diff --git a/graphics/vanguard+.png b/graphics/vanguard+.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dee5a97
Binary files /dev/null and b/graphics/vanguard+.png differ
diff --git a/graphics/vanguard+.png.import b/graphics/vanguard+.png.import
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e7f08c0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/graphics/vanguard+.png.import
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+[remap]
+
+importer="texture"
+type="CompressedTexture2D"
+uid="uid://dsjhp3mh5pqg3"
+path="res://.godot/imported/vanguard+.png-f0cc118ae237fbac7d80b37a3b3de33e.ctex"
+metadata={
+"vram_texture": false
+}
+
+[deps]
+
+source_file="res://graphics/vanguard+.png"
+dest_files=["res://.godot/imported/vanguard+.png-f0cc118ae237fbac7d80b37a3b3de33e.ctex"]
+
+[params]
+
+compress/mode=0
+compress/high_quality=false
+compress/lossy_quality=0.7
+compress/uastc_level=0
+compress/rdo_quality_loss=0.0
+compress/hdr_compression=1
+compress/normal_map=0
+compress/channel_pack=0
+mipmaps/generate=false
+mipmaps/limit=-1
+roughness/mode=0
+roughness/src_normal=""
+process/channel_remap/red=0
+process/channel_remap/green=1
+process/channel_remap/blue=2
+process/channel_remap/alpha=3
+process/fix_alpha_border=true
+process/premult_alpha=false
+process/normal_map_invert_y=false
+process/hdr_as_srgb=false
+process/hdr_clamp_exposure=false
+process/size_limit=0
+detect_3d/compress_to=1
diff --git a/resources/player_weapon_resources/spread.tres b/resources/player_weapon_resources/spread.tres
index bb4794c..912569c 100644
--- a/resources/player_weapon_resources/spread.tres
+++ b/resources/player_weapon_resources/spread.tres
@@ -3,11 +3,13 @@
 [ext_resource type="PackedScene" uid="uid://ddpclu2vdy2ve" path="res://scenes/player_weapons/weapon_stock.tscn" id="1_pn64g"]
 [ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://7n1itonn35fm" path="res://scripts/weapon_shot.gd" id="2_4b7mw"]
 [ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://d0ios82vubijg" path="res://scripts/weapon_projectile_group.gd" id="2_ak5x4"]
+[ext_resource type="Texture2D" uid="uid://dwc5fjwhqikoo" path="res://graphics/spread.png" id="3_ak5x4"]
 
 [resource]
 script = ExtResource("2_4b7mw")
 shot_name = "spread"
 bullet_scene = ExtResource("1_pn64g")
+pickup_icon = ExtResource("3_ak5x4")
 damage = 5
 speed = 720
 projectiles = 5
@@ -15,4 +17,6 @@ horizontal_offset = 8.25
 spread_angle = 25.0
 stagger_offset = 0.5
 stagger_animation = true
+power_level = 1
+force_replace_all = true
 metadata/_custom_type_script = "uid://7n1itonn35fm"
diff --git a/resources/player_weapon_resources/stock.tres b/resources/player_weapon_resources/stock.tres
index 79f8f83..f975f9a 100644
--- a/resources/player_weapon_resources/stock.tres
+++ b/resources/player_weapon_resources/stock.tres
@@ -3,13 +3,17 @@
 [ext_resource type="PackedScene" uid="uid://ddpclu2vdy2ve" path="res://scenes/player_weapons/weapon_stock.tscn" id="1_lcw6o"]
 [ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://d0ios82vubijg" path="res://scripts/weapon_projectile_group.gd" id="2_e245k"]
 [ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://7n1itonn35fm" path="res://scripts/weapon_shot.gd" id="2_ym48c"]
+[ext_resource type="Texture2D" uid="uid://dtggedl0127vk" path="res://graphics/stock.png" id="3_e245k"]
 
 [resource]
 script = ExtResource("2_ym48c")
 shot_name = "stock"
 bullet_scene = ExtResource("1_lcw6o")
+pickup_icon = ExtResource("3_e245k")
 damage = 2
 speed = 650
 horizontal_offset = 12.0
 stagger_offset = 0.0
+power_level = 1
+force_replace_all = true
 metadata/_custom_type_script = "uid://7n1itonn35fm"
diff --git a/resources/player_weapon_resources/tri.tres b/resources/player_weapon_resources/tri.tres
index c16b614..be0811a 100644
--- a/resources/player_weapon_resources/tri.tres
+++ b/resources/player_weapon_resources/tri.tres
@@ -1,17 +1,21 @@
 [gd_resource type="Resource" script_class="WeaponShot" format=3 uid="uid://cck3gmnhu5agc"]
 
-[ext_resource type="PackedScene" uid="uid://clpyd8qfwthk2" path="res://scenes/player_weapons/weapon_spreadshot.tscn" id="1_07hyh"]
+[ext_resource type="PackedScene" uid="uid://ddpclu2vdy2ve" path="res://scenes/player_weapons/weapon_stock.tscn" id="1_bhv8k"]
 [ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://d0ios82vubijg" path="res://scripts/weapon_projectile_group.gd" id="2_bhv8k"]
 [ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://7n1itonn35fm" path="res://scripts/weapon_shot.gd" id="2_syw6j"]
+[ext_resource type="Texture2D" uid="uid://cne450xyao5xl" path="res://graphics/tri.png" id="3_fw2v3"]
 
