Marathon Best Weapons: Tier Lists, Rankings and Best Picks

Best Weapon in Marathon Overall (Key Takeaways)

If you want the short answer first, these are the top 5 Marathon weapons right now based on versatility and real fight performance:

• 1. WSTR Combat Shotgun
• 2. Longshot
• 3. BR33 Volley Rifle
• 4. Bully SMG
• 5. BRRT SMG

Introduction

Welcome to our Marathon Best Weapons Guide. Marathon is now fully live, and the weapon meta is much clearer than it was during testing. With 28 weapons across eight categories, the game already offers a wide range of loadouts for PvP fights, PvE clears, and high value extractions.

In this guide, we break down what makes a weapon strong in Marathon, how every weapon category fits into the current sandbox, and which guns stand out the most for beginners, close range fights, long range control, PvP, and PvE.

By the end, you will know exactly which weapons are worth prioritizing, which ones are easier to build around, and how to choose a loadout that fits your playstyle instead of wasting inventory space on underperforming gear.

The Vital Role of Weapons in Marathon Gameplay

In Marathon, your weapon determines how you take duels, how safely you clear AI, and how much pressure you can apply before the other squad reacts. Since extraction fights can break out at any moment, the best guns are the ones that stay useful across multiple situations instead of only shining in perfect scenarios.

What makes a weapon good in Marathon?

A strong Marathon weapon usually combines high practical damage with stability, range value, and good ammo economy. The most effective weapons are not only strong on paper, they stay consistent in real matches. Key factors:

• 1. Time to kill in actual PvP fights, not only ideal test scenarios.
• 2. Handling and recoil when you need to correct your aim under pressure.
• 3. Range control so the weapon stays dangerous outside one narrow distance band.
• 4. Ammo efficiency because long fights and PvE clears punish wasteful weapons.
• 5. Mod synergy since some weapons become dramatically better with the right magazine, optic, or utility chip.

Note: Marathon’s best guns are not always the rarest ones. Some of the current top meta picks are strong because they are efficient, reliable, and easy to support with common ammo and practical attachments.

All Weapon Types in Marathon

How many weapons are available in Marathon?

Marathon currently features 28 weapons across eight weapon categories: sidearms, SMGs, shotguns, precision rifles, assault rifles, machine guns, railguns, and sniper rifles. Every category has a clear role in the current sandbox, but some are performing far better than others in the live meta.

➤ Assault Rifles

Assault rifles are flexible all purpose primaries for close to mid range fights. The launch roster includes Impact HAR, M77 Assault Rifle, Overrun AR, and V75 Scar.

➤ Machine Guns

Machine guns bring sustained fire, shield pressure, and strong PvE utility. Marathon currently includes Retaliator LMG, Demolition HMG, and Conquest LMG.

➤ Precision Rifles

Precision rifles are one of the strongest categories in Marathon right now. The class includes Repeater HPR, BR33 Volley Rifle, Stryder M1T, Twin Tap HBR, Hardline PR, and V66 Lookout.

➤ Pistols

Pistols are mostly backup tools. The current sidearm selection is CE Tactical Sidearm, Magnum MC, and V11 Punch.

➤ Railguns

Railguns are heavy Volt weapons built around massive damage and charge timing. Marathon currently has V00 Zeus RG and Ares RG.

➤ Shotguns

Shotguns dominate indoor fights and short angle breaches. The current class includes WSTR Combat Shotgun, Misriah 2442, and V85 Circuit Breaker.

➤ Sniper Rifles

Snipers are a huge part of the live meta. The current class includes Longshot, V99 Channel Rifle, and Outland.

➤ SMGs

SMGs are some of the best weapons in the game right now. The class includes Bully SMG, Copperhead RF, BRRT SMG, and V22 Volt Thrower.

Weapon Rarity in Marathon

Weapon rarity still matters because higher rarity versions usually bring better stat rolls, stronger attachment coverage, and much better real fight performance. The same gun can feel completely different depending on what mod package and rarity it drops with.

• Gray (Standard): the most basic versions with no real extras.
• Green (Enhanced): small improvements and entry level upgrades.
• Blue (Deluxe): stronger stat packages and better attachment value.
• Purple (Superior): noticeably stronger performance and better build potential.
• Gold (Prestige): top end drops with premium value and the highest risk on death.

How to get & upgrade weapons in Marathon?

Finding Weapons During Runs

Weapons come from normal looting, enemy drops, and event based rewards. If you want better gear consistently, focus on map events such as Lockdown and Priority Targets, since these can drop upgraded weapons together with other high value items like shields, cores, and implants.

Mods and Build Value

Mods are a huge part of the live Marathon sandbox. Some weapons are merely decent in base form but become excellent once you add the right magazine, thermal optic, recoil help, or utility chip. WSTR, Bully, Overrun, and several precision rifles all scale noticeably with the correct attachment package.

