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Night Marsh is the first-ever map modifier introduced in Marathon, transforming Dire Marsh into something far more dangerous and intimidating. If you already considered Dire Marsh a difficult environment, Night Marsh takes every challenge and amplifies it. Visibility is reduced to almost nothing, environmental audio becomes a major gameplay mechanic, and firefights feel significantly more intense. In this Marathon Night Marsh map guide, I'll explain everything you need to know to survive, loot efficiently, and dominate the map. Marathon Night Marsh Map Guide Quick Summary: Night Marsh transforms Dire Marsh into a much darker and more methodical experience where sound awareness, lighting equipment, and disciplined movement become essential. UESC Certs are the most valuable resource on the map because they are required for extractions, Complex access, network towers, and several profitable loot routes. The Complex serves as the primary objective on the map, but reaching its rewards requires planning, collecting Certs, obtaining an Observation Labs key, and defeating a Frost Warden. Close-range weaponry, suppressed firearms, Sentinel, Recon, Thief, and Assassin are all excellent choices thanks to the map's limited visibility and close-quarters combat. If you're starting the new season without strong equipment, check out the Marathon Cryo Archive Raid Boost on Gamer Choice to quickly gear up and prepare for tougher raids. Buy Marathon Boosts Dominate the competition in Marathon with pro boosting! Shop now Night Marsh Overview Night Marsh arrives as the flagship map modifier for Season 2 and dramatically increases the overall difficulty of Dire Marsh. The original version of Dire Marsh already challenged players with heavy fog and restricted sightlines due to its swamp-like environment. Night Marsh pushes those limitations much further by adding darkness on top of the existing visibility issues. Because vision is no longer your most reliable source of information, you'll constantly depend on sound cues, environmental awareness, and utility items to survive. Every footstep, reload, and nearby gunshot becomes significantly more important than on other maps. Unlike many standard raids, Night Marsh also removes the idea of safe extractions. Every exfil requires commitment, preparation, and often a significant amount of risk. The Night Marsh modifier remains active throughout the first week of Season 2. Once that introductory period ends, the map will alternate between standard Dire Marsh and Night Marsh on a 90-minute rotation. Here are the major gameplay features introduced by Night Marsh: Extremely Limited Visibility: Traveling without a light source becomes difficult. Even when using illumination, visibility remains poor, while your own position becomes easier for enemies to spot. Greater Focus on Audio and Utility: Sound becomes one of your strongest survival tools. Lighting equipment such as Vector rounds, grenades, and flares can completely change the outcome of engagements. Dangerous Extractions: Similar to Outpost and Cryo, extraction is no longer a simple process. Players must either fight through threats or spend valuable UESC Certs to secure their escape. Night Marsh captures the horror-like tension that many extraction shooters strive for. The genre is often compared to survival horror experiences, and Night Marsh embraces that comparison more than any other map currently available. Every raid feels tense, unpredictable, and genuinely threatening. To unlock Night Marsh, you'll need to reach Runner Level 3 and successfully extract from Dire Marsh at least one time. Once those requirements are complete, you'll gain access to the modifier and can begin exploring its unique challenges. How to Play on Night Marsh Unlike many other Marathon maps, Night Marsh heavily discourages aggressive run-and-gun gameplay. Movement is slower, encounters are more deliberate, and rushing blindly often results in a quick death. Surprisingly, despite this slower pace, the map remains extremely engaging because every decision carries more weight. Some players may call Night Marsh a paradise for campers, but there are several tools available that help counter defensive playstyles and force enemies out of hiding. Flashlight The flashlight is the most accessible lighting tool available. However, it is also one of the riskiest. While it helps illuminate nearby terrain, it simultaneously broadcasts your location to everyone nearby. Avoid using it outdoors unless absolutely necessary. Vector Rounds and Grenades These are arguably the strongest utility items on the entire map. Vector rounds create bright light pools when they strike enemies, while Vector grenades illuminate an area after detonation. Beyond visibility, they also create pressure by forcing enemies to relocate or risk being exposed. Darksight Scopes Darksight optics are incredibly useful on Night Marsh. Although many players initially expected thermal imaging, the scope functions more like a LiDAR-based detection system. It allows you to identify targets without relying on a flashlight, making it particularly effective during outdoor engagements. Flares Flares work exactly as most FPS players would expect. Throw one into an area and it will illuminate the surroundings, revealing movement and making enemy positioning easier to identify. While less powerful than Vector equipment, they remain highly cost-effective. Whenever possible, try to enter engagements with one of these lighting tools available. Vector equipment is generally the strongest option, but Darksight scopes and flares can provide excellent alternatives when supplies are limited. Reserve flashlight use for emergencies. Here are some important Night Marsh tips and common mistakes to avoid: Minimize Noise: Before entering any POI, stop and listen. Audio information often reveals nearby players before visual contact ever occurs. Avoid Sprinting Everywhere: Running creates unnecessary noise and increases your chances of triggering environmental hazards. Prioritize UESC Cert Farming: UESC Certs are the foundation of progression on this map. Extractions, network towers, and Complex access all depend on them. Farming along the outer areas of the map is usually the safest strategy. Push Complex When Properly Equipped: The night version places additional requirements on Complex access, making preparation essential. The rewards are worth the effort if you're ready. Always Use Lighting Utilities: Entering dark rooms without illumination often leads to instant death. Use flares or Vector tools before committing to indoor fights. One mistake that catches many players is failing to monitor their UESC Cert count before extraction. Reaching an extraction point only to discover you lack enough Certs is one of the most frustrating situations possible, so keep track of your inventory throughout the raid. Next, let's cover how to access the Complex and claim some of the highest-value loot available on Night Marsh. Night Marsh Complex Room Guide The Complex is the centerpiece of Night Marsh and the location most players ultimately want to reach. Much like Outpost, the entire raid often revolves around gathering resources quickly and then racing toward the objective before other squads get there first. Because of this, expect intense PvP encounters around the Complex area every match. Below is a complete Night Marsh Complex room guide: Collect 3 UESC Certs. These can be obtained from enemies that drop loot boxes. Once you have three Certs, locate a network tower. Every major POI contains one. Spend the 3 