Marathon’s Controversial WSTR Shotgun Receives Further Changes in Latest Update

Why It Matters

The adjustments curb the WSTR’s PvP over‑power while rewarding AI combat, restoring competitive balance and encouraging diversified loadouts in Marathon’s live‑service ecosystem.

Key Takeaways

• WSTR damage raised from 78 to 85 base points
• Critical multiplier cut to 1.05x, reducing burst lethality
• New 75% damage boost makes shotgun viable against AI
• MIPS Slug Converter mod now fixes geometry clipping
• Weekly free Cryo Archive kit added to item economy

Pulse Analysis

Marathon, Bungie's latest live‑service shooter, has entered its second year with a steady stream of balance tweaks. The WSTR combat shotgun quickly earned a reputation as the go‑to weapon for close‑quarters player‑versus‑player encounters, prompting complaints about its disproportionate kill potential. 2) introduces a more nuanced set of adjustments. By reshaping the shotgun’s damage profile and adding new AI‑focused bonuses, Bungie aims to restore competitive parity while preserving the weapon’s identity.

05×, softening its burst lethality in PvP skirmishes. Damage fall‑off is also slightly reduced, giving players a marginally longer effective range. Conversely, a hefty 75 percent damage bonus against AI targets makes the WSTR a viable tool for UESC missions, where enemy numbers can overwhelm unarmed squads. 9× while its projectile speed and aim‑assist cone are dialed back, addressing long‑standing clipping issues.

These adjustments illustrate the tightrope live‑service titles walk between player freedom and competitive fairness. By rewarding AI damage, Bungie encourages diversified loadouts, reducing the shotgun’s monopoly on close‑range engagements while still honoring its role in story‑driven content. The focused bug fixes—such as the geometry clipping fix and UI tweaks—signal a broader commitment to polish, which can improve retention among both casual explorers and hardcore raiders. Observers will watch how the community reacts, as future patches are likely to fine‑tune the balance further, reinforcing Marathon’s reputation as a dynamically evolving shooter.