TL;DR
- Marathon’s extraction mechanics mean weapon loss on death – choose gear wisely based on mission objectives
- Weapon rarity directly impacts performance with Gray to Gold tiers offering escalating benefits and risks
- Higher rarity weapons provide better attachments, stats, and credit value but increase extraction stakes
- Strategic loadout planning balances PvE farming efficiency with PvP combat readiness
- Backpack value management is crucial for minimizing losses and maximizing successful extraction profits
Entering Bungie’s sci-fi extraction shooter Marathon requires more than basic shooting skills. This game introduces permanent weapon loss mechanics where death means forfeiting your equipped gear, creating high-stakes gameplay decisions from the very beginning. Mastering the weapon rarity system becomes essential for survival and progression in this hostile alien environment.
Drawing inspiration from Destiny 2’s successful weapon framework, Marathon builds upon Bungie’s legacy of creating memorable firearms while adapting them to extraction shooter dynamics. The ongoing Alpha Test provides our first look at available arsenal options, though the final release will undoubtedly expand this selection significantly.

Many weapons currently appear under development codenames, with the Magnum_MC potentially representing the iconic Magnum Mega Class from original Marathon titles. Understanding these connections helps predict future weapon additions and their potential gameplay roles.
Current weapon intelligence combines confirmed Alpha Test findings with database mining results, offering a comprehensive preview of Marathon’s arsenal. While incomplete, this data reveals Bungie’s approach to weapon diversity and specialization within the extraction genre.
The naming convention system suggests deliberate connections to Marathon’s rich history, with weapons like the potential Magnum MC serving as both practical tools and nostalgic callbacks. This dual-purpose design philosophy likely extends throughout the weapon ecosystem.
Database analysis indicates several weapon categories including precision rifles, close-quarters options, and specialized tactical tools. Each appears designed to fulfill specific combat roles while encouraging strategic loadout combinations based on mission parameters and player preferences.
Marathon’s color-coded rarity system fundamentally impacts weapon performance, attachment availability, and economic value. This progression-based framework rewards strategic gameplay while punishing careless risk-taking.
- Gray (Standard): Entry-level firearms providing basic functionality without enhancements. These represent minimal financial risk with virtually zero credit value, making them ideal for learning maps and mechanics.
- Green (Enhanced): Upgraded weapons featuring single attachments or minor stat improvements. These offer slight tactical advantages while maintaining low extraction stakes.
- Blue (Deluxe): Multi-attachment configurations delivering noticeable performance upgrades. Excellent for PvE content farming with moderate credit valuation.
- Purple (Superior): High-performance weapons with significant combat advantages including accelerated reload speeds and superior recoil control. Primarily located in high-risk zones, these provide substantial credit rewards upon successful extraction.
- Gold (Prestige)
The rarity progression directly correlates with both combat effectiveness and extraction risk, creating compelling risk-reward decisions before every match. Understanding these tiers enables smarter loadout choices based on your current objectives and skill level.
Advanced players optimize their Marathon experience through calculated risk management and strategic loadout planning. Your backpack’s total value display before matchmaking serves as a constant reminder of potential losses, encouraging deliberate gear selection.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Never bring high-rarity weapons into unfamiliar territory. Avoid equipping your best gear for simple scavenging runs, and always consider the match’s primary objective when selecting firearms.
Optimization Strategies: Use Gray and Green weapons for exploration and map learning. Reserve Blue-tier gear for established farming routes, and only deploy Purple or Gold weapons when specifically targeting high-value objectives or prepared for PvP engagements.
Time Investment Planning: Budget 15-30 minutes for standard runs with basic gear, while high-stakes matches with premium weapons may require 45+ minute commitments for proper value extraction.
Successful extraction shooter gameplay requires balancing immediate combat needs with long-term economic planning. For deeper tactical insights, explore our comprehensive Weapons Unlock guide covering advanced weapon mastery techniques.
Action Checklist
- Start each session with Gray-tier weapons to learn current match conditions and player density
- Identify your primary objective before selecting gear – farming, PvP, or exploration
- Match weapon rarity to zone difficulty, using Blue-tier for moderate risk areas
- Monitor backpack value continuously and extract before reaching uncomfortable loss thresholds
- Practice with each rarity tier in controlled environments before deploying in high-stakes situations
No reproduction without permission:Tsp Game Club » Marathon Guns List: All Weapons and Rarities Explained Master Marathon's weapon system with comprehensive rarity guide, practical strategies, and extraction survival tips