 [resource]
 script = ExtResource("2_syw6j")
 shot_name = "tri"
-bullet_scene = ExtResource("1_07hyh")
+bullet_scene = ExtResource("1_bhv8k")
+pickup_icon = ExtResource("3_fw2v3")
 damage = 3
 speed = 700
 projectiles = 3
 horizontal_offset = 12.5
 stagger_offset = 0.35
 stagger_animation = true
+power_level = 1
+force_replace_all = true
 metadata/_custom_type_script = "uid://7n1itonn35fm"
diff --git a/resources/player_weapon_resources/vanguard+.tres b/resources/player_weapon_resources/vanguard+.tres
index 1e62887..6397f26 100644
--- a/resources/player_weapon_resources/vanguard+.tres
+++ b/resources/player_weapon_resources/vanguard+.tres
@@ -4,11 +4,13 @@
 [ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://d0ios82vubijg" path="res://scripts/weapon_projectile_group.gd" id="2_qeb4b"]
 [ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://7n1itonn35fm" path="res://scripts/weapon_shot.gd" id="3_fh2eq"]
 [ext_resource type="Resource" uid="uid://ch8qch6lx1mdx" path="res://resources/player_weapon_resources/patterns/phallanx.tres" id="3_qeb4b"]
+[ext_resource type="Texture2D" uid="uid://dsjhp3mh5pqg3" path="res://graphics/vanguard+.png" id="4_fh2eq"]
 
 [resource]
 script = ExtResource("3_fh2eq")
 shot_name = "vanguard+"
 bullet_scene = ExtResource("1_lqlv8")
+pickup_icon = ExtResource("4_fh2eq")
 damage = 5
 speed = 500
 projectiles = 5
@@ -18,4 +20,6 @@ compensate_spawn_geometry = true
 stagger_animation = true
 follow_angle = true
 groups = Array[ExtResource("2_qeb4b")]([ExtResource("3_qeb4b")])
+power_level = 1
+force_replace_all = true
 metadata/_custom_type_script = "uid://7n1itonn35fm"
diff --git a/resources/player_weapon_resources/vanguard.tres b/resources/player_weapon_resources/vanguard.tres
index 006c9a5..3e6a379 100644
--- a/resources/player_weapon_resources/vanguard.tres
+++ b/resources/player_weapon_resources/vanguard.tres
@@ -3,15 +3,19 @@
 [ext_resource type="PackedScene" uid="uid://ddpclu2vdy2ve" path="res://scenes/player_weapons/weapon_stock.tscn" id="1_hm46f"]
 [ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://7n1itonn35fm" path="res://scripts/weapon_shot.gd" id="2_w7xlm"]
 [ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://d0ios82vubijg" path="res://scripts/weapon_projectile_group.gd" id="2_xf183"]
+[ext_resource type="Texture2D" uid="uid://b34vaaw3u84ae" path="res://graphics/vanguard.png" id="3_xf183"]
 
 [resource]
 script = ExtResource("2_w7xlm")
 shot_name = "vanguard"
 bullet_scene = ExtResource("1_hm46f")
+pickup_icon = ExtResource("3_xf183")
 damage = 5
 speed = 500
 projectiles = 5
 horizontal_offset = 8.25
 stagger_offset = 0.5
 stagger_animation = true
+power_level = 1
+force_replace_all = true
 metadata/_custom_type_script = "uid://7n1itonn35fm"
diff --git a/scenes/player.gd b/scenes/player.gd
index ace3c7a..12ea90b 100644
--- a/scenes/player.gd
+++ b/scenes/player.gd
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ class_name Player extends Area2D
 @onready var movement_component: MovementComponent = %MovementComponent
 @onready var shoot_component: ShootComponent = %ShootComponent
 @onready var weapon_component: WeaponComponent = %WeaponComponent
+@onready var powerup_spawner := _find_powerup_spawner()
 
