In this Marathon Weapons Ranking guide, we rank the best weapons in Marathon Season 2, from top-tier guns to more situational picks. This Marathon Weapons Tier List covers the current weapon meta, new Season 2 guns, close-range picks, long-range options, and beginner-friendly loadouts.
Marathon Weapons Tier List Key Takeaways:
- Marathon Season 2 added two new weapons: KKV-9SD and D54 Battle Pistol.
- The current S-Tier weapons are BR33 Volley Rifle, WSTR Combat Shotgun, V85 Circuit Breaker, Longshot, Bully SMG, V99 Channel Rifle, Misriah 2442, and M77 Assault Rifle.
- BR33 Volley Rifle is one of the best weapons in Marathon for flexible mid-range fights.
- WSTR Combat Shotgun remains a top close-range gun, even after shotgun pressure became easier to counter.
- V85 Circuit Breaker is one of the strongest shotgun picks for players who like high-risk close fights.
- Longshot and V99 Channel Rifle are the best Marathon weapons for players who prefer long-range picks.
- Bully SMG is one of the best close-range weapons in Marathon Season 2, especially in indoor fights.
- M77 Assault Rifle stays strong because it is easy to control and works well in many normal fights.
- KKV-9SD is a new Season 2 SMG with very high fire rate and strong close-range pressure.
- D54 Battle Pistol is a strong backup weapon for sniper, shotgun, and railgun loadouts.
- Overrun AR feels better after recoil changes, but it still fits better in B-Tier than top-tier meta.
- BRRT SMG dropped hard compared to older Marathon weapon tier lists and now feels more situational.
- Ares RG also dropped because it is harder to justify over stronger long-range or railgun options.
- Most Marathon guns are playable, but lower-tier weapons need better mods, cleaner aim, or a specific role.
Marathon Best Weapons
Marathon Season 2 changed the weapon meta with new guns, mod updates, chip changes, and combat tuning. 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.
This Marathon Weapons Tier List ranks weapons by PvP value, range control, ease of use, ammo economy, and real match impact. Some weapons can perform better with the right mods, but this list focuses on how useful each gun feels in normal Season 2 runs.
| Tier | Weapons |
|---|---|
| S-Tier | BR33 Volley Rifle, WSTR Combat Shotgun, V85 Circuit Breaker, Longshot, Bully SMG, V99 Channel Rifle, Misriah 2442, M77 Assault Rifle |
| A-Tier | D54 Battle Pistol, KKV-9SD, Outland, Magnum MC, Demolition HMG, Twin Tap HBR, V66 Lookout, V11 Punch |
| B-Tier | Impact HAR, Stryder M1T, Hardline PR, V00 Zeus RG, V22 Volt Thrower, Repeater HPR, Overrun AR, Retaliator LMG |
| C-Tier | V75 Scar, Conquest LMG, Copperhead RF, BRRT SMG |
| D-Tier | Ares RG, CE Tactical Sidearm |
Season 2 also changed how you should read this Marathon tier list. A weapon can sit lower and still work well in a narrow setup. For example, Overrun AR feels much better after recoil tuning, but it still lacks the raw match impact of the top weapons. Meanwhile, KKV-9SD and D54 Battle Pistol are new Season 2 guns, so they deserve attention even if they are not S-Tier yet.
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
The S-Tier in this Marathon Weapons Ranking includes the best weapons in Marathon Season 2. These guns bring strong damage, clear roles, and high fight impact. They also work in common raid situations without needing a perfect mod setup. S-Tier Marathon weapons:
- BR33 Volley Rifle
- WSTR Combat Shotgun
- V85 Circuit Breaker
- Longshot
- Bully SMG
- V99 Channel Rifle
- Misriah 2442
- M77 Assault Rifle
BR33 Volley Rifle
BR33 Volley Rifle is one of the best weapons in Marathon Season 2 because it handles many fight ranges well. It gives you strong burst pressure, solid control, and good damage without feeling too awkward. In most squad fights, that kind of consistency matters a lot.
This weapon works best when you hold mid-range angles and punish enemies before they close the gap. It also feels good against PvE threats, which helps during messy raids. If you want a top Marathon weapon that does not lock you into one playstyle, BR33 Volley Rifle is a safe S-Tier pick.
- Strengths: Strong mid-range pressure, good burst damage, flexible role, useful in PvP and PvE.
- Drawbacks: Less comfortable in point-blank fights, and missed bursts can hurt your damage output.
WSTR Combat Shotgun
WSTR Combat Shotgun remains one of the best close-range weapons in Marathon. It still wins tight fights fast, especially around doors, stairs, loot rooms, and ambush points. If an enemy walks into your range, the fight can end before they reset.
