Shortwave Scout Optic

The Shortwave Scout Optic is a Deluxe-tier optic slot weapon mod in Marathon that features a thermal sight for highlighting hostile heat signatures while also providing a slight zoom increase of 0.1x and reducing ADS spread by 0.06 degrees. The shortwave thermal imaging layer superimposes enemy outlines over the environment, making targets visible even behind partial cover or in poor lighting. Compatible weapons span six assault rifles and SMGs, giving it broad applicability across ballistic and volt weapons.

Compared to the Thermal Optic, the Shortwave Scout Optic provides a slightly lower zoom increase but shares the same core thermal detection utility. The Shortwave variant is better suited to closer-range scouting roles where the priority is finding and tracking enemies quickly rather than locking in a precise magnified shot. Its scout-focused identity makes it an excellent pairing with SMGs and short-to-medium range weapons where maintaining a wider view while still benefiting from heat detection outweighs the need for additional zoom. Runners who play a flanking or information-gathering role within a squad will find the Shortwave Scout Optic consistently useful across Marathon's zones.