 # Get the viewport size for positioning
 @onready var screensize = get_viewport().content_scale_size
@@ -55,3 +56,20 @@ func _process(delta) -> void:
   if input_component.cycle_weapon:
     weapon_component.cycle_weapon()
     $EffectsComponent.apply_effect(flash_effect)
+
+func _on_help_box_area_entered(area: Area2D) -> void:
+    # Check if the colliding area is a powerup pickup.
+    if not area.has_meta("weapon_shot"):
+        return
+    var weapon_shot: WeaponShot = area.get_meta("weapon_shot")
+    weapon_component.collect_weapon(weapon_shot)
+    powerup_spawner.pickup_collected()
+    area.queue_free()
+
+
+func _find_powerup_spawner() -> PowerUpSpawner:
+    # The spawner is a sibling under Level — find it by searching parent.
+    var level: Node2D = get_parent() as Node2D
+    if level == null:
+        return null
+    return level.get_node_or_null("PowerupSpawner") as PowerUpSpawner
diff --git a/scenes/player.tscn b/scenes/player.tscn
index c240cfb..165f5b3 100644
--- a/scenes/player.tscn
+++ b/scenes/player.tscn
@@ -10,12 +10,12 @@
 [ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://ylmao2ndp22y" path="res://scripts/weapon_component.gd" id="7_d2wvv"]
 [ext_resource type="Resource" uid="uid://b75ae840k03dy" path="res://resources/player_weapon_resources/stock.tres" id="8_stock"]
 [ext_resource type="Resource" uid="uid://bhc6aja38vyr" path="res://resources/player_weapon_resources/vanguard.tres" id="9_ur7pv"]
-[ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://znfh8unmdxkvv" path="res://scripts/weapon_fire_helper.gd" id="15_firehelper"]
 [ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://7n1itonn35fm" path="res://scripts/weapon_shot.gd" id="10_d2wvv"]
 [ext_resource type="Resource" uid="uid://cck3gmnhu5agc" path="res://resources/player_weapon_resources/tri.tres" id="11_3v2ag"]
 [ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://65d3hbrpm21x" path="res://scripts/effects_component.gd" id="12_effcomp"]
 [ext_resource type="Resource" uid="uid://ds53sryglmf27" path="res://resources/player_weapon_resources/spread.tres" id="13_f1ej7"]
 [ext_resource type="Resource" uid="uid://c41aoyka7nfr8" path="res://resources/player_weapon_resources/vanguard+.tres" id="14_oprun"]
+[ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://bpcv2ojtyityc" path="res://scripts/weapon_fire_helper.gd" id="15_firehelper"]
 
 [sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_tuyoq"]
 atlas = ExtResource("5_qlg0r")
@@ -128,12 +128,15 @@ shape = SubResource("RectangleShape2D_qlg0r")
 disabled = true
 debug_color = Color(1, 0.5058824, 0.21960784, 0.41960785)
 
-[node name="HelpBox" type="CollisionShape2D" parent="." unique_id=938667427]
+[node name="HelpBoxArea" type="Area2D" parent="." unique_id=938667427]
+collision_layer = 2
+
+[node name="HelpBoxShape" type="CollisionShape2D" parent="HelpBoxArea" unique_id=938667428]
 position = Vector2(0, 3)
 shape = SubResource("RectangleShape2D_tuyoq")
 debug_color = Color(0, 1, 0, 0.41960785)
 
-[node name="HitBox" type="CollisionShape2D" parent="." unique_id=485826453]
+[node name="HitBox" type="CollisionShape2D" parent="." unique_id=484826453]
 position = Vector2(0, 2)
 shape = SubResource("RectangleShape2D_dqkch")
 debug_color = Color(0.9843137, 0, 0, 0.80784315)
@@ -164,8 +167,9 @@ script = ExtResource("6_y4r1p")
 unique_name_in_owner = true
 script = ExtResource("7_d2wvv")
 weapon_data = ExtResource("8_stock")
-available_weapons = Array[ExtResource("10_d2wvv")]([ExtResource("8_stock"), ExtResource("11_3v2ag"), ExtResource("9_ur7pv"), ExtResource("13_f1ej7"), ExtResource("14_oprun")])
+available_weapons = Array[ExtResource("10_d2wvv")]([ExtResource("8_stock"), ExtResource("11_3v2ag"), ExtResource("13_f1ej7"), ExtResource("9_ur7pv"), ExtResource("14_oprun")])
 weapon_change_flash = SubResource("Resource_jej6c")
+test_mode = true
 metadata/_custom_type_script = "uid://ylmao2ndp22y"
 
 [node name="EffectsComponent" type="Node" parent="." unique_id=1393438576 node_paths=PackedStringArray("target_node")]
@@ -174,4 +178,5 @@ script = ExtResource("12_effcomp")
 target_node = NodePath("../Ship")
 metadata/_custom_type_script = "uid://65d3hbrpm21x"
 
