Marathon Ranked Mode Launches This Weekend

Image via Bungie

Bungie is moving quickly with updates for its new extraction shooter Marathon, as the studio prepares to release a full Ranked mode just weeks after launch.

The update will be available on March 21, giving players their first real shot at competitive progression in the game. While Marathon debuted earlier this month with a relatively simple setup, Bungie had previously hinted that deeper systems would be added once players became more comfortable and the next step has arrived.

Marathon Ranked Mode Release Time and Unlock Requirements

Ranked mode will go live on March 21 at 10 a.m. PT (10:30 p.m. IST). However, not everyone can jump right in. Players must first reach level 25 to gain access.

In a similar twist to Destiny 2's Trials-style content, Ranked will not be available all week. Instead, it will only be playable on weekends, creating a limited-time competitive atmosphere.

Each weekend, Ranked matches will take place in a different planet-side zone. These include maps like Perimeter, Dire Marsh, and Outpost. For the first weekend, Bungie is starting things off with Perimeter, the game’s beginner-friendly map. This should help ease players into the new system before tougher zones rotate in later.

Marathon Ranking System and Rewards

Marathon’s Ranked system features six tiers:

• Bronze

• Silver

• Gold

• Platinum

• Diamond

• Pinnacle

Each rank has three sub-tiers, giving players plenty of opportunities to advance. Earning Ranked Points (RP) is the basis for progression, and it is directly related to match performance.

Rewards are distributed based on your highest ranking at the end of the season, not your current one. These include looks such as weapon skins, player backgrounds, and exclusive titles.

The most significant change comes in the form of Holotags, a new item required to enter Ranked matches. These tags have a direct impact on how a match plays out, choosing score targets, penalties, and the amount of bonus loot you can earn. Higher-tier Holotags raise the stakes across the board, offering larger rewards but harsher losses.

Image via Bungie

Players can also boost their potential earnings mid-match by collecting additional Holotags from enemies or completing dynamic events.

Ranked is divided into two playlists: Low Stakes and High Stakes. Low Stakes requires basic gear and a Bronze Holotag, whereas High Stakes necessitates significantly more powerful loadouts and at least a Platinum tag. For the first weekend, only Low Stakes will be available, allowing players to prepare.

Bungie says Ranked mode is still in beta for Season 2, so expect changes as feedback comes in. Marathon's Ranked debut provides a much-needed competitive edge for the time being, but whether it lasts will be based on Bungie's abilities to balance risk, reward, and player progression in the coming weeks.