Certs to activate the network tower. Doing so causes a special cache to spawn somewhere on the map. Your goal is to find an Observation Labs priority item inside that cache. An alternative method involves interacting with red chests during the Warden event. These containers can occasionally contain an Observation Labs key. However, because the Warden event often begins late in the raid, this method carries the risk of running out of time or arriving after another team has already cleared the Complex. After obtaining the Observation Labs item, travel to the upper levels of the Complex. Before attempting entry, collect at least 7 UESC Certs because each Complex garage door requires them. Enter the area, fight through the defending enemies, and ride the elevator upward. Continue through the facility until you discover the Door Controls terminal. Activating the controls unlocks special security boxes marked with upward-pointing arrows. These function similarly to the destructible boxes found at Dire Marsh's West Gate. Destroy the correct boxes to unlock their corresponding doors. Continue progressing until you reach the central room, where you'll encounter a large control panel requiring the Observation Labs key. Use the key to begin the main event. This spawns numerous UESC enemies and introduces a Frost Warden encounter. During the event, pay close attention to the central structure. Whenever it turns red, search the room for security boxes and destroy them. The wall displays will indicate how many boxes must be destroyed before the encounter can continue. After completing the encounter and defeating the Frost Warden, proceed to the room directly opposite the boss arena. This room contains the prestige loot cache. The prestige room consistently provides some of the most valuable rewards available on Night Marsh. High-tier gear, rare resources, and premium loot frequently appear there, making the Complex one of the most profitable objectives in Marathon. Best Runner Shells for Night Marsh Every Runner Shell can function on Night Marsh, but certain options naturally perform better due to the map's focus on information gathering, indoor combat, and stealth. Season 2 introduces Sentinel, a defensive specialist whose abilities fit the Night Marsh environment almost perfectly. Thanks to his utility and survivability, Sentinel currently stands out as the strongest Shell choice for this map. Here are the best Runner Shells for Night Marsh: Sentinel: His ability to intercept grenades with his Prime ability and reveal enemy positions through Trait 1 makes him exceptionally strong in indoor encounters. Easily the top recommendation. Recon: Following her recent rework, Recon offers excellent information gathering. Her abilities help overcome many of the visibility limitations that define Night Marsh. Thief: Drone scouting becomes significantly stronger thanks to the darkness. Players are far less likely to notice surveillance activity, allowing Thief to gather information safely. Assassin: Stealth is already powerful on Night Marsh, and Assassin amplifies it even further. If a fight goes poorly, activating invisibility creates immediate opportunities for repositioning. Destroyer and Triage remain perfectly viable choices, but they do not provide the same level of specialized utility. Vandal, on the other hand, struggles significantly. Her mobility-focused toolkit loses much of its value on a map where aggressive movement is often punished. Best Weapons for Night Marsh Most weapon categories remain usable on Night Marsh, but the environment naturally favors close-range engagements due to limited sightlines and frequent indoor combat. Season 2 introduces two new weapons that fit the map particularly well: KKV-9SD: A suppressed SMG designed for stealthy engagements. D54 Battle Pistol: A three-round burst sidearm capable of delivering surprisingly high damage. Of the two, the D54 Battle Pistol immediately stands out. Its burst damage is extremely impressive and can quickly eliminate opponents wearing blue shields with only a few well-placed bursts. Rather than focusing on specific weapon models, it's more useful to think about weapon categories and their ideal roles: Suppressed Weapons: Essential for quietly eliminating UESC enemies without attracting unwanted attention. If possible, use melee kills to stay even quieter. SMGs and Pistols: These are the strongest weapon classes on Night Marsh. Their effectiveness in tight corridors and interior spaces makes them reliable throughout the raid. Assault Rifles, LMGs, and Sniper Rifles: These weapons struggle in most situations due to limited visibility. Their performance improves considerably when paired with thermal or advanced optics during outdoor engagements. Shotguns: Highly situational. They can dominate when you know exactly where an enemy is positioned, but missing a shot in complete darkness often leads to immediate punishment. As for railguns and other exotic weapons, I generally recommend saving them for maps such as Cryo where their strengths can be fully utilized. While a Railgun can certainly help during the Frost Warden encounter inside the Complex, the investment often outweighs the benefit. For your first several Night Marsh raids, prioritize bringing at least one weapon that you feel completely comfortable using under pressure. Panic fights happen constantly on this map, and familiarity with your weapon can easily make the difference between extraction and losing everything. Buy Marathon Accounts Drop into the action with Marathon accounts ready to play! Shop now F.A.Q. What is Night Marsh in Marathon? Night Marsh is a nighttime version of Dire Marsh that introduces significantly darker conditions and changes how players approach raids. Visibility is heavily reduced, making audio awareness and utility tools much more important. The map also introduces UESC Certs, a unique resource used to access key objectives and extraction mechanics. How do you unlock Night Marsh? You can gain access to Night Marsh after reaching Runner Level 3 and successfully completing at least one extraction on Dire Marsh. Once both requirements are met, the night variant becomes available in the map rotation. What are UESC Certs used for? UESC Certs act as a specialized currency throughout Night Marsh. They are commonly obtained from UESC enemies and are required for several important activities, including calling extractions, activating network towers, unlocking Complex access points, and progressing through high-value loot routes. How do you open the Complex room on Night Marsh? Opening the Complex requires multiple steps. Players must first collect enough UESC Certs, activate a network tower, obtain an Observation Labs key item, enter the Complex, complete its event sequence, defeat the Frost Warden encounter, and finally access the prestige loot chamber. What are the best Runner Shells for Night Marsh? Sentinel is generally considered the strongest option due to its defensive tools and ability to gather information during close-range engagements. Recon, Thief, and Assassin are also highly effective thanks to their scouting capabilities, stealth advantages, and ability to perform well in low-visibility combat situations. What are the best weapons for Night Marsh? Weapons designed for close-range engagements perform best on Night Marsh. Suppressed firearms, SMGs, and pistols are particularly effective because they allow quiet eliminations and excel inside buildings. Longer-range weapons such as assault rifles, LMGs, and sniper rifles become much more practical when paired with advanced optics for outdoor engagements.

