Full Marathon Weapons Ranking & Alpha PvP Meta Guide

Marathon Weapons Ranking: Best Guns in Alpha, Tier List, Meta Picks

Bungie's new extraction shooter Marathon has already revealed its early PvP meta through closed alpha testing. With 16 weapons confirmed so far, players are beginning to figure out what guns dominate combat — and which ones are better left behind. In this updated and expanded Marathon Weapons Ranking guide, we provide a deep-dive into each weapon's performance, list the best close-range and long-range options, and explain why certain weapons rise to the top.

---

Marathon Weapons Tier List (Alpha Ranking)

Below is our early-tier list ranking of all available Marathon weapons, based on testing, feedback, and observed kill potential. Keep in mind that all data is from a pre-release version of the game, and the meta is still evolving.

Tier	Weapons
S	Twin Tap HPR, WSTR Combat Shotgun, Longshot, M77 Assault Rifle, BRRT SMG
A	Overrun AR, Hardline PR, Repeater HPR, Bully SMG, Conquest LMG, Magnum MC, V00 ZEUS RG
B	CE Tactical Sidearm, V11 Punch, V22 Volt Thrower, V95 Lookout

Note: Marathon currently lacks heavy explosives like rockets or grenades. The focus is on precision, speed, and skill-based encounters.

---

S-Tier Weapons: Alpha Meta Dominators

These five weapons consistently outperform others in combat situations and are shaping the early meta. Whether you’re solo-queuing or running as a full fireteam, these guns provide excellent versatility, power, and reliability.

Twin Tap HPR

The Twin Tap HPR is a semi-auto marksman rifle firing two-shot bursts per trigger pull. This design offers incredible burst DPS while maintaining high accuracy, making it one of the strongest rifles for skilled hands. Players who excel at crosshair placement and flanking love the Twin Tap for its ability to delete enemies in seconds.

• Why it's S-tier: Excellent balance between mid- and long-range power; perfect for overwatch roles or tracking runners across open areas.

• PvP Strength: Top-tier in 1v1 duels due to its rapid burst and reliability.

• Drawbacks: Limited mag size, and missing shots can be punishing.

WSTR Combat Shotgun

A brutal close-range beast, the WSTR Combat Shotgun is a sawn-off lever-action powerhouse. It can kill runners in a single blast at close range, making it the best weapon for breaching, camping objectives, or ambushing.

• Why it's S-tier: Nothing beats the WSTR in point-blank fights. Great for panic defense.

• PvP Use Case: Best paired with an aggressive Runner like Locus or Glitch.

• Drawbacks: Extremely short range. Miss, and you're dead.

Longshot

The bolt-action Longshot is Marathon’s best sniper rifle, capable of one-shot kills to the head. Skilled snipers dominate maps like Perimeter or open exfil zones by eliminating runners before they can react.

• Why it's S-tier: One shot can win a fight. Even a body shot weakens enemies significantly.

• PvP Meta Role: Backline control, overwatch, and exfil denial.

• Drawbacks: Not ideal in tight hallways; requires high precision.

M77 Assault Rifle

A full-auto kinetic AR with superb recoil control and versatility. The M77 is an all-rounder that excels in adaptability, perfect for players who don’t want to overcommit to either long- or short-range fights.

• Why it's S-tier: Reliable in every situation; balanced stats.

• PvP Role: Great for reaction fights and mid-range firefights.

• Drawbacks: It loses to specialists in specific ranges.

BRRT SMG

The BRRT (pronounced "brrrt") is a bullet hose SMG with one of the fastest time-to-kill stats. It’s ideal for surprise attacks, hallway fights, and chaotic brawls.

• Why it's S-tier: Dominates at close range. Easy to use under pressure.

• PvP Utility: Shreds in panic engagements and duels around objectives.

• Drawbacks: No range; poor performance past 10-15 meters.

---

Best Close-Range Weapons in Marathon

When the battle takes you indoors or up close, these are the weapons you need:

• WSTR Combat Shotgun: Best-in-slot for breaching and surprise kills.

• Bully SMG: Higher control than BRRT with a slower fire rate. Great for hall control.

• Magnum MC: Huge stopping power in two shots. Excellent as a sidearm.

• V11 Punch: Melee-focused but extremely deadly. Think Doom Fist with a shotgun blast.

• V22 Volt Thrower: Great utility in squad wipes; stuns enemies in groups.

Interior zones like Layline Labs or Subdeck Hub reward SMG and shotgun usage. Close the gap, and you win.

---

Best Long-Range Weapons in Marathon

Snipers and railgun fans, rejoice. These guns reward patient, calculated aim.

• Longshot: The top sniper. Master it for game-winning picks.

• Twin Tap HPR: Almost a hybrid sniper — deadliest at medium to long range.

• Repeater HPR: A heavy lever-action weapon with high damage per shot.

• V00 ZEUS RG: This railgun can crack enemies from afar in one blast. Limited ammo but devastating.

• Hardline PR: 3-shot burst rifle for semi-sniper roles. Ideal for flexible defense or rooftop fights.

Ideal for maps with verticality or long corridors. Combine with a short-range secondary.

---

Final Thoughts: Alpha Meta & Loadout Tips

Marathon's alpha weapon pool is small, but already a meta is forming around burst damage, aggressive play, and hybrid loadouts. Close-range weapons dominate tight indoor raids, while snipers and railguns rule extraction zones.

• Best Loadout (Meta): Twin Tap HPR + WSTR Combat Shotgun

• Alternative Loadout: M77 Assault Rifle + Magnum MC

• Meta Runner Pairings: Locus (aggression), Glitch (flanker), Void (ambush)

If you’re new to the game, prioritize weapons with fast time-to-kill and low recoil. Learn the map layouts, stick with your team, and master both ends of the distance spectrum — that’s how you win in Marathon.