WSTR Combat Shotgun Comeback: Marathon 1.0.6.2 Resurrects CQB Meta

Marathon patch 1.0.6.2 just brought the WSTR Combat Shotgun - Shotgun back from the dead. Damage increased from 78 to 85 — that's a 9% raw damage buff that changes the CQB calculation entirely. Critical multiplier dropped from 1.15x to 1.05x, but the base damage increase more than compensates. The WSTR was struggling after previous nerfs made it unreliable for ranked close-quarters fights. Now it's back as a legitimate primary option.

For ranked players, this is massive. The WSTR competes directly with the V85 Circuit Breaker - Shotgun and Misriah 2442 - Shotgun in the shotgun category, but its MIPS ammo type and superior handling made it the preferred choice when the damage was competitive. With the damage floor raised back up, WSTR becomes the go-to shotgun for aggressive shells like Assassin - Stealth and Vandal - Combat running close-quarters loadouts.

Assassin gets the biggest boost from the WSTR buff. Shadow Strike core from stealth already amplifies Knife - Melee damage, but pairing that with a reliable shotgun for the follow-up creates a devastating combo. Assassin's 100 HP makes positioning critical — the WSTR's improved damage means fewer missed kills that leave you exposed. Run WSTR with ◈ Pinpoint Barrel - Barrel MOD - Superior and ◈ Oracle Lens - Optic MOD - Superior for maximum consistency.

Destroyer - Combat also benefits significantly. The shell's 175 HP and Riot Barricade make it perfect for aggressive shotgun play. WSTR's improved damage means you can force fights behind your barricade and actually finish enemies instead of leaving them weak. Impact Siphons core turns incoming barricade damage into shield energy, creating a sustainable aggression loop.

Vandal gets a moderate buff. Combat Flow passive already enhances weapon handling during engagements, and WSTR's damage increase makes the shell's medium-range versatility even stronger. You can now commit to close-quarters fights with confidence rather than playing exclusively at mid-range.

Drop the Bully SMG - SMG immediately if you're running close-quarters builds. The WSTR now outclasses it in every meaningful metric for ranked play. Bully's 15 damage per shot at 540 RPM can't compete with WSTR's 85 damage per shot at close range. The time-to-kill advantage is overwhelming.

Pair WSTR with Pinpoint Barrel for stability and range extension. The reduced damage falloff in the patch means you can engage slightly further out than before. Oracle Lens optic for faster ADS speed — critical for shotgun duels where first shot advantage decides the outcome.

For secondary weapons, run a mid-range option like the Hardline PR - Precision Rifle or V66 Lookout - Precision Rifle to cover WSTR's range gaps. The 75% AI damage bonus makes WSTR excellent for PvE encounters, but ranked is player-versus-player where positioning and quick kills matter most.

This patch doesn't create a new meta — it resurrects an old one. WSTR was dominant before the previous nerfs for good reason. The damage increase brings it back to competitive viability without making it oppressive. The critical multiplier reduction prevents instant headshot kills while maintaining body shot lethality.

For solo ranked climbers, WSTR opens up aggressive playstyles that were risky with weaker shotguns. For squad play, it gives close-quarters specialists a reliable tool for zone control and building clearing. The weapon fits perfectly into Holotag-focused strategies where close-range fights are inevitable.