat Shotgun, Hardline PR, Stryder M1T, Overrun AR, M77 Assault Rifle, and Ares RG. These offer the most consistent performance across engagements.
- Precision rifles and assault rifles are shaping the early Marathon meta due to strong mid-range control and high damage output.
- Close-range fights heavily favor WSTR Combat Shotgun and BRRT SMG, making them top picks for aggressive players.
- Railguns like Ares RG deliver massive damage but require rare ammo and good positioning.
- LMGs are strong in sustained fights but struggle against Marathon’s fast time-to-kill if caught out of position.
- Volt-based weapons are more situational and rely heavily on proper mods and player mastery.
- Weapon mods can significantly change performance, but this tier list ranks guns based on their raw beta performance.
- Most weapons in Marathon are viable, but lower-tier options require more specific setups or skill to shine.
- The tier list is based on beta testing and will likely shift after balance updates and full release.
4.9Marathon Best Weapons
Marathon’s open beta has given players a first taste of Bungie’s new extraction shooter, and already, a meta is forming around the most effective guns. Remember, Marathon’s time-to-kill is very fast. By design, even basic guns can kill a geared player with skill, so choosing the right weapon can mean the difference between extracting with loot or losing it all.
Based on current beta testing, we’ve compiled a Marathon weapons tier list of all known guns from best to worst. This ranking draws on the experience of our testing team, community impressions, playtest footage, and the overall utility of each weapon in PvP.
| Tier | Weapons |
|---|---|
| S-Tier | BRRT SMG, WSTR Combat Shotgun, Hardline PR, Stryder M1T, Overrun AR, M77 Assault, Twin Tap HBR, Longshot, Ares RG |
| A-Tier | Magnum MC, Bully SMG, Copperhead RF, Misriah 2442, V85 Circuit Breaker, B33 Volley, Impact HAR, Retaliator, Outland, V99 Channel |
| B-Tier | V22 Volt Thrower, V66 Lookout, V75 Scar, Demolition, V00 Zeus |
| C-Tier | Repeater HPR, Conquest, CE Tactical, V11 Punch |
📗 Note: Marathon’s arsenal spans classic kinetic firearms and exotic “volt” energy weapons. There are no rocket or grenade launchers in the beta build, so gunskill and precision matter even more.
All 28 weapons currently confirmed in the new Marathon beta are listed above. S-Tier guns have the highest impact in matches, while B-Tier options are more situational or underpowered. Using these top weapons can give you not only an edge in Marathon’s high-stakes firefights but also a chance to successfully extract all the loot you’ve gathered.
Even with the best weapons in Marathon, Perimeter raids remain one of the toughest challenges in the game. High-risk PvP encounters, tight extraction windows, and strong enemy squads can quickly turn a perfect loadout into lost loot. If you want safer raid runs, better survival chances, and consistent extraction results, our Marathon Perimeter Raids can help you enjoy the game process.
Marathon S Tier Weapons
Of course, weapon balance may shift as Marathon is only tested and will see lots of updates until release. But for now, these are the best guns in Marathon (beta) to consider for your loadout. Below, we take a closer look at the top 5 weapons in the beta and why they stand out.
BRRT SMG
The BRRT SMG is a compact submachine gun that absolutely melts opponents at close range. This weapon boasts an extremely high rate of fire — as its onomatopoeic name suggests, it sprays bullets in a rapid stream.
In the beta, the BRRT SMG has proven deadly for run-and-gun playstyles: if you rush an enemy and unload this SMG, you can chew through their health in the blink of an eye. It’s perfect for aggressive Runners like Glitch or Void who want to get in the enemy’s face, or as a backup to finish off wounded targets.
- Strengths: One of the fastest time-to-kill among automatic weapons at point-blank range. Moreover, it’s very forgiving if your aim isn’t pinpoinе.
- Drawbacks: Severe damage falloff at distance and notable recoil. Outside of close quarters, this SMG’s effectiveness plummets; enemies, even at a medium distance away, will shrug off its tickle.
WSTR Combat Shotgun
The WSTR Combat Shotgun is the premier close-range weapon in Marathon’s beta. This is a sawn-off shotgun (lever-action style) that packs tremendous stopping power at point-blank distances.
With Marathon’s punchy time-to-kill, a well-placed blast from the Combat Shotgun will one-shot an enemy runner who’s up close, deleting their health bar before they can react. It’s ideal for breaching rooms, holding corners, or ambushing opponents around objectives. Many beta players pair this shotgun as a secondary for an assault-oriented Runner (like Locus) to ensure anything that gets too close is instantly neutralized.
- Strengths: Absolutely devastating at close range; easy to use under pressure — just point and shoot to drop targets in one hit.
- Drawbacks: Very limited range and a slow rate of fire/reload.
Hardline PR
The Hardline PR is one of the most dominant precision rifles currently available in Marathon’s beta. This is a burst-fire precision weapon that combines high damage, strong accuracy, and excellent mid-to-long range control.
