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Valencia

Guide Curator at GladiatorBoost

I’m the voice behind the blogs here at GladiatorBoost—diving deep into the gaming world to bring you guides, updates, and stories that actually help (and maybe even entertain a little). Whether it's breaking down the latest boosts or highlighting cool moments in your favorite games, I’m here to make the digital grind a little more fun.

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Ammo management is one of the most important survival mechanics in Marathon. Whether you’re battling UESC forces or defending yourself against rival Runners, running out of ammunition can quickly turn a successful run into a disaster.

Fortunately, Marathon allows players to craft certain types of ammo using materials found during expeditions. By collecting specific resources and visiting the CyberAcme Armory, you can convert scavenged materials into ammunition before deploying again.

This guide explains how to craft all ammo types in Marathon, where to find the required resources, and how to keep your supply stocked for every mission.

How Ammo Crafting Works in Marathon

Unlike some extraction shooters, ammo cannot be crafted while you’re actively inside a match. Instead, crafting takes place between runs in the Armory, where the CyberAcme faction allows players to convert materials into ammunition.

To craft ammo:

1. Return to the Armory after extraction.

2. Access the CyberAcme crafting menu.

3. Select the ammo type you want to craft.

4. Spend the required materials.

Because ammo crafting is done outside of missions, resource gathering during runs becomes extremely important.

Players who want to avoid supply shortages often rely on a Marathon Boosting Service to farm resources and materials efficiently, ensuring they always have enough ammunition ready for upcoming missions.

Overview of All Ammo Types

There are five different ammunition types in Marathon. Some can be crafted, while others must be purchased.

Here is a quick overview:

Understanding which ammo types can be crafted and which must be bought will help you manage your inventory more efficiently.

Crafting Light Rounds

Light Rounds are among the most commonly used ammunition types in Marathon. Many early and mid-game weapons rely on them, making them one of the most important ammo types to keep stocked.

Weapons That Use Light Rounds

Several popular weapons require Light Rounds, including:

• BR33 Volley

• BRRT SMG

• CE Tactical

• Conquest LMG

• Copperhead RF

• Longshot

• M77

• Overrun AR

• Retaliator LMG

• Stryder M1T

Because these weapons are widely used across different builds, Light Rounds are often consumed quickly.

Crafting Materials Required

To craft Light Rounds, you must collect Unstable Gunmetal.

Where to Find Unstable Gunmetal

Unstable Gunmetal appears in several locations across the maps:

Perimeter

• Station

Dire Marsh

• AI Uplink

• Maintenance

These areas frequently contain crafting resources, so looting thoroughly can help you maintain a steady supply of Light Rounds.

Crafting Heavy Rounds

Heavy Rounds are used by powerful weapons designed for high-impact combat. These weapons often deal more damage but consume ammunition more quickly.

Weapons That Use Heavy Rounds

Some of the weapons that rely on Heavy Rounds include:

• Bully SMG

• Demolition HMG

• Impact HAR

• Magnum MC

• Repeater HPR

• Twin Tap HBR

• Hardline PR

• Misriah 2442

• Outland

• WSTR Combat Shotgun

If you prefer high-damage weapons or aggressive combat builds, you’ll likely burn through Heavy Rounds quickly.

Crafting Materials Required

Heavy Rounds are crafted using Unstable Lead.

Where to Find Unstable Lead

Unstable Lead can be found in several high-value locations.

Dire Marsh

• Quarantine

• Complex

Outpost

• Airfield

These areas often attract players and AI enemies, so approaching them carefully is recommended.

Crafting Volt Batteries

Volt-based weapons rely on electrical energy rather than traditional ballistic ammunition. These weapons are especially effective in certain combat situations and can be extremely powerful when used correctly.

Weapons That Use Volt Batteries

Volt Batteries power several advanced weapons:

• V11 Punch

• V22 Volt Thrower

• V66 Lookout

• V75 Scar

These weapons often feature unique mechanics and can be highly effective against shields or mechanical enemies.

Crafting Materials Required

Volt Batteries are crafted using Unstable Gel.

Where to Find Unstable Gel

Unstable Gel is found at a few specific locations.

Dire Marsh

• Bio-Research

Outpost

• Orientation

• Processing

These locations are excellent targets if you’re planning to use Volt-based weapons regularly.

Ammo Types That Cannot Be Crafted

Not all ammo types in Marathon can be created through crafting.

Two types must instead be purchased from the CyberAcme Armory.

Volt Cells

Volt Cells are used by certain advanced energy weapons such as:

• Ares RG

• V00 Zeus RG

• V85 Circuit Breaker

• V99 Channel Rifle

Because Volt Cells cannot be crafted, players must buy them directly using Credits.

MIPS Rounds

MIPS rounds are another specialized ammunition type that is only available through purchase.

These rounds are typically associated with unique or experimental weapons.

If you rely heavily on these weapons, you’ll need a steady supply of Credits to maintain your ammo reserves.

Some players prefer to Buy ammo in Marathon directly from the Armory to save time and avoid farming materials repeatedly.

Best Strategy for Maintaining Ammo Supplies

Ammo shortages can easily derail your progress in Marathon, especially during longer sessions or high-risk runs.

Here are some strategies to keep your inventory well-stocked.

Prioritize Resource Locations

Target POIs that contain crafting materials. Areas like Bio-Research, Complex, and AI Uplink frequently provide valuable resources.

Loot Everything

Even minor containers can contain materials required for crafting. Thorough looting ensures you always return from runs with useful resources.

Craft Ammo Between Runs

Always check your inventory after extraction and craft ammunition before starting your next deployment.

Maintain Credit Reserves

Because some ammo types cannot be crafted, having extra Credits allows you to purchase emergency supplies when needed.

Players who want to skip resource farming sometimes look for Marathon items for sale, allowing them to acquire ammunition and materials quickly without spending hours gathering resources.

Final Thoughts

Ammo crafting is an essential part of the Marathon gameplay loop. By collecting resources during missions and crafting ammunition at the CyberAcme Armory, players can maintain a steady supply of ammo for their favorite weapons.

Light Rounds, Heavy Rounds, and Volt Batteries can all be crafted using materials like Unstable Gunmetal, Unstable Lead, and Unstable Gel, which are scattered across several key locations.

Meanwhile, Volt Cells and MIPS rounds must be purchased directly, making credit management equally important.

By understanding where to find crafting materials and how to craft ammo efficiently, you’ll be able to stay prepared for every encounter—whether you’re facing AI enemies or other Runners competing for valuable loot.