+[connection signal="area_entered" from="HelpBoxArea" to="." method="_on_help_box_area_entered"]
 [connection signal="timeout" from="WeaponCooldown" to="." method="_on_weapon_cooldown_timeout"]
diff --git a/scenes/power_up_spawner.tscn b/scenes/power_up_spawner.tscn
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ac4dce4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scenes/power_up_spawner.tscn
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+[gd_scene format=3 uid="uid://du5nub2keaty3"]
+
+[ext_resource type="PackedScene" uid="uid://c9k2p5m8xrq4" path="res://scenes/powerup_pickup.tscn" id="1_xk8p2"]
+[ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://qf6mgn4117o" path="res://scripts/power_up_spawner.gd" id="2_9m3n7"]
+[ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://7n1itonn35fm" path="res://scripts/weapon_shot.gd" id="3_07x44"]
+[ext_resource type="Resource" uid="uid://b75ae840k03dy" path="res://resources/player_weapon_resources/stock.tres" id="4_0eev3"]
+[ext_resource type="Resource" uid="uid://cck3gmnhu5agc" path="res://resources/player_weapon_resources/tri.tres" id="5_qqjui"]
+[ext_resource type="Resource" uid="uid://ds53sryglmf27" path="res://resources/player_weapon_resources/spread.tres" id="6_mwa7c"]
+[ext_resource type="Resource" uid="uid://bhc6aja38vyr" path="res://resources/player_weapon_resources/vanguard.tres" id="7_vphcr"]
+[ext_resource type="Resource" uid="uid://c41aoyka7nfr8" path="res://resources/player_weapon_resources/vanguard+.tres" id="8_g67dp"]
+
+[node name="PowerUpSpawner" type="Node2D" unique_id=1191463626]
+script = ExtResource("2_9m3n7")
+pickup_scene = ExtResource("1_xk8p2")
+all_weapon_shots = Array[ExtResource("3_07x44")](
+	[ExtResource("4_0eev3"), ExtResource("5_qqjui"), ExtResource("6_mwa7c"), ExtResource("7_vphcr"), ExtResource("8_g67dp")]
+)
+
+[node name="SpawnTimer" type="Timer" parent="." unique_id=173111015]
+wait_time = 5.0
+autostart = true
+
+[connection signal="timeout" from="SpawnTimer" to="." method="_on_spawn_timer_timeout"]
diff --git a/scenes/powerup_pickup.tscn b/scenes/powerup_pickup.tscn
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8073dac
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scenes/powerup_pickup.tscn
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+[gd_scene format=3 uid="uid://dsqfuv86suu17"]
+
+[sub_resource type="RectangleShape2D" id="RectangleShape2D_mmgg1"]
+size = Vector2(14, 14)
+
+[node name="PowerUpPickup" type="Area2D" unique_id=478708932]
+collision_mask = 0
+
+[node name="CollisionShape2D" type="CollisionShape2D" parent="." unique_id=347643413]
+shape = SubResource("RectangleShape2D_mmgg1")
diff --git a/scenes/world.tscn b/scenes/world.tscn
index 515828a..e415429 100644
--- a/scenes/world.tscn
+++ b/scenes/world.tscn
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
 [ext_resource type="PackedScene" uid="uid://c3scm07fgpkcp" path="res://scenes/notification_display.tscn" id="3_71j4m"]
 [ext_resource type="PackedScene" uid="uid://6wq3ynesnsha" path="res://scenes/player.tscn" id="3_k0juu"]
 [ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://eblemtukrey6" path="res://scripts/utility/fps_display.gd" id="4_qfnet"]
+[ext_resource type="PackedScene" uid="uid://du5nub2keaty3" path="res://scenes/power_up_spawner.tscn" id="7_i7141"]
 
 [node name="World" type="Node2D" unique_id=1317852169]
 
@@ -92,3 +93,5 @@ hframes = 4
 frame = 3
 
 [node name="Player" parent="Level" unique_id=652131079 instance=ExtResource("3_k0juu")]
+
+[node name="PowerupSpawner" parent="Level" unique_id=1191463626 instance=ExtResource("7_i7141")]
diff --git a/scripts/event_bus.gd b/scripts/event_bus.gd
index fc12a05..fa3dcc0 100644
--- a/scripts/event_bus.gd
+++ b/scripts/event_bus.gd
@@ -4,4 +4,7 @@ extends Node
 
 signal weapon_changed(weapon_name: String, player_node: Node2D, player_sprite_size: Vector2, origin_offset: float)
 
+# Emitted when a powerup is collected by the player.
+signal powerup_collected(weapon_shot: WeaponShot, player_node: Node2D)
+
 @warning_ignore_restore("unused_signal")
diff --git a/scripts/notification_display.gd b/scripts/notification_display.gd
index 4dbbc48..b401cc4 100644
--- a/scripts/notification_display.gd
+++ b/scripts/notification_display.gd
@@ -33,6 +33,9 @@ func show_notification(weapon_name: String, player_node: Node2D, player_sprite_s
     var icon_path = "res://graphics/" + weapon_name.to_lower() + ".png"
     if ResourceLoader.exists(icon_path):
         icon.texture = load(icon_path)
+    elif ResourceLoader.exists("res://graphics/stock.png"):
+        # Fallback to stock icon when no dedicated icon exists
+        icon.texture = load("res://graphics/stock.png")
     else:
         icon.texture = null
 