The weapon is not as free as it felt early on. Season 2 added stronger close-range counters, including KKV-9SD, and players now expect shotgun rushes more often. Still, WSTR Combat Shotgun keeps its S-Tier spot because close-range burst damage remains scary in Marathon.
- Strengths: Huge close-range pressure, strong corner holding, great for ambushes and room fights.
- Drawbacks: Weak in open spaces, punishing if you miss, and easier to counter with spacing.
V85 Circuit Breaker
V85 Circuit Breaker is another top shotgun pick in the current Marathon weapons meta. It brings heavy close-range damage and rewards players who understand timing, cover, and push routes. This is not a casual “run forward and win” gun, but it hits hard when used well.
The best way to play V85 Circuit Breaker is to force enemies into bad spaces. Hold tight angles, bait pushes, and avoid open lanes. In those situations, it becomes one of the best Marathon guns for close combat.
- Strengths: High close-range damage, strong duel pressure, great for tight interiors.
- Drawbacks: Needs good positioning and struggles when enemies control distance.
Longshot
Longshot is one of the best Marathon weapons for long-range players. It gives you real kill pressure from open sightlines and can punish enemies before they reach cover. On maps with long lanes, a good Longshot player can change how the enemy squad moves.
Season 2 did weaken some sniper setups by removing thermal sniper optic options, but Longshot still has a clear role. You just need cleaner positioning and better target reads now. Bring a close-range backup, because this gun feels rough when enemies collapse on you.
- Strengths: Strong long-range damage, great for opening picks, excellent sightline control.
- Drawbacks: Weak in close fights, needs accuracy, and no longer benefits from thermal sniper optics.
Bully SMG
Bully SMG is one of the best close-range weapons in Marathon Season 2. It does not have the same old hype as BRRT, but it feels more reliable in many real fights. The damage profile rewards players who can track targets and stay calm indoors.
This SMG works well for aggressive players who want a cleaner close-to-mid range option. It has enough pressure to challenge shotgun players if you keep just enough distance. For many Runner builds, Bully SMG is a safer close-range primary than the older BRRT pick.
- Strengths: Strong close-range damage, good duel pressure, better control than many spray-heavy options.
- Drawbacks: Needs tracking, weaker at longer ranges, and still loses if you misread shotgun distance.
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.
V99 Channel Rifle
V99 Channel Rifle earns S-Tier because long-range pressure is still powerful in Marathon. It gives disciplined players a strong tool for holding sightlines and punishing exposed enemies. In squad play, it can make rotations feel much safer.
This weapon fits players who like measured fights. You want to take angles, wait for mistakes, and avoid panic duels. It is not the easiest Marathon weapon for beginners, but it has strong value in the hands of a calm player.
- Strengths: Strong range control, good pick potential, useful for coordinated squads.
- Drawbacks: Demands positioning, weaker under close pressure, and needs a backup weapon.
Misriah 2442
Misriah 2442 remains one of the best Marathon weapons despite Season 2 tuning. Its fire rate and pellet behavior changed, and Slick Mag no longer gives the same rate-of-fire value. Still, Misriah stays strong because it can dominate close fights when used with smart spacing.
This shotgun rewards players who understand when to push and when to hold. It also has better build options now, especially with the updated Full-Auto Selector behavior. Misriah is not as brainless as some players made it look before, but it still deserves S-Tier.
- Strengths: Strong close-range damage, good build options, dangerous with proper spacing.
- Drawbacks: Less forgiving after tuning, weaker if enemies bait shots, and still range-limited.
M77 Assault Rifle
M77 Assault Rifle stays in S-Tier because it is one of the most reliable guns in Marathon. It does not need a perfect setup to feel useful. You can take mid-range fights, defend yourself up close, and handle common PvE pressure without swapping constantly.
For new players, M77 is one of the best Marathon guns to learn first. It teaches tracking, recoil control, and normal fight pacing. For experienced players, it remains a clean workhorse weapon that fits many loadouts.
- Strengths: Reliable, easy to control, strong for beginners, works in many normal fights.
- Drawbacks: Does not hit as hard as specialist weapons and can lose to shotguns or snipers in their best ranges.
