Longshot

The Longshot is a semiautomatic ballistic sniper rifle in Marathon that fires MIPS Rounds with high damage and exceptional range, built around a "high damage, high customization" design philosophy. With 69.5 to 70 damage per shot, a 2x to 2.15x precision multiplier, and an effective range reaching 175 meters, the Longshot is capable of eliminating most runners in very few shots when aim connects. Its 4-round magazine, 4x zoom scope, and semi-automatic fire mode set it apart from bolt-action alternatives: faster follow-up shots allow runners to correct and re-engage without the full commit of a single-shot bolt platform. The weapon's 74.8 to 80.9 accuracy score and 60% recoil make it one of the more manageable snipers in the game.

The Longshot excels in wide-open areas and elevated positions where its 175-meter reach lets runners engage targets long before they can effectively return fire with automatic weapons. A time-to-kill of 1.2 seconds against unshielded targets and its semi-automatic follow-up capability make it devastating in skilled hands, particularly in Tau Ceti IV's outdoor zones. Its limited 3 to 4-round magazine and the 4.7-second reload mean magazine discipline is critical. The Longshot is considered one of the strongest sniper options in Marathon and is especially effective for runners who enjoy a high-risk, high-reward playstyle from static or roaming sniper positions. Its high customization potential via Optic, Chip, Barrel, and Magazine mod slots gives veterans significant room to tailor it for their preferred engagement style.