What kind of pirate adventure would Windrose be without proper ships? Your vessel is just as important as your character, and in many situations, it matters even more. Sailing, upgrading, and managing ships can feel confusing at first, though. This complete Windrose ships guide explains everything you need to know, from unlocking your first ship to building the strongest frigates in the game. Complete Windrose Ships Guide Quick Summary: Your first ship becomes available after progressing the main story until Doctor Galen gives you the quest called “I Need a Bigger Boat.” Repairing the first vessel requires 100 Wood, 20 Nails, 20 Fabric, and 10 Rope. Once repaired, you must complete “Rescue the Crew” and recruit 7 sailors to fully operate the ship. Windrose currently features three ship categories: Ketch, Brigantine, and Frigate, with Frigate being the most powerful option. Blueprints for Brigantines and Frigates are purchased in Tortuga and require Brethren Reputation Level 2 and 4. Blackbeard ships focus on speed and offensive power, while Brethren ships trade damage for significantly higher durability. Want to skip the grind and jump straight into naval combat? Check out our Windrose Ships at Gamer Choice and get the vessel you want instantly. Buy Windrose Piastre Build your fortune with fast-delivered Windrose Piastre! Shop now How to Get a Ship in Windrose You don’t start Windrose with a fully functional ship. Instead, you’ll need to progress through the main storyline until the game introduces naval gameplay properly. Eventually, Doctor Galen will assign you a quest called “I Need a Bigger Boat,” which marks the beginning of your sailing journey. The first ship you obtain is a Ketch. It’s the weakest ship class in the game, but it serves as your introduction to naval mechanics and ship upgrades. Later on, you’ll gain access to much stronger options. Here’s the full process of getting your first ship in Windrose: Continue the Main Story: Progress far enough until Doctor Galen offers the “I Need a Bigger Boat” quest. Travel to the Second Island: The location of the damaged ship will automatically appear on your map. Collect the Required Materials: You need 100 Wood, 20 Nails, 20 Fabric, and 10 Rope. You can start farming these before arriving at the island. Repair the Vessel: Interact with the ship and use the gathered resources to restore it. Once that’s done, congratulations — you officially own your first ship. Of course, there’s still one major issue. A ship without a crew won’t get you very far. After repairing the vessel, speak with Doctor Galen again to begin the “Rescue the Crew” quest. During this mission, you’ll explore the island and rescue stranded sailors. Every rescued sailor joins your crew permanently. Your starting Ketch requires a total of 7 crewmates to become fully operational. Once you complete the recruitment process, you’ll finally be ready to sail the seas and begin upgrading your ship. How to Upgrade a Ship in Windrose The starter Ketch isn’t particularly impressive in its default state, but upgrades can massively improve its effectiveness. While it will never compete with a Frigate, a properly upgraded Ketch can comfortably carry you through a large portion of the game. Here’s how ship upgrades work in Windrose: Upgrade the Weaponsmith Workshop: After completing “I Need a Bigger Boat,” your Weaponsmith Workshop gains access to the Shipwright’s Workshop upgrade. Construct a Wharf: Press B to open the build menu, then navigate to Utilities and place a Wharf. Building one costs 10 Wood and is required for equipping ship components. Craft Ship Equipment: Use the Shipwright’s Workshop to create upgrades and modules for your vessel. Equip Upgrades at the Wharf: Visit the Wharf to install your crafted equipment, then return to the workshop to continue upgrading the ship itself. My advice is simple: keep upgrading your ship consistently until you notice the required crafting materials suddenly changing into rarer resources. That usually indicates you’ve reached the next progression tier and should continue advancing through the game before investing further. The upgrade process itself isn’t mechanically difficult, but it demands a huge amount of materials, especially once you move into higher ship classes. All Ship Types in Windrose Your first ship will always be a Ketch. It’s small, fairly fragile, and limited in combat potential, but you won’t stay with it forever. Moving from a Ketch to a Brigantine is one of the biggest power spikes in the entire game. The difference between ship classes is enormous. For example, a basic Ketch only has around 50,000 HP, while a standard Brigantine jumps to roughly 160,000 HP. Movement speed improves slightly as well, but the biggest upgrade comes from cannon capacity and weapon size. At the moment, Windrose contains three main ship categories: Ketch Brigantine Frigate Each class dramatically increases your combat potential, survivability, and customization options. Let’s go through them one by one. All Ketch Ships in Windrose Every ship category comes with multiple variations. You have Standard, Brethren, and Blackbeard versions of each vessel. Their differences are fairly straightforward: Brethren ships prioritize durability and have significantly larger HP pools. Blackbeard ships focus on aggressive combat setups and broader cannon options. Standard ships sit somewhere in the middle. Here are all Ketch ships currently available in Windrose: ShipCannon SpaceHealthSpeedStandard Ketch3 of 12lb50,00019 knotsBlackbeard Ketch3 of 12/24lb35,00021 knotsBrethren Ketch3 of 12 lb65,00017 knots At first glance, the ability to equip 24 Pounder cannons on the Blackbeard Ketch may sound extremely tempting. Realistically, though, I wouldn’t recommend it. The Blackbeard variant sacrifices too much survivability, and at this stage of the game, your defensive options are still limited. You can get destroyed surprisingly quickly. If you want the safest recommendation, simply stick with the default Ketch for a while. Upgrade it a few times, use it to progress through the early game, and then move into Brigantines as soon as possible. Building a Ketch from scratch requires the following materials: 150 Wood 100 Nails 40 Fabric 30 Rope The reason the crafting requirements are higher than the original repair quest is simple: during “I Need a Bigger Boat,” you’re only fixing a damaged vessel. Here, you’re constructing an entirely new ship. All Brigantine Ships in Windrose Unlike the Ketch, Brigantines are not tied to the main story. You’ll need to unlock them yourself through faction progression. To get a Brigantine blueprint, travel to Tortuga and speak with the Brethren vendor. The blueprint costs 1,000 Piastre, but there’s another