As the clock ticks down to the launch of Marathon, a palpable tension hangs in the air, igniting anticipation among the gaming community. With just a month to go, whispers of a competitive ranked mode are making the rounds, hinting that this extraction shooter may just elevate the genre. It seems Bungie is setting the stage for serious competition, and I can’t help but wonder how this will shift the dynamics of teamwork and strategy.
According to the intrepid dataminer X0X_Leak via MP1st, Marathon will feature a loot-based ranked mode. This isn’t just about showing off your skills—it fundamentally alters how players will vie for superiority. Your rank will depend on the value of the gear you successfully extract, adding layers of strategy to each match.
“Progress is made based on the credit value of the loot found during the run, and players must meet or exceed the set score target to climb,” the leak indicated. Ranks like Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Pinnacle are in the cards, with cosmetic rewards that give players something to shoot for. It’s a new spin on the rewards system that creates additional stakes for every match.
In Marathon, ranked mode isn’t just about gameplay; it’s an immersive experience. Crew members will have to select their zone, curate specific loadouts, and purchase a Holotag to set their score targets. The Holotags carry different rarities, and the stakes rise with each challenge, pushing players to balance risk and reward like high-stakes poker players at a table.
The higher the rarity of your Holotag, the better your credit toward those score targets, but beware—progress demands not only skill but also strategy. As your rank climbs, so too will your score expectations, ensuring that each victory is as rewarding as it is hard-earned.
I’m not one for ranked gaming myself, but I can’t help but think something like this would’ve added depth to a title like ARC Raiders. While Embark Studios captured the hearts of casual gamers, Marathon might just fill the gap for those yearning for a more competitive edge, combining solo play with an environment ripe for the most dedicated FPS enthusiasts to thrive.
With the game set to launch on March 5, there’s further buzz about a free open weekend for players, giving everyone a chance to test the waters. Speculations around a new PlayStation State of Play could potentially shed light on the ranked mode, confirming what many have been eagerly hoping for. Could this be the turning point that sets Marathon apart from the crowd?