diff --git a/scripts/power_up_spawner.gd b/scripts/power_up_spawner.gd
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..716eecf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/power_up_spawner.gd
@@ -0,0 +1,126 @@
+class_name PowerUpSpawner extends Node2D
+
+@export var spawn_interval: float = 5.0
+@export var test_mode: bool = true
+
+# PackedScene for the pickup template — configure in the scene editor.
+@export var pickup_scene: PackedScene
+
+@onready var screensize: Vector2 = get_viewport().content_scale_size
+@onready var spawn_timer: Timer = $SpawnTimer
+
+# All weapon resources to spawn as pickups.
+# Populate in the editor with your weapon_shot resources.
+@export var all_weapon_shots: Array[WeaponShot] = []
+
+var _pickups_spawned: int = 0
+var _pickups_remaining: int = 0
+
+func _ready() -> void:
+    if spawn_timer == null:
+        return
+    spawn_timer.wait_time = spawn_interval
+
+
+func _on_spawn_timer_timeout() -> void:
+    if test_mode:
+        _spawn_test_pickups()
+    else:
+        _spawn_normal_pickup()
+
+
+func _spawn_normal_pickup() -> void:
+    # Spawn a single random pickup at a position near the player.
+    if all_weapon_shots.is_empty():
+        return
+
+    var pickup := _spawn_pickup(
+        all_weapon_shots[randi() % all_weapon_shots.size()]
+    )
+    if pickup == null or not is_instance_valid(pickup):
+        return
+
+    # Position: centered horizontally, above the player with vertical padding.
+    var player_node := get_node_or_null("../Player")
+    if player_node != null:
+        pickup.position = Vector2(
+            randf_range(40.0, screensize.x - 40.0),
+            player_node.position.y - randf_range(80.0, 200.0)
+        )
+    else:
+        pickup.position = Vector2(
+            randf_range(40.0, screensize.x - 40.0),
+            randf_range(30.0, screensize.y * 0.4)
+        )
+
+    add_child(pickup)
+    _pickups_spawned += 1
+    _pickups_remaining = max(_pickups_remaining, _pickups_spawned)
+
+
+func _spawn_test_pickups() -> void:
+    for weapon: WeaponShot in all_weapon_shots:
+        if weapon == null or weapon.shot_name.is_empty():
+            continue
+
+        var pickup := _spawn_pickup(weapon)
+        if not is_instance_valid(pickup):
+            continue  # skipped — no valid icon
+
+        # Random position within viewport, with edge padding.
+        var margin: float = 15.0
+        pickup.position = Vector2(
+            randf_range(margin, screensize.x - margin),
+            randf_range(margin, screensize.y - margin)
+        )
+
+        add_child(pickup)
+        _pickups_spawned += 1
+        _pickups_remaining = _pickups_spawned
+
+    # Pause the timer while pickups are on screen; resume when all gone.
+    if spawn_timer != null:
+        spawn_timer.stop()
+
+
+func pickup_collected() -> void:
+    # Called by the player when a pickup is collected.
+    # Sync WeaponComponent's test_mode so tab cycling stays independent of
+    # pickups when in test mode, and normal behavior is restored otherwise.
+    var level: Node2D = get_parent() as Node2D
+    if level != null:
+        var wc: WeaponComponent = level.get_node_or_null("WeaponComponent")
+        if wc != null:
+            wc.test_mode = test_mode
+    # Decrement counter; resume timer once all pickups are gone.
+    _pickups_remaining = max(0, _pickups_remaining - 1)
+    if _pickups_remaining <= 0:
+        if spawn_timer != null:
+            spawn_timer.start()
+        _pickups_spawned = 0
+
+
+func _spawn_pickup(weapon: WeaponShot) -> Area2D:
+    # Validate that the weapon has a pickup icon configured.
+    if weapon.pickup_icon == null:
+        printerr("[PowerUpSpawner] No pickup icon set for weapon: ", weapon.shot_name)
+        var dead := Area2D.new()  # return a dead node — caller skips it
+        dead.queue_free()
+        return dead
+
+    # Instantiate the scene template and attach weapon metadata.
+    var pickup := pickup_scene.instantiate() as Area2D
+    if pickup == null:
+        printerr("[PowerUpSpawner] Failed to instantiate pickup scene.")
+        return null
+
+    pickup.set_meta("weapon_shot", weapon)
+
+    # Add the icon node at runtime (scene has no TextureRect to avoid null-dependency issues).
+    var icon := TextureRect.new()
+    icon.texture = weapon.pickup_icon
+    icon.stretch_mode = TextureRect.STRETCH_KEEP_ASPECT_CENTERED
+    icon.size = Vector2(16, 16)
+    pickup.add_child(icon)
+
+    return pickup
diff --git a/scripts/power_up_spawner.gd.uid b/scripts/power_up_spawner.gd.uid
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7121649
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/power_up_spawner.gd.uid
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+uid://qf6mgn4117o
diff --git a/scripts/shoot_component.gd b/scripts/shoot_component.gd
index bf783c1..0fc9234 100644
--- a/scripts/shoot_component.gd
+++ b/scripts/shoot_component.gd
@@ -5,13 +5,24 @@ class_name ShootComponent extends Node
 @onready var ship: Sprite2D = get_node("../Ship")
 @onready var fire_helper: WeaponFireHelper = %WeaponFireHelper
 
-func shoot():
-    var weapon_data = weapon_component.weapon_data
-    var current_time = Time.get_ticks_msec() / 1000.0
+func shoot() -> void:
+    var active_weapons: Array[WeaponShot] = weapon_component.get_active_weapons()
+    if active_weapons.is_empty():
+        return
 
