Marathon Tips: Combat, PvP, Exfil, Looting

Marathon can be a frustrating game, like any Extraction Shooter, and even veterans of the genre are learning it the hard way. From unwritten rules that the game doesn’t explain at all, to hidden stats on the Shells that are critical to help players decide which one to main, we’ve put up a full guide detailing tons of things you need to know about how the PvP in the game works, and how to avoid it if you don’t feel like fighting other players.

Plus, there are lots of useful tips on how to improve your chances by using a Shell that suits your playstyle, and weapons that are primed for each type of Runner Shell. On the other hand, a deep-delve on Exfil and its dos and don’ts will help players know when and where to extract, to avoid becoming frustrated with successive ambushes by campers and PvP-hungry players. Take a look at the best PvP Tips and Tricks for Marathon.

Some Basics: Choosing A Shell And Sticking With It

One of the best tips from Marathon pro players: A Shell is like a Class, and players should stick to them and main them. The truth behind every failing Marathon player is the refusal to compromise and stick to one of the available Shells.

Each of them is suited for a playstyle, for example, the Thief is a looter/hoarder that avoids fights, the Recon is good for avoiding being ambushed by PvP-hungry folks, and so on. Main one Shell, learn all its movement, tactics, abilities, and limitations, and you’ll master Marathon.

For those constantly changing Shells: The game is not going to punish you, but you’ll become a Jack of All Trades, Master of None (and nothing better than master of one), and probably enter a losing-creep that will end up frustrating you.

Instead, try every Shell until finding the one that suits your combat and playstyle the best, then stick to it and practice until mastering it. Be sure to check out the following specs before making a long-term commitment with one of them:

• Movement Style (some shells, like the Vandal, have a double jump or similar mechanic).
• Tactical Ability (the one you’ll be using the most).
• Prime Ability (a scarce resource; learning how and when to use it is key).
• Traits: Passive or active abilities each Shell has (the Assassin Shell, for example, becomes invisible when it enters a Smoke cloud, ally or enemy).
• Stats: Each Shell has its own stats (Agility, Heat Capacity, Melee Damage, Prime Recovery, Tactical Recovery, etc).

All Shell Stats in Marathon

Knowing the stats of every Shell is critical to knowing their limitations, so here’s a full breakdown of each Shell’s base stats to help Marathon players compare the differences between them:

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How to Get all Free Weapon & Runner Shell Skins in Marathon

Marathon is definitely tough, but grinding gives players a bunch of free rewards. Here is how to earn free weapon and runner skins in Marathon.

Deadliest PvP Weapons in Marathon

Image via GameRant; Source: Bungie

Knowing which are the best weapons in Marathon is not only essential but absolutely recommended for those looking to last long in this merciless PvPvE game. Now, it is also true that every Runner has its favorite, among which the WSTR Combat Shotgun is becoming the top of the meta. But as with every Bungie game with slide mechanics, a shotgun is a traditional way to mess with folks in PvP.

The same happens with snipers, and the Longshot is a death sentence for every careless Runner looting around without taking cover. That’s another of the Meta weapons that players will surely find among the arsenal of top-scoring players, especially those using Recon, Thief, and Assassin.

Now, Vandal players are always using a BRRT SMG​​​​​​​ or a Bully SMG (a less powerful yet deadly version), which is fast, does tons of damage, and also has a reload speed like no other gun in the game. It is basically a short-range weapon for a highly mobile build.

The Hardline PR is a weapon for most Shells, but the Recon and Thief make the most out of it thanks to their tactical advantage and positioning abilities. It is a Scout Rifle (for those who play Destiny 2) type of weapon, so it is semi-automatic and has great precision. Those who are looking for a great weapon for both PvP and PvE, look no further.

Best Tips To Stay Safe During Exfil in Marathon

Now, exfil is a critical thing in Marathon, so let’s make a quick breakdown on some of the unwritten rules of Exfil and how it works:

• Exfil Spots move during the match – As the match progresses, new areas will become available, and older ones will close.
• Exfil Spots can be Guarded (have PvE enemies nearby) or Unguarded (safe for everyone to use). On that note, players who go to the Unguarded Exfils have greater chances of being ambushed by campers, since these players avoid making noise with PvE.
• Once activated, an Exfil Spot takes 30 seconds to initiate and has an extra 10-second window to get in and extract. Players should activate, then take cover. Once the 10-second window opens, wait briefly before diving into the exfil. In other words, it takes a total of 40 seconds to extract.
• A match lasts 30 minutes (total), but players can be deployed up to minute 20, missing the first 10 minutes of the match. The average player extracts within the first 10 to 15 minutes of deploying, and that’s a mistake: Everyone extracts then. If you want to play more safely, focus on the last 5 minutes.
• Some weapons and loot can be Compromised (if readers played The Division, they are similar to Dark Zone Infected Items) and need to use a special item called ‘Matter Fixative’ to be able to extract them.
• Looting spots near the Exfils often contain better loot, more so later into the match, to compensate for players who are joining later into the match.
• If players are downed, they can still extract by entering the last 10-second window and surviving until Exfil.

Image via Bungie

Additionally, players should know that some abilities, like the Assassin’s Smokescreen and the Destroyer’s Riot Barricade Shield, are critical for a safe extraction. Consider using those Shells if you’re finding yourself unable to extract due to campers’ harassment.

The trick for a truly safe extraction while playing in teams is to pre-arrange a team using Discord or Steam. Players trusting randoms and speaking through the game chat are dying more often than not, because there’s no way other players won’t hear them.

Players using Discord (or similar voice chat software), on the other hand, have an enormous tactical advantage.

How To Stealth-Loot in Marathon

There are two major rules for Stealthy Play or Stealth-Loot in Marathon. One is to equip Cores and Mods to add Looting Speed, and the other is to equip a shell with high mobility or special abilities like the Vandal and the Thief.

The Assassin is good too, but it is more vulnerable in case of finding PvE enemies or players. The Rook is the best of the best in terms of scavenging and can be used for Stealth Looting as well.

Now, for the real deal, Runners are always looting the wrong way. Approaching huge POIs while in the earlier stages of the game is a big mistake. Marathon is a stealth-extraction shooter, similar to games like Grey Zone Warfare: A Merciless AI, and even more deadlier players.

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How to Self Revive in Marathon

Self Reviving is a crucial mechanic in Marathon that will be extremely helpful for players who’re going into a raid solo, here’s how to do it.

Staying silent, using the Knife instead of a gun (you run and move faster with the Knife), and looting the peripheral POIs instead of the heated central zones is the way to survive.

Once players have unlocked enough Upgrades, they can loot more leisurely, as they will be more prepared to face both PvE and PvP enemies head-on.

If players try to bite more than they can chew in the first hours of the game (even if they are only doing Missions) they will become frustrated really fast and end up dropping the game. Better to be safe than sorry.

Marathon

Released

March 5, 2026

ESRB

Teen / Animated Blood, Language, Violence, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact

Multiplayer

Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op

Cross-Platform Play

Full