requirement many players overlook — you need Brethren Reputation Level 2 before the blueprint even becomes available. Thankfully, gaining reputation is fairly easy. Completing faction quests and eliminating pirates both on land and at sea will steadily increase your standing. Here are all Brigantine ships in Windrose: ShipCannon SpaceHealthSpeedStock Brigantine6 of 12lb70,00020 knotsBlackbeard Brigantine6 of 12/24lb50,00022 knotsBrethren Brigantine6 of 12lb90,00018 knots At this point in the game, you should already feel comfortable controlling your ship during combat. Because of that, I strongly recommend trying the Blackbeard Brigantine if you enjoy aggressive gameplay. It’s the only Brigantine capable of using 24 Pounder cannons, and the increase in firepower is immediately noticeable. Naval combat becomes dramatically easier when you can unleash that level of damage output. However, the tradeoff is significant. The Blackbeard Brigantine has 40,000 less HP than the Brethren version, which is basically equivalent to losing an entire Ketch worth of health. If your mast gets damaged or you make positioning mistakes, things can go downhill quickly. Still, the Brigantine compensates with mobility and devastating cannon pressure. In experienced hands, it’s an incredibly dangerous ship. To build a Brigantine, you’ll need the following materials: 200 Wooden Planks 200 Nails 120 Coarse Fabric 80 Copper Ingots 40 Linen Fabric 40 Rope 40 Timber 30 Shipwright’s Tools Shipwright’s Tools can be purchased from the Tortuga vendor for 10 Piastre each, meaning the full Brigantine investment totals roughly 1,300 Piastre. All Frigate Ships in Windrose Frigates represent the absolute peak of naval progression in Windrose. Just like Brigantines, they come in Standard, Brethren, and Blackbeard variations, and they also require faction reputation to unlock. This time, you’ll need Brethren Reputation Level 4 before the blueprint becomes available for purchase in Tortuga. The Frigate blueprint costs 3,000 Piastre, which initially sounds expensive, but once you see the performance difference, the price starts to feel justified. Here are all Frigate ships in Windrose: ShipCannon SpaceHealthSpeedStock Frigate12 of 24lb160,00018 knotsBlackbeard Frigate12 of 24/36lb110,00020 knotsBrethren Frigate12 of 24lb200,00016 knots Honestly, the Standard Frigate isn’t really worth considering once you compare the specialized variants. The real decision comes down to Brethren versus Blackbeard. The Blackbeard Frigate has lower durability, sitting around 110,000 HP, while the Brethren Frigate nearly doubles that amount. In prolonged naval wars, the Blackbeard version becomes increasingly vulnerable over time. On the other hand, the offensive potential is absurd. The Blackbeard Frigate can equip 36 Pounder cannons, and those things absolutely obliterate enemy ships. If you catch someone in open waters before they react, the fight is usually over instantly. Personally, I would still choose the Blackbeard Frigate. Massive fleet battles aren’t particularly common in Windrose right now, so the overwhelming firepower feels more valuable than the extra survivability. Building a Frigate requires an enormous amount of resources: 320 Wooden Planks 300 Nails 240 Linen Fabric 160 Timber 120 Foothils Iron Ingot 80 Tarred Planks 80 Tarred Fabric 80 Rope 50 Shipwright’s Tools Crafting a Frigate is one of the biggest grinds in Windrose, but the reward is the strongest ship class currently available in the game. If you’d rather skip the farming process entirely, you can always grab a Frigate directly from Gamer Choice. Ship Battle Guide for Windrose Naval combat in Windrose isn’t overly complicated, and most players naturally improve with practice. Still, there are several habits and mechanics that can massively improve your performance during sea battles. Here’s a practical ship battle guide for Windrose: Use Grog Before Engagements: Grog boosts your cannon reload speed, which directly increases your overall damage output. In tougher battles, especially later in the game, this consumable becomes almost mandatory. Swap Cannon Sides Constantly: After firing one side of your ship, rotate and fire from the opposite side instead of waiting for reloads. Blackbeard ships excel at this strategy. Also remember that your ship’s front cannon can contribute extra damage. Use Chained Cannonballs Against Multiple Ships: Press 2 by default to switch to chained cannonballs. These shots slow enemy ships dramatically, making them easy targets. You can either circle them with regular cannon fire or temporarily disable them while focusing on another threat. Destroy Enemy Ships During Long Battles: If you’re constantly running out of repair kits, you’re probably spending too much time boarding ships unnecessarily. Unless the enemy vessel contains valuable pirate loot, it’s usually more efficient to sink it and collect supplies afterward. These tactics may sound simple, but they make a massive difference once you start fighting stronger enemies. Use every advantage available, manage your positioning carefully, and don’t hesitate to fight dirty if it means winning the battle. Buy Windrose Accounts Set sail for adventure with Windrose accounts ready to play! Shop now F.A.Q. How do you get your first ship in Windrose? Your first ship becomes available during the main storyline after Doctor Galen gives you the “I Need a Bigger Boat” quest. Once you reach the second island, locate the damaged vessel and repair it using 100 Wood, 20 Nails, 20 Fabric, and 10 Rope. How do you upgrade ships in Windrose? To upgrade ships, you first need to convert the Weaponsmith into a Shipwright’s Workshop. After that, build a Wharf through the Utilities section of the build menu. Ship equipment can then be crafted at the workshop and installed through the Wharf before continuing with further upgrades. What ship types are in Windrose? There are currently three ship categories available in Windrose: Ketch, Brigantine, and Frigate. Each new tier is stronger and offers better survivability, weapon capacity, and combat potential than the previous one. How do you unlock new ships in Windrose? New ship blueprints are unlocked through the Brethren faction in Tortuga. Brigantines require Reputation Level 2, while Frigates require Reputation Level 4. Once the reputation requirement is met, you can purchase the corresponding blueprint from the vendor for 1,000 or 3,000 Piastre. What is the best ship in Windrose? Frigates are considered the strongest ship class currently available in Windrose. The Blackbeard Frigate delivers the highest damage thanks to its 36-pounder cannons, while the Brethren Frigate focuses more on durability and survivability during longer naval battles.

