Marathon 1.0.6.2 Rebalance: AI Damage Changes Everything for PvE Runners

Marathon Update 1.0.6.2 slipped in a game-changing buff that most ranked players missed: the WSTR Combat Shotgun - Shotgun now deals 75% bonus damage against AI targets. While everyone focused on the base damage increase from 78 to 85, this AI modifier fundamentally shifts how ranked runners should approach PvE encounters during extraction routes.

The WSTR was already climbing back after its previous nerf. Now it's the undisputed king of AI clearing. Bungie reduced its critical multiplier from 1.15x to 1.05x to keep PvP balanced, but that AI damage bonus makes it devastating against Security Drones, Patrol Bots, and the heavy AI spawns that block high-value extraction points.

This change directly impacts ranked solo climbers who rely on speed clearing AI-heavy zones to reach extraction before other runners. The WSTR Combat Shotgun can now one-shot most AI enemies that previously required two shells, cutting clear times by 30-40 seconds on contested routes.

For Thief - Stealth runners, this is massive. The WSTR's close-range profile matches perfectly with Thief's speed-based hit-and-run tactics. Pair the WSTR with ◈ Pinpoint Barrel - Barrel MOD - Superior for stability and ◈ Drum Magazine - Magazine MOD - Superior for sustained AI clearing. Thief's Light Carry passive means the WSTR's weight penalty is negligible, and the 75% AI damage bonus lets you blast through Security Drone clusters that normally force detours.

Vandal - Combat runners get similar benefits but with better survivability during AI encounters. The Combat Flow passive keeps you mobile while clearing, and Vandal's medium-fast speed lets you reposition between AI spawns. The WSTR's damage buff against AI means Vandal can now solo clear the Relay Station AI spawns that previously required team coordination.

Drop your current close-range weapon for the WSTR Combat Shotgun immediately. The AI damage bonus is live right now, and ranked players running AI-heavy extraction routes with anything else are playing on hard mode.

Priority weapon swaps: - BRRT SMG - SMG → WSTR Combat Shotgun (35% faster AI clear times) - V85 Circuit Breaker - Shotgun → WSTR Combat Shotgun (more consistent damage output) - Bully SMG - SMG → WSTR Combat Shotgun (higher DPS against AI clusters)

The patch also slightly reduced the WSTR's damage falloff, making it more viable at medium range for engaging AI patrols before they can alert nearby Security Drones. This extends its effective range beyond pure close-quarters combat.

Ranked players who adapt to this AI damage change now have a significant advantage in contested extraction scenarios. While other runners waste time chipping away at AI health bars, WSTR users are already moving to the next objective.

The real power play is using the WSTR to clear AI-defended Holotag spawns faster than competitors can react. Those extra seconds matter in high-tier ranked where multiple runners converge on the same objectives. Clear the AI, grab the Holotag, extract before the firefight even starts.

This isn't just a weapon buff—it's a fundamental shift in how ranked extraction routes should be planned. AI-heavy paths that were previously avoided are now the fastest routes for WSTR users.