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 A Tier Weapons
A-Tier weapons are strong Marathon guns that can perform very well with the right playstyle. They may need better positioning, stronger aim, or a more specific loadout than S-Tier picks. Still, these weapons are worth keeping and testing in Season 2. A-Tier Marathon weapons:
- D54 Battle Pistol
- KKV-9SD
- Outland
- Magnum MC
- Demolition HMG
- Twin Tap HBR
- V66 Lookout
- V11 Punch
D54 Battle Pistol
D54 Battle Pistol is one of the most interesting new weapons in Marathon Season 2. It fires full-auto three-round bursts and works well in 1v1 fights. It also pairs nicely with slower hard-hitting weapons, since you can swap to D54 instead of reloading.
This pistol is best as a backup for sniper, shotgun, or railgun loadouts. It gives you a faster answer when enemies rush your position. It is not the strongest main weapon, but it is one of the best Marathon sidearms right now.
KKV-9SD
KKV-9SD is the new Season 2 SMG built for close-range pressure. Its 1200 RPM fire rate gives it strong burst potential, especially against shotgun rushers. The integrated suppressor also gives it a nice stealth angle during PvE-heavy routes.
KKV-9SD is not S-Tier yet because it still needs good ammo control and clean distance management. Even so, it is one of the best new Marathon weapons for aggressive players. Sentinel players may also enjoy it because close-range weapon handling fits that shell’s game plan.
Outland
Outland is a strong long-range weapon for players who want heavy pick potential. It rewards patience, good positioning, and clean shots. In open fights, Outland can pressure squads before they get close.
Its main issue is the same as most long-range weapons. Once enemies push into close range, you need a backup plan. Pair it with D54, KKV-9SD, Bully SMG, or another close-range gun.
Magnum MC
Magnum MC remains a strong A-Tier sidearm. It hits hard, rewards accuracy, and can finish fights quickly if your main weapon runs dry. It is especially useful for players who trust their aim under pressure.
The gun is not very forgiving, though. Missed shots can get you punished fast. That keeps it below the easiest best weapons in Marathon, but it is still worth using.
Demolition HMG
Demolition HMG gives teams strong sustained pressure and good area control. It feels best when you can pre-aim lanes, cover teammates, or punish enemies crossing open space. In slower fights, this weapon can do a lot of work.
The downside is handling. Like most heavy weapons, it can feel slow when enemies force quick close-range trades. Good positioning matters more than raw aggression here.
Twin Tap HBR
Twin Tap HBR remains a good precision option, especially for players who like controlled bursts. It can punish exposed enemies and hold mid-range lanes well. It also gives enough flexibility to work in many standard raid fights.
V66 Lookout
V66 Lookout is a solid precision weapon with strong range value. It works best when you take clean angles and avoid rushed close fights. In coordinated teams, it can help hold routes and punish rotations.
It does not feel as instantly threatening as Longshot or V99 Channel Rifle. Still, it is a good Marathon weapon for players who like slower, safer fights.
V11 Punch
V11 Punch is a strong pistol for players who can land shots. It gives good burst potential and can save you when your primary needs a reload. In Season 2, it fits well as a backup weapon rather than a full main pick.
The problem is consistency. It rewards aim, but it does not forgive panic shots. That keeps it in A-Tier instead of S-Tier.
Marathon Best Close-Range Weapons
Close-range fights are still brutal in Marathon Season 2. The best close-range weapons help you win indoor fights, punish rushes, and survive sudden pushes around loot rooms or exfil routes. Shotguns remain dangerous, but SMGs and pistols now have more room in the meta. Best close-range weapons in Marathon:
- WSTR Combat Shotgun — One of the strongest point-blank weapons in Marathon. Great for doors, corners, and ambushes.
- V85 Circuit Breaker — A high-pressure shotgun that rewards clean positioning and fast close-range decisions.
- Bully SMG — A strong SMG for indoor fights and close-to-mid range pressure.
- KKV-9SD — A new Season 2 SMG with extreme fire rate and strong anti-shotgun pressure.
- D54 Battle Pistol — A great backup gun for finishing fights when your main weapon runs dry.
- Misriah 2442 — Still strong after tuning, especially when you manage spacing well.
If you play aggressive Runner Shells, bring at least one close-range option. A sniper or precision rifle can win open fights, but it will not save you when a squad crashes into your room.
Marathon Best Long-Range Weapons
Long-range weapons are still very strong in Marathon, especially on open routes and sightline-heavy areas. Season 2 did remove thermal optic options from snipers, so long-range play now asks for cleaner awareness. Still, a good ranged weapon can control rotations before enemies get close. Best long-range weapons in Marathon:
- Longshot — One of the best Marathon weapons for dedicated snipers and open sightlines.
- V99 Channel Rifle — A strong long-range pick for players who like controlled, patient fights.
- Outland — A hard-hitting sniper option with strong pick potential.