Windrose is a new open-world soulslike survival co-op game. Yes, that is a pretty heavy mix of buzzwords, but the game already looks like it could become something big. That is exactly why I decided to put together this Windrose best weapons tier list. In this guide, we will go through the main weapon types, how they feel in combat, and which ones are worth using the most. Windrose Best Weapons Tier List Quick Summary: Saber, Blunderbuss, and Rapier are the strongest S-Tier weapons in this Windrose tier list. Saber is the best overall option because it can hit several enemies at once while using very little stamina. Blunderbuss is the best firearm here and performs especially well at close range, mostly against bosses. Rapier is one of the best single-target weapons thanks to its fast attack speed and strong pressure. Greatsword, Pistol, and Halberd are placed in A-Tier as strong situational weapons with useful strengths. Strength weapons are weaker right now because Windrose currently favors quick attacks more than slow heavy hits. Windrose Weapons List At its core, Windrose plays like a soulslike, which is a little surprising for a survival game. In most soulslike titles, weapons usually have unique names, special movesets, and major differences even when they belong to the same weapon class. Windrose does have named weapons too, but the way you use them usually does not change that much inside the same archetype. Some weapons come with different effects, but in most cases, these are mainly skill damage percentage bonuses or similar stat-based perks. Only a few of them actually change how the weapon plays in a meaningful way. Because of that, I am ranking weapons by their archetype instead of ranking every named weapon separately. Here are the main things I considered when building this Windrose weapon tier list: Adaptability: How useful the weapon is in different combat situations. Stamina Consumption: Stamina management is extremely important in Windrose. Attack Speed: Slow weapons feel rough in this game and can get you killed much more often. Like other soulslike games, Windrose also uses a stat scaling system for weapons. Scaling goes from S to D. The better the scaling and the higher your matching stat, the more damage that weapon can deal. It is a simple system, but it matters a lot when choosing your build. Here is how the Windrose weapon types scale: Strength: Clubs, Maces, Halberds Agility: Sabers, Greatswords, Blunderbusses Precision: Rapiers, Pistols, Muskets If you have played soulslike games before, you already know that almost any weapon can work if you are comfortable with it. You can usually beat the game with any weapon unless it is clearly designed as a joke or meme option. Windrose is mostly the same, but I still do not recommend Strength-based weapons right now because their attack animations are slower than Agility and Precision weapons. Windrose heavily revolves around stamina control, and enemies hit very hard. That means you usually want to attack quickly, create space, and disengage before getting punished. Strength weapons do not really support that playstyle well at the moment. If you want a quick answer, pick Agility weapons. If you want the full breakdown, continue with the full Windrose best weapons tier list below. Windrose Best Weapons Tier List Before going deeper, here is the usual disclaimer: this Windrose best weapons tier list is subjective and based on my own time with the game. The developers could easily change weapon balance with a day-one patch or during the first week after launch. Still, based on how the weapons currently feel, this is the ranking I am happy with: TierWeaponsS-TierSaber, Blunderbuss, RapierA-TierGreatsword, Pistol, HalberdB-TierClub, MaceC-TierMusket Every weapon type is clearly meant to have its own role and shine in certain situations. In practice, though, Saber is simply too strong because Windrose throws groups of enemies at you very often. The more enemies you can hit in one swing while spending as little stamina as possible, the better. Now, let’s go through each weapon type and explain why they are placed where they are. Saber - S-Tier Saber takes the top spot as the best weapon in Windrose because it can hit multiple enemies at once. If you are playing alone or even with just one friend, this is something you will appreciate very quickly. Windrose often puts you in situations where more enemies rush you than you can comfortably handle, and since enemies hit extremely hard, being able to strike several of them without eating damage is a major advantage. Most sabers scale with Agility, although there is also an Arboris Saber that scales with Strength. Sabers also do not drain too much stamina per swing, which means you can usually land at least two attacks before you need to dodge or reposition. That mix of speed, stamina efficiency, and crowd control makes Saber the best overall weapon type in the game right now. Blunderbuss - S-Tier Blunderbuss is the only firearm I would place in S-Tier. It is very inaccurate, but that is not really a problem because it is not meant to be used like a long-range gun. You should treat it like an early shotgun and fire it when you are extremely close to the enemy. The Blunderbuss deals massive damage at close range, especially against single targets. Sometimes, if the enemies are close enough together, you can even hit more than one target at once. It will not be the perfect weapon for every player, but it is absolutely worth learning. Once you understand the timing and spacing, the Blunderbuss becomes one of the best boss-killing weapons in Windrose. Rapier - S-Tier Rapiers are fast, sharp, and excellent for single-target damage. They require a little more control and precision than some other weapons, but they reward that effort with high attack speed and great pressure. If you enjoy quick weapons that let you punish enemies repeatedly, Rapier is one of the best options in Windrose. All rapiers feel strong, but I especially recommend getting the Rapier of a Thousand Cuts as soon as you can. This weapon has a unique bleed effect that stacks up to five times, causing enemies to bleed for 40 HP per stack. Since rapiers can land multiple hits quickly, it is very easy to build those stacks and melt enemies with constant damage. Even without that specific weapon, the rapier archetype is still very powerful. I especially liked using rapiers against tougher enemies with large health bars because the fast attack speed makes it easier to keep damage flowing without overcommitting. Greatsword - A-Tier Greatsword is another strong Slash damage weapon. If you are looking for one of the best boarding weapons in Windrose, the Greatsword is probably your best choice. It cuts through groups of enemies well without immediately draining your full stamina bar. I call it the best boarding weapon because enemy ships can overwhelm you very quickly. When you board, enemies can surround you fast, and the Greatsword gives you enough area coverage to clear a path for your crew. It is slower than a Saber, but not as painfully slow as a Halberd. It also does not have the same reach as a Halberd, but that extra reach often feels unnecessary. In most boarding situations, the Greatsword feels just right. Pistol - A-Tier Pistol is very useful for interrupting enemy attacks. It