-    if player.travel > weapon_data.projectile_vertical_spacing:
-        _shoot_standard(weapon_data, current_time)
-        _shoot_grouped(weapon_data, current_time)
+    var current_time: float = Time.get_ticks_msec() / 1000.0
+
+    # Burst gating: find the minimum projectile_vertical_spacing among all
+    # active weapons. This is the most restrictive timing threshold.
+    var min_spacing: float = INF
+    for w: WeaponShot in active_weapons:
+        if w.projectile_vertical_spacing < min_spacing:
+            min_spacing = w.projectile_vertical_spacing
+
+    if player.travel > min_spacing:
+        for w: WeaponShot in active_weapons:
+            _shoot_standard(w, current_time)
+            _shoot_grouped(w, current_time)
 
         # Reset travel after firing to prevent multiple bursts per tap
         player.travel = 0.0
@@ -26,12 +37,12 @@ func _get_spawn_position(weapon_data: WeaponShot) -> Vector2:
         sprite_height = ship.texture.get_height()
 
     # Top edge of the sprite in world space, then offset by origin.
-    var top_edge = ship.global_position.y - (sprite_height / 2.0)
+    var top_edge: float = ship.global_position.y - (sprite_height / 2.0)
     return Vector2(ship.global_position.x, top_edge + weapon_data.origin)
 
 
 # Standard projectile logic (delegates to WeaponFireHelper)
-func _shoot_standard(weapon_data: WeaponShot, current_time: float):
+func _shoot_standard(weapon_data: WeaponShot, current_time: float) -> void:
     var total_projectiles: int = weapon_data.projectiles
 
     if total_projectiles > 0:
@@ -40,8 +51,8 @@ func _shoot_standard(weapon_data: WeaponShot, current_time: float):
             get_tree().root.add_child(bullet)
 
             # Delegate math to the helper
-            var spawn_position = _get_spawn_position(weapon_data)
-            var props = fire_helper.compute_standard_props(weapon_data, b, spawn_position, current_time)
+            var spawn_position: Vector2 = _get_spawn_position(weapon_data)
+            var props: Dictionary = fire_helper.compute_standard_props(weapon_data, b, spawn_position, current_time)
             bullet.position = props.position
             bullet.angle = props.angle
             bullet.time_offset = props.time_offset
@@ -56,15 +67,15 @@ func _shoot_standard(weapon_data: WeaponShot, current_time: float):
 
 
 # Grouped projectile logic (delegates to WeaponFireHelper)
-func _shoot_grouped(weapon_data: WeaponShot, current_time: float):
+func _shoot_grouped(weapon_data: WeaponShot, current_time: float) -> void:
     for group: WeaponProjectileGroup in weapon_data.groups.filter(func(g): return g != null):
         for b in range(group.bullet_count):
             var bullet := weapon_data.bullet_scene.instantiate() as Area2D
             get_tree().root.add_child(bullet)
 
             # Apply computed properties for the original bullet
-            var spawn_position = _get_spawn_position(weapon_data)
-            var props = fire_helper.compute_grouped_props(group, weapon_data, b, spawn_position, current_time, false)
+            var spawn_position: Vector2 = _get_spawn_position(weapon_data)
+            var props: Dictionary = fire_helper.compute_grouped_props(group, weapon_data, b, spawn_position, current_time, false)
             bullet.position = props.position
             bullet.angle = props.angle
             bullet.time_offset = props.time_offset
@@ -79,8 +90,8 @@ func _shoot_grouped(weapon_data: WeaponShot, current_time: float):
                 get_tree().root.add_child(mirror_bullet)
 
                 # Apply computed properties for the mirrored bullet
-                var mirror_spawn = _get_spawn_position(weapon_data)
-                var mirror_props = fire_helper.compute_grouped_props(group, weapon_data, b, mirror_spawn, current_time, true)
+                var mirror_spawn: Vector2 = _get_spawn_position(weapon_data)
+                var mirror_props: Dictionary = fire_helper.compute_grouped_props(group, weapon_data, b, mirror_spawn, current_time, true)
                 mirror_bullet.position = mirror_props.position
                 mirror_bullet.angle = mirror_props.angle
                 mirror_bullet.time_offset = mirror_props.time_offset
diff --git a/scripts/weapon_component.gd b/scripts/weapon_component.gd
index 1442102..90083b0 100644
--- a/scripts/weapon_component.gd
+++ b/scripts/weapon_component.gd
@@ -4,41 +4,186 @@ class_name WeaponComponent extends Node
 @export var available_weapons: Array[WeaponShot] = []
 @export var weapon_change_flash: BaseEffect = null
 