- V66 Lookout — A good precision weapon for safer mid-to-long range pressure.
- BR33 Volley Rifle — Flexible enough to hold mid-range fights and still pressure longer lanes.
- Twin Tap HBR — A steady precision rifle for players with good aim and calm pacing.
Long-range weapons work best with a close-range backup. Pair Longshot, V99, or Outland with D54 Battle Pistol, KKV-9SD, Bully SMG, or WSTR Combat Shotgun. That way, you can handle both open lanes and sudden pushes.
Marathon Best Weapons for Beginners
New players should start with Marathon weapons that feel stable, simple, and useful in common fights. You do not need the flashiest gun right away. You need something that helps you learn recoil, spacing, and target priority. Best beginner weapons in Marathon:
- M77 Assault Rifle — The safest beginner pick. Easy to control and useful in most fights.
- BR33 Volley Rifle — Strong mid-range pressure with clear burst timing.
- Bully SMG — Good close-range pick if you want a simple aggressive weapon.
- D54 Battle Pistol — Strong backup weapon for learning swap timing.
- Overrun AR — Better after Season 2 recoil changes, especially for budget runs.
- V11 Punch — Good sidearm if you can land shots under pressure.
For a first loadout, M77 Assault Rifle plus D54 Battle Pistol is a clean setup. If you want more close-range pressure, swap D54 for Bully SMG or KKV-9SD.
Marathon Weapons Tier List FAQ
Below, you’ll find answers to common questions about the Marathon Weapons Tier List, Season 2 weapon meta, best guns, and beginner loadouts.
What Are the Best Weapons in Marathon Right Now?
The best weapons in Marathon Season 2 are BR33 Volley Rifle, WSTR Combat Shotgun, V85 Circuit Breaker, Longshot, Bully SMG, V99 Channel Rifle, Misriah 2442, and M77 Assault Rifle. These guns sit in S-Tier because they bring strong fight impact in their main roles.
What Is the Best Gun in Marathon Season 2?
BR33 Volley Rifle is one of the best all-around guns in Marathon Season 2. It gives strong mid-range pressure, works in many fights, and does not need a perfect setup to feel useful.
What Is the Best Close-Range Weapon in Marathon?
WSTR Combat Shotgun, V85 Circuit Breaker, Bully SMG, and KKV-9SD are the best close-range weapons in Marathon. Shotguns still dominate tight spaces, while SMGs help counter reckless rushes.
What Is the Best Long-Range Weapon in Marathon?
Longshot and V99 Channel Rifle are the best long-range weapons in Marathon right now. Outland is also strong if you want a hard-hitting sniper option.
Is KKV-9SD Good in Marathon?
Yes, KKV-9SD is good in Marathon Season 2. It has a very high fire rate and works well against close-range pushes. It is especially useful when you want SMG pressure without relying on old BRRT setups.
Is D54 Battle Pistol Worth Using?
Yes, D54 Battle Pistol is worth using as a backup weapon. It is strong in 1v1 fights and pairs well with snipers, shotguns, and other slower weapons.
Is BRRT SMG Still Good in Marathon?
BRRT SMG is still playable, but it dropped in the Marathon Season 2 weapons meta. Bully SMG and KKV-9SD feel like better close-range options for most players right now.
Is Overrun AR Good After Season 2 Changes?
Overrun AR feels better after Season 2 recoil changes. It is still not one of the best weapons in Marathon, but it works well enough for budget builds and simple AR loadouts.
What Is the Best Weapon for Beginners in Marathon?
M77 Assault Rifle is the best beginner weapon in Marathon. It is easy to control, works at several ranges, and helps new players learn basic gunfights.
Are Railguns Worth Using in Marathon?
Railguns can work, but they are more situational in Season 2. V00 Zeus RG has better value than Ares RG right now, though both need good timing and positioning.
Do Weapon Mods Change the Marathon Tier List?
Yes, weapon mods can change how a gun feels in Marathon. Still, this tier list ranks weapons mostly by their current baseline value and common Season 2 performance.
Will the Marathon Weapons Meta Change Again?
Yes, the Marathon weapons meta will likely keep changing. Season 2 already changed weapon roles, mods, chips, and range balance, so future patches may move guns up or down.
All in all, this updated Marathon Weapons Ranking gives you a cleaner look at the current Season 2 weapon meta. BR33 Volley Rifle, WSTR Combat Shotgun, V85 Circuit Breaker, Longshot, Bully SMG, V99 Channel Rifle, Misriah 2442, and M77 Assault Rifle are the best weapons in Marathon right now. They cover the main fight ranges and give you the most reliable value in normal raids.