also works well for picking off enemies one by one, which makes it a natural partner for the Rapier. I do not really see the Pistol as a full main weapon in Windrose. It feels more like a strong secondary tool that supports your main playstyle. I did not use the Pistol as much as the other top weapons, but from my experience, it is much better than the Musket. It has better practical value, feels easier to fit into fights, and gives you a quick ranged option when you need to stop an enemy or create a safer opening. Halberd - A-Tier Halberd plays somewhat similarly to the Greatsword, but it has much better reach and scales with Strength. It is the only Strength-based weapon type that I can currently justify using. The extra range helps you keep enemies farther away, which can make some fights safer if you manage your stamina properly. One thing I like about Halberds is that you can often squeeze in three attacks instead of only two. You hit twice, backdash, and then attack again as the enemy starts moving toward you. That makes the weapon feel better than most other Strength options, but you still have to watch your stamina carefully. Halberds also have the best Strength scaling among Strength weapons, which gives them more value if you really want to build around that stat. They are not perfect, but they are far more usable than Clubs or Maces right now. Club - B-Tier Club feels awkward to use. I do not really like its moveset, and it feels too slow for how Windrose combat works right now. That problem becomes even worse because you need to invest heavily into Strength to make it work properly. It is unfortunate because Strength feels like a weak stat at the moment. Maybe the developers will improve Strength weapons in a future patch, but right now, Club does not feel worth building around. I also did not find any standout clubs that felt good enough to recommend, which makes the archetype even harder to justify. Mace - B-Tier Mace is very slow, but it does hit hard. I actually think this weapon type could become S-Tier if the developers buff Strength-based weapons later. The main issue is that Mace feels like it is supposed to be a huge one-shot weapon, but it does not quite reach that point in actual combat. What usually happens is that you land one heavy hit, but while you recover from the animation, the enemy is already ready to punish you. Because of that, the effective DPS drops a lot. Faster weapons like Rapier can often deal more damage over time, even though Mace should technically be the stronger damage-versus-speed tradeoff weapon. I still liked using maces in some situations, and the Epic Crusher mace variant has some of the best perks I found. The weapon type has potential, but the current balance does not favor it enough. Musket - C-Tier I honestly could not make myself enjoy using the Musket in Windrose. The reload takes far too long, and while the damage is high, it does not feel worth the downtime. You can use it to pick off enemies one by one, but enemies usually notice you almost immediately, which removes most of the weapon’s usefulness. The Reliable Musket feels slightly better than the other muskets and could maybe be considered B-Tier by itself, but the overall weapon archetype is still very weak. Right now, Musket feels like a throwaway option more than a serious weapon choice. I hope the developers buff it in the future because the idea is cool, but it just does not perform well enough at the moment. F.A.Q What is the best weapon in Windrose? Saber is the strongest overall pick because it can hit several enemies in one swing while still keeping stamina costs low. That makes it reliable in most fights, especially when enemies group up around you. What are the best weapons in Windrose? The best melee weapons are Saber and Rapier. Saber is great for hitting multiple targets without draining your stamina too fast, while Rapier is better for focusing one enemy and dealing quick single-target damage. Are Strength weapons good in Windrose? Not really. Most Strength weapons feel too slow in the current balance, which makes them harder to use than Agility or Precision weapons. They can still work, but they are not the best choice right now. What is the best firearm in Windrose? Blunderbuss is the best firearm because it deals very high damage at close range. Since many Windrose fights happen up close, it fits the game’s combat flow better than slower or more awkward ranged weapons. What is the best weapon for bosses in Windrose? For melee, Rapier is the best boss weapon because it attacks quickly and does not burn through stamina too fast. For a firearm, Blunderbuss is the better choice thanks to its strong close-range burst damage.

In gaming slang, a noob (or “n00b”) comes from the word “newbie,” which simply refers to someone who is new or inexperienced in a certain activity, particularly gaming. As time passed, “noob” developed into a widely used slang term across online gaming communities. The word “newbie” is usually neutral or even friendly, describing someone who is still learning the basics, such as controls, mechanics, or strategies. On the other hand, “noob” can sometimes carry a more teasing or slightly negative meaning. It often suggests not only inexperience but also clumsiness or a lack of effort to improve. Different variations like n00b or nub have also become popular, firmly embedding the term into gamer culture. Overall, it reflects the playful and competitive spirit found in online gaming environments. Even though it can be used in a light-hearted way, context is very important—it’s always best to use it in a way that doesn’t come across as offensive. Being mindful and respectful ensures it stays fun rather than hurtful. Check out the examples below: Examples of Noob Usage Rookie Mistakes When a player makes a beginner-level mistake, such as falling into an obvious trap, others might jokingly refer to them as a noob. Among Friends Among friends, the term is often used playfully, like saying, “Don’t be such a noob!” when someone struggles with something simple. Neutral Reference It can also be used neutrally to describe new players who are still learning, for example, “We’ve got a few noobs on our team.” Negative Criticism In some cases, it’s used more negatively to criticize someone’s skill level, even if they aren’t actually beginners. Self-Deprecating Use Players may also call themselves a noob when trying something new, such as, “I’m such a noob at this mode!” Friendly Advice Sometimes it comes across as casual advice, like, “Don’t be a noob and rush into battle without a plan.” Progress Reflection Players who want to highlight their improvement might say, “I used to be a noob at this game, but now I’m one of the top players.” Conclusion Keep in mind that every expert player was once a noob. Instead of mocking others, it’s always better to offer guidance and support to those still learning. By encouraging a positive and inclusive gaming environment, everyone can enjoy the experience and improve together. Respect and encouragement truly make online communities better for everyone.