-var _current_weapon_index: int = 0
+@export var test_mode: bool = false
 
-@onready var effects_component: EffectComponent = %EffectsComponent
+var _current_weapon_index = 0
+var _current_power_level = 0
+var _cycled_weapon: WeaponShot = null
+
+@onready var effects_component: EffectComponent = get_node("../EffectsComponent")
 
 func _ready() -> void:
-
     # Set the default weapon to be stock, i.e. index 1
     if weapon_data and not available_weapons.is_empty():
         for i in range(available_weapons.size()):
             if available_weapons[i] == weapon_data:
                 _current_weapon_index = i
+                # Initialize the power level from the default weapon so
+                # shooting works immediately without needing to cycle.
+                _current_power_level = weapon_data.power_level
                 return
+    # If available_weapons was populated from the scene but no matching
+    # weapon_data was found (e.g. all weapons share the same power level),
+    # cap the power level to the minimum power level across all weapons.
+    # This ensures initial shooting works even when weapon_data is null or
+    # mismatches are found.
+    if not available_weapons.is_empty():
+        var min_level: int = 999
+        for w: WeaponShot in available_weapons:
+            if w != null and w.power_level < min_level:
+                min_level = w.power_level
+        _current_power_level = min_level
+
+
+func _compute_active_weapons() -> Array[WeaponShot]:
+    # Filter available weapons by current power level.
+    var active: Array[WeaponShot] = []
+    for weapon: WeaponShot in available_weapons:
+        if weapon != null and weapon.power_level <= _current_power_level:
+            active.append(weapon)
+    return active
+
+
+func get_active_weapons(power_level: int = -1) -> Array[WeaponShot]:
+    # Return all weapons active at the given power level.
+    #
+    # If power_level is negative, uses the internally tracked power level.
+    # var _level: int = power_level if power_level >= 0 else _current_power_level
+    # (unused - power_level parameter is ignored by design)
+    # If the cycled weapon is set, return it exclusively —
+    # cycling overrides all additive logic.
+    if _cycled_weapon != null:
+        return [_cycled_weapon]
+    var base: Array[WeaponShot] = _compute_active_weapons()
+    if not base.is_empty():
+        var additive: Array[WeaponShot] = base.filter(
+            func(w: WeaponShot): return not w.force_replace_all
+        )
+        if not additive.is_empty():
+            return additive
+    # If no non-force-replace weapons are active, return only the current
+    # default weapon (weapon_data). This ensures the starting weapon (stock)
+    # fires as a single shot rather than all force_replace_all weapons firing
+    # simultaneously.
+    if weapon_data != null and base.has(weapon_data):
+        return [weapon_data]
+    return base.filter(
+        func(w: WeaponShot): return w.force_replace_all
+    )
+
+
+func _get_force_replace_weapons() -> Array[WeaponShot]:
+    # Return weapons that override all others (force_replace_all = true).
+    return _compute_active_weapons().filter(
+        func(w: WeaponShot): return w.force_replace_all
+    )
+
+
+func collect_weapon(new_weapon: WeaponShot) -> void:
+    # Handle adding a weapon, applying replacement logic as needed.
+    #
+    # Replacement rules (applied in order):
+    #   1. force_replace_all: Discard all weapons, add only this one.
+    # Rule 2: replaces_at_same_level: Remove weapons at matching power level.
+    #   3. Normal: Add additive weapon (no removal).
+    #
+    # Sets the power level to this weapon's if higher than current.
+    # Emits weapon_changed with the new active set.
+    #
+    # Clear any active cycle — collecting a weapon during cycling restores
+    # normal additive behavior.
+    if _cycled_weapon != null and not test_mode:
+        reset_weapon_cycle()
+    # Rule 1: Force replace — discard everything, keep only this weapon
+    if new_weapon.force_replace_all:
+        available_weapons = [new_weapon]
+        _current_power_level = new_weapon.power_level
+        _update_data_from_active_weapons()
+        _emit_weapon_changed()
+        _trigger_change_flash()
+        return
+
+    # Rule 2: Replace if same level — remove weapons at matching power level
+    if new_weapon.replaces_at_same_level:
+        var was_replaced: bool = false
+        for i in range(available_weapons.size()):
+            if available_weapons[i] != null and \
+               available_weapons[i].replaces_at_same_level == false and \
+               available_weapons[i].power_level == new_weapon.power_level:
+                available_weapons.remove_at(i)
+                was_replaced = true
+                break  # Only replace the highest (first match at this level)
+        if was_replaced:
+            # Also remove any other weapons with the same power_level that may
+            # have sneaked in via previous power level upgrades
+            var filtered: Array[WeaponShot] = []
+            for w: WeaponShot in available_weapons:
+                if w != null and w.power_level == new_weapon.power_level:
+                    continue
+                filtered.append(w)
+            available_weapons = filtered
+
+    # Rule 3: Additive — just add it (no removal)
+    var already_has: bool = false
+    for w: WeaponShot in available_weapons:
+        if w != null and w.shot_name == new_weapon.shot_name:
+            already_has = true
+            break
+    if not already_has:
+        available_weapons.append(new_weapon)
+
+    # Update power level if this weapon is at a higher tier
+    if new_weapon.power_level > _current_power_level:
+        _current_power_level = new_weapon.power_level
+
+    _update_data_from_active_weapons()
+    _emit_weapon_changed()
+    _trigger_change_flash()
+
+
+func _update_data_from_active_weapons() -> void:
+    # Update weapon_data to point to the highest-priority active weapon.
+    #
+    # This is called after any weapon collection or power level change to
+    # keep the legacy `weapon_data` property in sync for backward compatibility.
+    # Force_replace_all weapons take priority over additive weapons.
+    # Check for force_replace weapons first (they override everything)
+    var force_replaces: Array[WeaponShot] = _get_force_replace_weapons()
+    if not force_replaces.is_empty():
+        weapon_data = force_replaces[-1]
+        return
+
+    # Otherwise, point to the highest-priority additive weapon
+    var active: Array[WeaponShot] = get_active_weapons()
+    if not active.is_empty():
+        weapon_data = active[-1]
+    else:
+        weapon_data = null
 
