Marathon has plenty of Runner Shells to use based on their playstyle and abilities. Players have quickly split into two different categories: Solo and Squad. If you're a new player, choosing the right Runner Shell can be difficult. To help you out, here's a tier list showing the best classes for Solo and Squad play in Season 1.
Runner Shell Tier List for Squad Play in Marathon
For a successful extraction with a 3-man squad, it requires sustain, intel, and frontline presence. Here are the best Runner Shells for Squad Play in Marathon.
|
Tier |
Runner Shell |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
S |
Triage |
Triage’s Reboot+ allows you to revive a dead teammate from a distance. The Shareware.exe trait mirrors your healing items to any ally with a Med-Drone. |
|
Recon |
Recon’s Echo Pulse pings enemies for the whole squad. Interrogation reveals the rest of an enemy crew if you finish one member. | |
|
A |
Destroyer |
Destroyer’s Riot Barricade provides physical cover for safe revives or extractions. Search and Destroy missiles pressure enemies into staying behind cover. |
|
Vandal |
Vandal’s Disrupt Cannon knocks enemies out of position, while Amplify lets you lead high-speed aggressive pushes that Triage can't match. | |
|
B |
Thief |
Thief’s X-Ray Visor lets the squad see if a building is worth entering. Its Pickpocket Drone can safely scout and steal loot from enemy bags without a fight. |
|
Assassin |
While the Assassin is lethal in a 1v1. While invisible, it often leaves their two visible teammates to take 100% of the enemy fire, frequently leading to squad wipes. | |
|
N/A |
Rook |
The Rook frame can’t be deployed in squad play. |
💡Tip: If you plan to make an unbeatable squad, use Triage, Recon, and Destroyer. This comp provides constant healing, perfect information, and a physical shield for safe extractions.
Runner Shell Tier List for Solo Play in Marathon
If you're playing solo, survival depends entirely on stealth and information. You can't win 1v3s, but you can choose a Shell that can isolate you from a kill. Here are the best Runner Shells for Solo Play in Marathon.
|
Tier |
Runner Shell |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
S |
Assassin |
The Assassin’s Active Camo and Smoke Screen allow you to ghost past squads or disengage instantly if a fight goes south. You choose every fight you take. |
|
S |
Thief |
The Thief's X-Ray Visor is the ultimate solo tool, which allows you to see enemies through walls. It means you can never get ambushed. Grapple provides a vertical escape that most squads can't follow. |
|
A |
Rook |
The Rook’s unique Signal Mask makes AI ignore you, letting you loot high-tier zones safely. Since you risk no gear from your vault, it's the most efficient way to get rich. |
|
A |
Recon |
Recon’s Interrogation trait pings you the second an enemy player pings you, giving you a 2-3 second head start to run or hide before they arrive. |
|
B |
Vandal |
Vandal's Amplify reduces heat, allowing you to chain Power Slides and Microjets to outrun almost any pursuer. Unfortunately, you are loud, and squads will hear you coming. |
|
B |
Destroyer |
The Destroyer’s Riot Barricade is great for 1v1s, but in 1v3s, squads will simply flank your shield. You lack the "Vanish" or "Wallhack" tools that define S-tier solo play. |
|
C |
Triage |
Without teammates to revive or drones to share, Triage is essentially playing a Shell with no abilities. It’s only viable for Hard Mode challenges. |