Learn how to get Lexington in Division 2 during the Summer Swarm event, with drop details, god rolls, and build tips to make the most of this powerful named rifle. Lexington is one of the rarest named weapons in The Division 2. It originally launched in November 2024 as part of the Veteran Rewards Program, where it was available only as a one-time login reward. After that short availability window closed, the weapon became completely inaccessible. Many players missed out, and for a long time it remained locked away with no way to obtain it. That finally changes with the Stretch Goals: Summer Swarm event. In this guide, you’ll learn how to unlock Lexington in Division 2 through the current event, understand its performance, and find answers to the most frequently asked questions about this highly anticipated rifle. If you prefer not to rely on RNG from Summer Swarm caches, you can buy Division 2 Lexington at Gamer Choice. This option guarantees the weapon directly on your account without the need to grind repetitive activities. The service is handled by experienced Division 2 players and offers competitive pricing. Buy The Division 2 Items Get optimized Division 2 gear sets for any build now! Shop now How to Get Lexington in Division 2 Lexington first appeared in November 2024 through the Veteran Rewards Program. It was tied to account history and granted as a one-time login reward, limited to a single character. Once that promotional period ended, the weapon was no longer obtainable, making it one of the rarest items in the game. Now, there is finally a way to get Lexington again. With the launch of Stretch Goals: Summer Swarm on August 19, the weapon has been reintroduced into the reward system. After reaching Tier 100 on the Season Pass, players unlock an additional bonus reward track consisting of ten tiers that repeat for the duration of the event. Lexington is included in the Named Item pool on this bonus track, with a slightly improved drop chance compared to other rifles. Each Summer Swarm cache you earn gives you another opportunity to obtain it, allowing continuous farming until it drops. Progressing through Stretch Goals requires active gameplay, as buying levels is disabled once you pass Tier 100. The following activities contribute XP toward earning caches: Manhunt Scouts – Seasonal missions focused on tracking and eliminating key targets. Seasonal Journey milestones – Progress checkpoints tied to seasonal storylines and objectives. Priority Objectives – Rotating challenges that provide bonus XP and targeted rewards. Weekly Projects – Resetting tasks such as donations or mission completions for extra rewards. Main Missions – Core campaign missions that grant consistent XP and rewards. Living World activities – Open-world content like Control Points, Bounties, and Public Events. All rewards within Stretch Goals are available on the free track, meaning you don’t need a Premium Pass to participate. It’s also important to note that the 2× XP boost only applies up to Tier 100. Beyond that point, progression returns to standard XP rates. When the event ends, any Lexington drops or unclaimed rewards will automatically be delivered upon your next login, ensuring nothing is missed. Is Lexington Good in Division 2? Lexington is not just a rare collectible — it’s quickly proving itself as one of the strongest Assault Rifles in The Division 2. As a High-End named version of the Police M4 (LVOA-C variant), it offers excellent stability, strong base damage, and overall versatility across different types of content. Key Stats and Traits AttributeDetailsWeapon TypeHigh-End Assault RifleVariantNamed Police M4 (LVOA-C appearance)RPM850Magazine Size50Bonus+5% higher base damage vs. Police M4Unique AttributeMaxed Damage to Targets Out of CoverTalentsCan roll any AR talent The weapon is already being labeled as a “new meta” pick by parts of the community due to its ability to deliver high DPS without the limitations that come with Exotic gear. It fits seamlessly into popular builds like Striker and Heartbreaker. Thanks to its built-in DTTOC and above-average base damage, it outperforms many other Assault Rifles. In PvE scenarios, it handles Heroic and Legendary content with ease, while in PvP it remains competitive in both Conflict and the Dark Zone. God Roll Setup If you’re aiming for the optimal Lexington god roll, here’s what you should focus on: SlotIdeal Roll / TalentReasonCore AttributeWeapon DamageMax AR outputAttribute 1Critical Hit ChancePush toward ~55–60% capAttribute 2Critical Hit ChanceAmplifies crit burstLocked AttributeDamage to Targets Out of CoverBest-in-slot damage boostWeapon TalentFlatlineSynergizes with pulses and Spotter This configuration is centered around maximizing overall weapon damage while maintaining consistent and effective critical hits. With the correct gear and talent combinations, Lexington can scale into one of the highest DPS primary weapons available. This is where proper build synergy becomes essential. Technician Specialization + Linked Laser Pointer — automatically pulses enemies, activating Flatline and Perfect Spotter. Perfect Spotter chest piece — grants +20% amplified weapon and skill damage against pulsed targets. Vigilance backpack — provides +25% weapon damage for sustained DPS output. Contractor’s Gloves + Fox’s Prayer — increase armor damage and DTTOC multipliers. Works exceptionally well with Striker or Heartbreaker builds for massive DPS scaling. With these combinations, Lexington stands out as one of the most reliable and flexible DPS weapons in the game. It goes far beyond being a nostalgic reward and has already secured its place in endgame loadouts. The Division 2 Accounts Step into Washington D.C. with The Division 2 accounts! Shop now F.A.Q. How do you get Lexington in Division 2? Lexington becomes available during the Stretch Goals: Summer Swarm event beginning August 19. Once you reach Tier 100, you unlock a bonus reward track where caches can drop Lexington, with a slightly higher probability compared to other rifles. Is Lexington a good weapon in Division 2? Yes, it stands out as a top-performing Assault Rifle. It offers increased base damage over the Police M4, comes with maxed Damage to Targets Out of Cover, and provides excellent stability, making it highly effective in both PvE and PvP when paired with the right build. What’s the god roll for Lexington? Core Attribute: Weapon Damage Attribute 1: Critical Hit Chance Attribute 2: Critical Hit Damage Locked Attribute: Damage to Targets Out of Cover Talent: Flatline Do you need the Premium Pass to get Lexington? No, the Premium Pass is not required. All Stretch Goals rewards, including Lexington, are part of the free progression track, so you only need to continue earning XP after Tier 100 through gameplay. Can Lexington still be obtained after the event? At this time, Lexington is tied specifically to the Summer Swarm event. If you don’t obtain it during this period, it will likely remain unavailable unless it is brought back in a future update or event. Conclusion Lexington has transformed from a limited-time exclusive into one of the most desirable weapons in The Division 2. Its return through the Stretch Goals: Summer Swarm event gives players a real opportunity to finally obtain it. Early impressions confirm that it’s not just a collector’s item — it’s a genuinely powerful rifle with strong base stats, built-in DTTOC, and excellent synergy with current meta builds. If you have the chance, it’s absolutely worth grinding for before the event comes to an end.