With Marathon’s fast time-to-kill, the Hardline PR can delete opponents quickly if you land consecutive bursts. Its recoil feels manageable, and the weapon performs extremely well when holding sightlines or punishing enemies rotating in the open. Many players use it as a primary weapon in balanced loadouts because it performs consistently across most engagement ranges.
- Strengths: High burst damage, strong mid-to-long range pressure, controllable recoil, and reliable performance in most fights.
- Drawbacks: Less forgiving in close-quarters combat and requires consistent accuracy to reach its full potential.
Stryder M1T
The Stryder M1T is a highly accurate precision rifle that excels at controlling mid-to-long range engagements in Marathon’s beta. This semi-automatic rifle rewards steady aim and positioning, offering strong per-shot damage with excellent consistency.
With Marathon’s fast time-to-kill, the Stryder M1T can eliminate targets quickly when you land consecutive shots. Its handling feels smooth, and the weapon performs best when anchoring angles or taking controlled duels at range. Many players favor it as a primary weapon for disciplined, methodical playstyles that focus on accuracy over aggression.
- Strengths: High accuracy, strong sustained damage at range, reliable performance in controlled engagements.
- Drawbacks: Punishing if you miss shots, weaker in close-quarters fights, and requires good positioning to avoid being overwhelmed.
The Stryder M1T performs exceptionally well on open maps like Dire Marsh, where mid-to-long range control decides most fights. Still, even with a top-tier precision rifle, Dire Marsh remains one of the most dangerous raid zones in Marathon.
If you want to master this map without risking your best gear, our Marathon Dire Marsh Raids helps you secure extractions, farm XP efficiently, and maximize rare loot gains.
Overrun AR
The Overrun AR is a fast-firing assault rifle that excels in close-to-mid range fights in Marathon’s beta. This light-round weapon boasts a high rate of fire, making it extremely effective when pressuring enemies or finishing targets quickly.
With Marathon’s fast time-to-kill, the Overrun AR can shred opponents if you stay on target and manage your magazine carefully. It performs best in aggressive pushes and tight skirmishes, where its 720 RPM allows you to overwhelm enemies before they can react. Many players rely on it as a flexible primary weapon that bridges the gap between SMGs and precision rifles.
- Strengths: High fire rate, strong close-to-mid range damage output, excellent for aggressive playstyles.
- Drawbacks: Small default magazine size, struggles at longer ranges, and can burn through ammo quickly if not controlled.
M77 Assault Rifle
The M77 Assault Rifle is a bread-and-butter primary weapon and one of the most reliable guns in the Marathon beta. It’s a full-auto kinetic assault rifle, comparable to a Destiny auto rifle or Halo MA-series rifle in feel.
In Marathon’s high-pressure matches, this rifle’s versatility is a huge asset — you can lay down steady suppressive fire at mid-range, but still snap to targets up close if needed. Beta testers describe the gunplay as extremely crisp and familiar to Bungie fans, so the M77’s handling is comfortable and easy to control even for new players.
- Strengths: Jack-of-all-trades weapon — solid at mid-range duels, decent at close range with controlled burst firing, and usable at longer ranges with tap-fire.
- Drawbacks: Being balanced means it doesn’t excel in any one area — it can be outclassed by shotguns up close or by snipers at long range. Additionally, its damage per shot is average.
Despite that, the M77 AR is often a go-to gun in the beta for its reliability. It’s a great primary to build a loadout around, especially when you’re not sure what enemy encounters to expect.
Twin Tap HPR
The Twin Tap HPR is a semi-automatic scout rifle-style weapon that fires two rapid rounds per trigger pull (hence the name “Twin Tap”). It delivers excellent precision and burst damage at mid to long range.
In beta playtests, Twin Tap has earned a reputation as one of the nastiest weapons available — if you land your shots, you can down targets very quickly. This rifle shows the best results in the hands of players with good aim. Additionally, it’s great for holding sightlines or overwatch positions.
- Strengths: High damage per burst and accuracy at range, capable of dropping even shielded opponents fast.
- Drawbacks: A small magazine and a slower rate of fire than full-auto guns.
Longshot
As the name implies, Longshot is Marathon’s sniper rifle — a long-range specialist built for picking off foes at a distance. This bolt-action rifle (seen in the beta) delivers the highest per-shot damage of any gun in the test. In capable hands, the Longshot can eliminate a player with a single well-placed headshot.
Even body shots hit hard enough to cripple an enemy, letting your team finish them off. The Longshot shines on maps with open sightlines (like certain areas of Perimeter or Dire Marsh) where a patient sniper can down players before they even know where the shot came from.
- Strengths: Unmatched range and killing power — it turns Marathon into a marksman’s game, allowing you to engage targets that can’t effectively retaliate.
- Drawbacks: Very slow firing and likely a small magazine; it demands excellent aim and positioning. In close quarters or fast pushes, the Longshot is a liability.
If you want to improve your sniper play and learn how to dominate open maps like Perimeter or Dire Marsh, our Marathon Coaching sessions can help. Our experienced players break down positioning, rotation paths, peek timing, and target priority — so you stop guessing and start winning fights consistently.