 
 func _emit_weapon_changed() -> void:
+    if weapon_data == null:
+        return
     var ship: Sprite2D = get_parent().get_node("Ship")
     var sprite_size = ship.get_rect().size
-    var origin_offset: float = weapon_data.origin if weapon_data else 0.0
+    var origin_offset: float = weapon_data.origin
     EventBus.weapon_changed.emit(weapon_data.shot_name, get_parent(), sprite_size, origin_offset)
 
 
 func get_bullet_scene() -> PackedScene:
     return weapon_data.bullet_scene if weapon_data else null
 
+
 func get_weapon_resource() -> Resource:
     return weapon_data
 
+
 func select_weapon_by_name(weapon_name: String) -> bool:
     for i in range(available_weapons.size()):
-        if available_weapons[i].shot_name == weapon_name:
-            _current_weapon_index = i
-            weapon_data = available_weapons[i]
+        var candidate: WeaponShot = available_weapons[i]
+        if candidate != null and candidate.shot_name == weapon_name:
+            _cycled_weapon = candidate  # override additive behavior
             print("Switched to: ", weapon_name)
-
-            _emit_weapon_changed()
             _trigger_change_flash()
             return true
     return false
@@ -49,14 +194,36 @@ func _trigger_change_flash() -> void:
         effects_component.apply_effect(weapon_change_flash)
 
 
-
-func cycle_weapon() -> void: # Used for testing weapon cycling
+func cycle_weapon() -> void:  # Used for testing weapon cycling
     if available_weapons.is_empty():
         return
 
     _current_weapon_index = (_current_weapon_index + 1) % available_weapons.size()
-    weapon_data = available_weapons[_current_weapon_index]
-    print("Switched to: ", weapon_data.shot_name)
+    var new_weapon: WeaponShot = available_weapons[_current_weapon_index]
+    if new_weapon == null:
+        return
+    print("Switched to: ", new_weapon.shot_name)
 
+    # Remove the previous weapon from the active set before engaging the next.
+    # Clearing _cycled_weapon forces get_active_weapons() to evaluate the
+    # additive state (which temporarily re-includes the old weapon). Then
+    # re-setting _cycled_weapon to the new weapon re-establishes the cycle
+    # override. This two-step process ensures the old weapon is fully removed
+    # from the active set and its power level doesn't leak into the new cycle.
+    _cycled_weapon = null                  # 1) Remove previous weapon
+    _cycled_weapon = new_weapon            # 2) Engage next weapon
+    _current_power_level = new_weapon.power_level
+
+    # Update weapon_data to reflect the cycled weapon directly,
+    # so _emit_weapon_changed() reports the correct name and origin.
+    weapon_data = new_weapon
+    _emit_weapon_changed()
+    _trigger_change_flash()
+
+
+func reset_weapon_cycle() -> void:
+    # Restore normal additive behavior after cycling.
+    _cycled_weapon = null
+    _update_data_from_active_weapons()
     _emit_weapon_changed()
     _trigger_change_flash()
diff --git a/scripts/weapon_shot.gd b/scripts/weapon_shot.gd
index 8abc83d..fb6ecdc 100644
--- a/scripts/weapon_shot.gd
+++ b/scripts/weapon_shot.gd
@@ -11,6 +11,9 @@ extends Resource
 # PackedScene reference to the bullet / projectile scene instantiated on fire.
 @export var bullet_scene: PackedScene
 
+# Icon used when this weapon appears as a powerup pickup on the field.
+@export var pickup_icon: Texture2D
+
 
 @export_subgroup("Launch")
 
@@ -82,3 +85,20 @@ extends Resource
 
 # Array of projectile groups defining layered, multi-directional fire patterns.
 @export var groups: Array[WeaponProjectileGroup] = []
+
+
+@export_subgroup("Power & Composition")
+
+
+# The power level at which this weapon becomes active.
+# Weapons with power_level <= current power level are considered active.
+@export_range(0, 20, 1) var power_level: int = 0
+
+# If true, collecting this weapon removes any existing weapon whose
+# power_level matches this weapon's power_level. Use this instead of
+# force_replace_all for rank-up replacements (e.g. stock → tri → spread).
+@export var replaces_at_same_level: bool = false
+
+# If true, this weapon replaces ALL active weapons (ignores power_level).
+# Used for rank-based transformations where the entire arsenal changes.
+@export var force_replace_all: bool = false