Volt Ammo Management

Volt weapons remain powerful but require more discipline than ballistic guns. Reloading a Volt weapon before the battery is fully used wastes charge, so efficient firing patterns matter a lot more. If you are careless with reloads, even a strong Volt gun can feel much worse than a simpler light ammo alternative.

Marathon Tier List: Detailed Breakdown

This section ranks the best weapons in Marathon based on live launch meta, weapon consistency, current PvP value, and how useful each weapon remains when fights turn messy.

Before we jump into the tables, here is what each tier means:

• S Tier: Meta defining weapons with top value, strong consistency, and excellent fight conversion.
• A Tier: Strong and reliable picks that perform very well in most situations.
• B Tier: Useful weapons with clear strengths, but also clearer limitations.
• C Tier: Niche, underwhelming, or heavily outclassed choices.

Marathon Meta Weapon

The current live meta is very clear: pair a dominant close range weapon with a dominant long range weapon. Shotgun plus sniper is the most feared combination in Marathon right now, and most high level loadouts are variations of that idea.

Disclaimer: There are still disagreements between top players on a few edge cases, especially railguns, some LMGs, and a handful of precision rifles. The rankings below follow the strongest overall consensus from the latest live meta sources, not one single opinion.

Best meta loadout: WSTR Combat Shotgun + Longshot. WSTR controls interiors and panic fights, while Longshot lets you open fights from distance and punish exposed runners before they ever get close.

Best alternative meta loadout: BR33 Volley Rifle + Bully SMG. This is one of the strongest all purpose combinations if you want a more ammo efficient and more accessible setup without giving up too much killing power.

How to choose your Weapon in Marathon

Use this quick checklist to choose weapons that fit your actual runs and not just the current hype.

• Cover two distance bands: Always combine a long range answer with a close range answer when possible.
• Respect ammo economy: Light ammo precision rifles are easier to sustain than heavy or Volt hungry setups.
• Do not ignore mods: Magazine upgrades, thermal optics, and utility chips can push a decent weapon into a much stronger tier.
• Pick for your route: Indoor raids reward shotguns and SMGs, while open rotations reward snipers and precision rifles.
• Play to your comfort: A reliable A Tier weapon you control well is better than an S Tier weapon you constantly miss with.

Best Weapons for Beginners

Beginner weapons should be stable, available often enough, and easy to understand in real fights. These are the safest choices if you are still learning the maps, ammo economy, and pacing of Marathon.

Best Close-range Weapons in Marathon

Close range fights are decided instantly in Marathon. These are the weapons that win tight interiors, fast breaches, and panic duels around loot rooms and objectives.

Best Weapons for Long-range in Marathon

Long range weapons control rotations, punish exposed runners, and decide who can safely hold open terrain. These are the best picks if you prefer overwatch roles and angle play.

Best PvP Weapons in Marathon

PvP weapons need to burst hard, feel reliable under pressure, and convert small openings into instant downs. These are the strongest current picks for killing runners consistently.

Best PvE Weapons in Marathon

PvE value is not just about raw damage. Good PvE guns need to clear bots efficiently, preserve ammo, and deal well with shielded or tankier targets. These are the most practical choices for that job.

If you're looking to build the most effective setups around these weapons, make sure to check out our Best Marathon Loadouts Guide, where we break down optimal gear combinations and playstyle synergies.

New players should also take a look at our Beginner's Guide, which explains the core mechanics & systems you'll need to master before optimizing your weapon choices. Additionally, some weapons perform differently depending on your character shell, so our Best Runner Shells in Marathon Guide can help you choose the right one for your build.

Final thoughts

Marathon’s live weapon meta is no longer a mystery. Right now, the best loadouts are built around range coverage, ammo efficiency, and fast fight conversion. Weapons like WSTR Combat Shotgun, Longshot, BR33 Volley Rifle, and Bully SMG keep showing up for a reason: they win real fights consistently.

That said, Marathon is still a game of builds, attachments, and decision making. A weapon’s raw tier matters, but what matters even more is whether it fits your run, your ammo plan, and your comfort level. Build smart, fight on your terms, and you will extract more often with gear that actually pays off.

Marathon Best Weapons Guide - F.A.Q.

What’s the best weapon in Marathon?

WSTR Combat Shotgun is the most oppressive close range weapon in the game, while Longshot is one of the strongest long range picks. If you want one all around answer for current meta impact, WSTR is the safest choice.

What is the best starting weapon in Marathon?

Hardline PR, BRRT SMG, and M77 Assault Rifle are some of the best early weapons because they are reliable, understandable, and do not require exotic handling habits to get value from.

What are the best close-range weapons in Marathon?

WSTR Combat Shotgun is still the strongest close quarters weapon overall. Bully SMG, BRRT SMG, and Misriah 2442 are also excellent picks for aggressive players and interior pushes.

What are the best long-range weapons in Marathon?

Longshot and Outland are the standout sniper options, while BR33 Volley Rifle and Hardline PR are among the strongest long range precision weapons for players who want more ammo efficiency and more forgiving follow up shots.