Heroes in Clash Royale have quickly become one of the developers’ favorite additions. They feel like a hybrid between Evo and Champion cards, offering unique mechanics and powerful abilities. In this Clash Royale Heroes tier list 2026, I’ll break down how strong each one is and where they stand in the current meta. Clash Royale Heroes Tier List in 2026 Quick Summary: The top-performing cards in the current meta are Hero Goblins, Hero Magic Archer, and Hero Mega Minion. The safest investments right now are Hero Barbarian Barrel, Hero Knight, and Hero Ice Golem. You should avoid using Hero Mini P.E.K.K.A and Hero Musketeer in most decks. Want to try Hero cards but don’t have them unlocked yet? No problem! Check out our Clash Royale Accounts on Gamer Choice and grab an account with the Heroes you need. Buy Clash Royale Accounts Secure Clash Royale accounts with top trophies! Shop now Clash Royale Heroes Tier List With recent updates, you’re now limited to using only one Hero per deck. Technically, you can run two if you have a Wildcard slot, but that’s rarely worth it. Heroes play a major role in battles and can easily swing the outcome if used correctly. Their abilities are designed to fix weaknesses in specific deck archetypes. For example, Hero Barbarian Barrel can now roll twice instead of once, making bait decks far less effective. Still, not every Hero delivers the same level of value. Some abilities feel underwhelming, like Hero Mini P.E.K.K.A’s, but we’ll get into that later. For now, here’s the full Clash Royale Heroes tier list: TierHero CardsSHero Goblins, Hero Magic Archer, Hero Mega MinionAHero Barbarian Barrel, Hero WizardBHero Knight, Hero Ice GolemCHero GiantDHero Mini PEKKA, Hero Musketeer S-Tier Heroes dominate the meta, with Hero Goblins standing as the strongest overall card. A-Tier Heroes are still extremely powerful but fall slightly short of S-Tier. B-Tier cards are reliable picks that support your deck without being the main win condition. C-Tier currently only includes Hero Giant, which sits in an awkward spot—not terrible, but not strong either. Even weaker Heroes can still work in niche decks, but generally, you want to avoid anything below B-Tier. Interestingly, most of the original Hero cards rank quite low. It feels like the developers were still experimenting with the concept early on. After seeing poor reception, they shifted toward making Heroes more impactful and problem-solving within decks. Let’s go through each Hero in detail. S-Tier: Hero Goblins If you’ve been playing Clash Royale recently, you already know how broken this card is. It’s the backbone of bait decks and can replace nearly any swarm card. It constantly puts your opponent at an Elixir disadvantage, letting you snowball games quickly and close them out before Double Elixir even begins. Its ability allows it to respawn after being eliminated, meaning even spells won’t fully shut it down. Pros: Insane ability value Very difficult to counter effectively Enables fast snowball strategies Fits into almost any deck Cons: None Even if the ability cost 2 Elixir, this card would still be overpowered. With a win rate hovering around 52%, it’s easily one of the best cards in the game right now. Expect a heavy nerf soon. S-Tier: Hero Magic Archer This is one of the few cards on the list with virtually no downsides. Its ability solves all of Magic Archer’s weaknesses. Normally fragile and slow, the Hero version can dodge incoming damage while leaving behind a high-HP decoy and firing multiple arrows. Pros: Highest damage output among Heroes No real weaknesses Long-range attacks High mobility Cons: None This card is clearly overtuned. Nerfs are almost guaranteed—possibly targeting the dodge speed, decoy durability, or both. For now, it’s one of the strongest picks in the game. S-Tier: Hero Mega Minion Hero Mega Minion is incredibly frustrating to play against. Its ability lets it dash toward the lowest HP enemy while dealing AoE damage, often wiping out support units and reaching the tower faster than expected. Pros: Flying unit with high damage Ability combines mobility and AoE damage Forces opponents to react immediately Cons: Can accidentally activate King Tower Targets automatically after placement It pairs extremely well with tanks like Miner or Lava Hound, letting it clean up backline units while your tank absorbs damage. One of the strongest and most versatile Heroes in the meta. A-Tier: Hero Barbarian Barrel This Hero excels at countering bait strategies. Its ability allows it to roll twice, increasing its pressure and forcing opponents to spend more Elixir defending. Pros: Strong counter to bait decks High value ability Cons: Can be eliminated before second roll It fits especially well in aggressive decks and can break through common counters. A very solid and reliable pick. A-Tier: Hero Wizard Hero Wizard feels like the point where developers finally nailed the Hero concept. Its ability removes the Wizard’s main weakness to mini-tanks while adding flight and increased damage with a pull effect. Pros: High damage output Improved survivability Extremely valuable ability Cons: Recently nerfed Despite the nerfs, it remains a strong option. However, further balance changes could make it a risky long-term investment. B-Tier: Hero Knight Hero Knight is one of the most popular Heroes, with around a 15% usage rate. It serves as a solid tank and works best when supporting offensive pushes. Pros: Durable tank Easy to upgrade Large ability radius Cons: Low damage output Other tanks can replace it without using a Hero slot It performs well in decks like X-Bow, where drawing attention away from key units is crucial. B-Tier: Hero Ice Golem Hero Ice Golem is a flexible and dependable card, though it struggles to compete with stronger meta options. Pros: Highly versatile Fits many deck types Ability remains useful after death Cons: Outclassed by stronger Heroes Feels like a spell rather than a unit It’s a safe pick, especially for F2P players, since it’s unlikely to receive nerfs anytime soon. C-Tier: Hero Giant Using a win condition as a Hero is already questionable, but that’s not the main issue. The problem is that Hero Giant doesn’t outperform its standard version or alternatives like Evo Royal Giant. Pros: High durability Easy to level up Potential if buffed Cons: Weak and situational ability Easily countered Its win rate sits around 50%, so it’s not terrible—but it’s far from competitive. D-Tier: Hero Mini P.E.K.K.A. This card feels awkward in the current meta. While its ability isn’t terrible, it doesn’t provide enough value to justify using it over better options. Pros: High damage potential Self-healing ability Strong when leveled Cons: Struggles against swarm decks Limited synergy It has a risk-reward mechanic, but the current meta doesn’t favor it at all. D-Tier: Hero Musketeer This is easily the weakest Hero in Clash Royale right now. After multiple nerfs, it has become extremely inefficient. Pros: None Cons: Turret is too fragile Low survivability Poor damage output Using this card will actively lower your win rate. Unless it receives a major rework, it’s best to avoid it entirely. Read our other Clash Royale guides: Best Hero Card Decks Best Win Conditions Best Spells Best 2v2 League Decks Best Legendary Cards Buy Clash Royale Boost Boost your Clash Royale trophies with pros now! Shop now F.A.Q. How do Hero cards work in Clash Royale? Hero cards are enhanced versions of existing cards that combine the power of Champions and Evolutions. They boost the base card’s stats and add a special ability that changes how the card performs in battle. Every Hero card comes with its own distinct ability, so each one plays differently. What are the S-Tier Hero cards in Clash Royale now? The current S-Tier Hero cards are Hero Goblins, Hero Magic Archer, and Hero Mega Minion. These three stand above the rest in today’s meta, with Hero Goblins being the most oppressive and hardest to deal with overall. What Hero cards are safe to upgrade in Clash Royale? The safest Hero cards to invest in are Hero Magic Archer, Hero Ice Golem, Hero Knight, and Hero Mega Minion. Their abilities are strong enough that even if future balance changes hit their stats, the main reasons they are valuable should still remain. Hero Goblins could also be included, although that card feels more likely to get targeted by nerfs. How does the Hero cards tier list look in Clash Royale? The current Hero card rankings look like this: S-Tier: Hero Goblins, Hero Magic Archer, Hero Mega Minion A-Tier: Hero Barbarian Barrel, Hero Wizard B-Tier: Hero Knight, Hero Ice Golem C-Tier: Hero Giant D-Tier: Hero Mini P.E.K.K.A, Hero Musketeer