Marathon Best Close-Range Weapons
When the fighting gets up-close and personal, these weapons truly shine. Marathon’s beta offers a few stand-out choices for close-range firefights where raw stopping power or speed is key. Here are the 5 best close-quarters weapons and a quick note on each:
- WSTR Combat Shotgun — The undisputed king of point-blank engagements. Its one-shot potential makes it perfect for breaching rooms and holding corners.
- BRRT SMG — One of the strongest close-range weapons in the current meta. Its rapid burst fire melts enemies instantly if you stay on target.
- Bully SMG — A heavier SMG option that performs well in controlled indoor fights. Stronger per bullet than BRRT but more ammo-dependent.
- Overrun AR — While technically an assault rifle, its high fire rate makes it extremely dangerous in close-to-mid range pushes.
- Magnum MC — A powerful backup sidearm. Two well-placed shots can finish enemies quickly if your primary runs dry.
These close-range weapons excel in enclosed areas and frantic face-to-face engagements. A shotgun or SMG is almost mandatory for interior sections of maps like Outpost. Just remember to close the gap. Even the strongest CQC weapon won’t help if you’re caught in the open before you can get within lethal range.
Marathon Best Long-Range Weapons
On the flip side, if you prefer to engage targets from a distance, Marathon’s beta has several weapons tailored for long-range combat. These guns let you pick off enemies before they can retaliate. Here are the top picks for long-range engagements:
- Longshot (Sniper Rifle) — can eliminate players with a single headshot at long distances, making it the go-to choice for dedicated marksmen.
- Twin Tap HPR — though being a mid-range tool, it remains highly effective at long range too. Many beta players favor it for its versatility; you can engage at sniper-like ranges while still having some flexibility up close.
- Repeater HPR — a lever-action rifle that fires heavy rounds with excellent stopping power. The Repeater HPR has a very low magazine size. It must be cycled between shots, but its damage output is tremendous.
- V00 ZEUS RG (Railgun) — a heavy, long-range weapon that fires a fast, high-powered bolt. It’s basically the closest thing to a one-shot cannon in the beta.
- Hardline PR (Pulse Rifle) — is a three-round burst pulse rifle that performs well at medium-long ranges. It offers precision with a bit of forgiveness.
A team running a Longshot or ZEUS railgun can lock down entire approaches, forcing enemies to reroute. If you prefer a safer play style, consider bringing one of these long-range guns in your loadout. Mix it with a close-range option from the prior section to be prepared for fights at any distance.
Marathon Weapons Tier List FAQ
Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions about the Marathon Weapons Tier List, current beta meta, and weapon performance. Since Marathon is still evolving, these answers reflect the latest Server Slam and beta impressions, and may change as balance updates roll out.
What Are The Best Weapons In Marathon Right Now?
The current S-Tier weapons in Marathon are BRRT SMG, WSTR Combat Shotgun, Hardline PR, Stryder M1T, Overrun AR, M77 Assault Rifle, and Ares RG. These guns offer the most consistent performance across different engagement ranges.
What Makes A Weapon S-Tier In Marathon?
In Marathon, S-Tier weapons combine high damage output, strong versatility, and reliable performance in most combat situations. They perform well without relying heavily on rare mods or niche setups.
Is The Marathon Weapons Tier List Based On Beta Data?
Yes. This Marathon tier list is based on beta and Server Slam testing. Weapon balance may shift after official launch and future updates.
Are Lower-Tier Weapons Still Viable In Marathon?
Absolutely. Most weapons in Marathon are usable with the right playstyle. Lower-tier guns usually require better positioning, stronger aim, or specific mods to shine.
What Is The Best Close-Range Weapon In Marathon?
WSTR Combat Shotgun and BRRT SMG are currently the strongest close-range options in Marathon. They dominate tight spaces and interior fights.
What Is The Best Long-Range Weapon In Marathon?
Hardline PR and Stryder M1T are strong mid-to-long range picks, while Longshot excels in dedicated sniper roles on open maps.
Are Railguns Worth Using In Marathon?
Railguns like Ares RG and V00 Zeus RG are extremely powerful in Marathon, but they require rare ammo and strong positioning. They reward precision but punish mistakes.
What Is The Best Weapon For Beginners In Marathon?
New players in Marathon should try BRRT SMG, Overrun AR, or M77 Assault Rifle. These weapons are easier to control and perform reliably in most fights.
Do Weapon Mods Change The Marathon Meta?
Yes. Weapon mods can significantly improve performance in Marathon. However, this tier list ranks weapons based on their raw performance without relying on rare modifications.
Will The Marathon Weapons Meta Change After Launch?
Very likely. As Marathon receives balance updates and competitive data stabilizes, certain weapons may move up or down in the tier list.
4.9All in all, our Marathon Weapons Ranking provided a comprehensive overview of the beta testing weapons. Now you know which guns and rifles to prioritize, and which of them are perfect for different ranges. We expect the meta to change by the end of beta testing and on the game release, so keep an eye on our updates.
