Marathon Runner Tier List: Best Shells Ranked in Server Slam

Marathon Server Slam has been making a splash among fans, with players finally getting a chance to explore what Bungie has been cooking up for so long with Tau Ceti IV. As you take on the role of Runners while exploring this new planet, it is important to know which Runner Sheels are the best for you.

In this article, we will break down all of the Runner Shells available in the Marathon Server Slam and rank them on a tier list, so you have a better idea of which class suits you best.

Marathon Runner Shells Tier List

The Marathon Server Slam features a total of 6 playable Runner Shells for players to choose from. While the full release of Marathon will feature another Shell, Thief, it is currently not available in the open beta.

S-Tier Marathon Runner Shells

Triage

In Marathon, much like any other squad-based extraction shooter, the Healer role can be tough to play. However, Triage is an essential Runner to have on your team if you want a successful run. Its Med-Drone provides constant health and shield regeneration, effectively resetting your team’s HP between or during firefights.

Additionally, the Capacitive Gauntlets can be a real game-changer, as they can not only deal damage to enemies but also revive teammates from a distance. While the Triage class doesn’t do well on offense, its focus on healing makes it an invaluable part of any team comp in Marathon.

Recon

Information is extremely valuable when exploring Tau Ceti IV, and Recon shines in this role. Recon’s Echo Pulse can reveal enemy heat signatures through walls and effectively nullify campers who wait around corners on Marathon maps. Additionally, the character’s Tracker Drones can help in pinning players down by locking their movement away.

Much like Triage, Recon doesn’t necessarily focus on combat. Yet, the character’s kit and overall usefulness in being aware of your surroundings make it an important part of your Marathon squad.

A-Tier Marathon Runner Shells

Assassin

The perfect third-party Marathon Runner Shell, the Assassin class can help your squad catch others off guard for an ambush. Between Assassin’s Active Camo and Shadow Dive abilities, you can not only ambush squads but also disengage from bad fights with efficiency.

However, while it is a powerful Runner to have on your team, the Recon character’s Echo Pulse acts as a direct counter to the Assassin, making it a tricky situation to get out of. Still, the Assassin can be useful to drop in, loot, and extract without even being seen once.

Destroyer

The Destroyer is built for players who want to hold the line and win 1v1 duels through sheer force. This character’s Riot Barricade can be a great tool for pushing through chokepoints, while the Search and Destroy missiles can punish anyone caught out in the open. Destroyer is easily the most forgiving Runner Shell in Marathon, and can help players who are just starting out.

However, characters like Assassin or Vandal can counter Destroyer and his Riot Barricade with ease, allowing them to take down a slow and large target. Additionally, the Destroyer generates massive amounts of Heat, making it easy to strike when overheated.

B-Tier Marathon Runner Shells

Vandal

The Vandal Runner Shell, originally called Glitch in the Marathon Alpha Test, arguably has the highest skill ceiling in the game. While the character can land in S-Tier when in the hands of a pro, it can also be a huge liability in the hands of a novice. Vandal relies heavily on the Heat mechanic and, while Microjets and Power Slide provide mobility, they generate heat rapidly. If you do not have high-tier cooling Implants, you can find yourself as a sitting duck mid-fight.

This is only made worse by Recon’s Tracker Drones that apply Overheat pressure. If a Vandal is already high on heat, a single Tracker Drone hit can lock down their movement abilities entirely and leave them defenseless.

C-Tier Marathon Runner Shells

Rook

The Rook is one of the more interesting Runner Shells in Marathon. It serves as the zero-risk option, as it allows you to drop in with a basic kit without the fear of losing your own gear. However, it can be extremely weak, as Rook does not come with a vast array of abilities for you to use during combat. While you can blend in with the UESC enemies in Marathon, the Rook stands out like a sore thumb when facing another Runner.

Additionally, you cannot join a run with a squad while playing as Rook, putting you at even more of a disadvantage. Any other Runner Shell can easily counter Rook, thanks to his distinct, clunkier silhouette.

Which Runner Shell do you prefer to use when exploring Tau Ceti IV in Marathon? Tell us in the comments below!