Marathon Introduces Ranked Mode: All the Details

Two weeks ago, Marathon, the new extraction shooter from FPS specialist Bungie, was launched. This title features top-tier gunplay (but we wouldn't expect anything less from Bungie) and an interesting aesthetic, although its success is strongly limited by some frustrating aspects. We explain it better in our review; now, Marathon is about to take another important step forward.

Marathon's Ranked Mode

Bungie has introduced Ranked Mode, a mode obviously designed to leverage competition. Here, players will have a specific score to achieve in matches, and depending on their performance, they will rise or fall in rank. There are six main ranks: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Pinnacle, each composed of three tiers (e.g., Bronze 3, Bronze 2, and Bronze 1).

At the end of the Season, players will receive a reward that varies depending on the best rank achieved. If you drop in rank, it's not a problem, because the highest position reached counts, not the one you hold at the end. Unique rewards will be given out each time. To access the new mode, you must have reached at least Runner Level 25.

Ranked Mode is divided into two branches: Low Stakes and High Stakes. These are areas with separate matchmaking and different entry requirements. To access the lower one, Low Stakes, you need to have reached Bronze rank (meaning it's open to everyone) and have a Gear Ante of 3,000 (i.e., wear equipment worth at least 3,000 credits). To access High Stakes, however, you need to have reached Platinum rank and have a Gear Ante of 10,000.

When Ranked Mode Takes Place

Ranked Mode will take place on weekends, and each weekend it will move to a different zone on the planet Tau Ceti IV: Perimeter, Dire Marsh, or Outpost. The first chance to try the new mode will be from March 21 to 24 (the zone will be Perimeter). For now, the new mode is still in beta, and Bungie would appreciate player feedback. For more information on Ranked Mode, consult the official website.