diff --git a/graphics/spread.png b/graphics/spread.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a45b2ec
Binary files /dev/null and b/graphics/spread.png differ
diff --git a/graphics/spread.png.import b/graphics/spread.png.import
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..24193a1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/graphics/spread.png.import
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+[remap]
+
+importer="texture"
+type="CompressedTexture2D"
+uid="uid://dwc5fjwhqikoo"
+path="res://.godot/imported/spread.png-77a3efff77439dd55f282fc699502b2f.ctex"
+metadata={
+"vram_texture": false
+}
+
+[deps]
+
+source_file="res://graphics/spread.png"
+dest_files=["res://.godot/imported/spread.png-77a3efff77439dd55f282fc699502b2f.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/patterns/fwd.tres b/resources/player_weapon_resources/patterns/fwd.tres
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bba67ae
--- /dev/null
+++ b/resources/player_weapon_resources/patterns/fwd.tres
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+[gd_resource type="Resource" script_class="WeaponProjectileGroup" format=3 uid="uid://tdmd8jq8cm4y"]
+
+[ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://d0ios82vubijg" path="res://scripts/weapon_projectile_group.gd" id="1_mhej7"]
+
+[resource]
+script = ExtResource("1_mhej7")
+pattern_name = "fwd"
+bullet_count = 5
+group_delay = 5.0
+stagger_offset = 2.0
diff --git a/resources/player_weapon_resources/patterns/phallanx.tres b/resources/player_weapon_resources/patterns/phallanx.tres
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a3937f2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/resources/player_weapon_resources/patterns/phallanx.tres
@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+[gd_resource type="Resource" script_class="WeaponProjectileGroup" format=3 uid="uid://ch8qch6lx1mdx"]
+
+[ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://d0ios82vubijg" path="res://scripts/weapon_projectile_group.gd" id="1_m23g4"]
+
+[resource]
+script = ExtResource("1_m23g4")
+spread_angle = 3.0
+angle_offset = 8.0
+horizontal_offset = 20.0
+group_delay = 0.25
+stagger_offset = 0.5
+mirror = true
diff --git a/resources/player_weapon_resources/spread.tres b/resources/player_weapon_resources/spread.tres
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bb4794c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/resources/player_weapon_resources/spread.tres
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+[gd_resource type="Resource" script_class="WeaponShot" format=3 uid="uid://ds53sryglmf27"]
+
+[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"]
+
+[resource]
+script = ExtResource("2_4b7mw")
+shot_name = "spread"
+bullet_scene = ExtResource("1_pn64g")
+damage = 5
+speed = 720
+projectiles = 5
+horizontal_offset = 8.25
+spread_angle = 25.0
+stagger_offset = 0.5
+stagger_animation = true
+metadata/_custom_type_script = "uid://7n1itonn35fm"
diff --git a/resources/player_weapon_resources/stock.tres b/resources/player_weapon_resources/stock.tres
index 184daab..79f8f83 100644
--- a/resources/player_weapon_resources/stock.tres
+++ b/resources/player_weapon_resources/stock.tres
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 [gd_resource type="Resource" script_class="WeaponShot" format=3 uid="uid://b75ae840k03dy"]
 
 [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"]
 
 [resource]
@@ -8,9 +9,7 @@ script = ExtResource("2_ym48c")
 shot_name = "stock"
 bullet_scene = ExtResource("1_lcw6o")
 damage = 2
-speed = 300
-spacing = 25.0
-origin = -15
-horizontal_offset = 10.0
-stagger_offset = 0.35
+speed = 650
+horizontal_offset = 12.0
+stagger_offset = 0.0
 metadata/_custom_type_script = "uid://7n1itonn35fm"
diff --git a/resources/player_weapon_resources/tri.tres b/resources/player_weapon_resources/tri.tres
index b567df8..c16b614 100644
--- a/resources/player_weapon_resources/tri.tres
+++ b/resources/player_weapon_resources/tri.tres
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 [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="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"]
 
 [resource]
@@ -8,11 +9,9 @@ script = ExtResource("2_syw6j")
 shot_name = "tri"
 bullet_scene = ExtResource("1_07hyh")
 damage = 3
-speed = 420
+speed = 700
 projectiles = 3
-spacing = 30.0
-origin = -15
-horizontal_offset = 8.5
-stagger_offset = 0.2
+horizontal_offset = 12.5
+stagger_offset = 0.35
 stagger_animation = true
 metadata/_custom_type_script = "uid://7n1itonn35fm"
diff --git a/resources/player_weapon_resources/vanguard+.tres b/resources/player_weapon_resources/vanguard+.tres
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1e62887
--- /dev/null
+++ b/resources/player_weapon_resources/vanguard+.tres
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+[gd_resource type="Resource" script_class="WeaponShot" format=3 uid="uid://c41aoyka7nfr8"]
+
+[ext_resource type="PackedScene" uid="uid://ddpclu2vdy2ve" path="res://scenes/player_weapons/weapon_stock.tscn" id="1_lqlv8"]
+[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"]
+
+[resource]
+script = ExtResource("3_fh2eq")
+shot_name = "vanguard+"
+bullet_scene = ExtResource("1_lqlv8")
+damage = 5
+speed = 500
+projectiles = 5
+horizontal_offset = 8.25
+stagger_offset = 0.5
+compensate_spawn_geometry = true
+stagger_animation = true
+follow_angle = true
+groups = Array[ExtResource("2_qeb4b")]([ExtResource("3_qeb4b")])
+metadata/_custom_type_script = "uid://7n1itonn35fm"
diff --git a/resources/player_weapon_resources/vanguard.tres b/resources/player_weapon_resources/vanguard.tres
index dcb3580..006c9a5 100644
--- a/resources/player_weapon_resources/vanguard.tres
+++ b/resources/player_weapon_resources/vanguard.tres
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 
 [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"]
 
 [resource]
 script = ExtResource("2_w7xlm")
@@ -10,8 +11,6 @@ bullet_scene = ExtResource("1_hm46f")
 damage = 5
 speed = 500
 projectiles = 5
-spacing = 30.0
-origin = -15
 horizontal_offset = 8.25
 stagger_offset = 0.5
 stagger_animation = true
diff --git a/scenes/EffectComponent.tscn b/scenes/EffectComponent.tscn
index 5152fdf..e00466e 100644
--- a/scenes/EffectComponent.tscn
+++ b/scenes/EffectComponent.tscn
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 [gd_scene format=3 uid="uid://bq3xhbfgkt22l"]
 
-[ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://65d3hbrpm21x" path="res://scripts/effects/effects_component.gd" id="1_ee0kt"]
+[ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://65d3hbrpm21x" path="res://scripts/effects_component.gd" id="1_ee0kt"]
 
 [node name="EffectsComponent" type="Node" unique_id=1393438576]
 script = ExtResource("1_ee0kt")
diff --git a/scenes/player.tscn b/scenes/player.tscn
index a323687..c240cfb 100644
--- a/scenes/player.tscn
+++ b/scenes/player.tscn
@@ -10,9 +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/effects_component.gd" id="12_effcomp"]
+[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"]
 
 [sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_tuyoq"]
 atlas = ExtResource("5_qlg0r")
@@ -149,6 +152,10 @@ player = NodePath("..")
 speed = 200.0
 metadata/_custom_type_script = "uid://c0rikbakpcags"
 
+[node name="WeaponFireHelper" type="Node" parent="." unique_id=623642426]
+unique_name_in_owner = true
+script = ExtResource("15_firehelper")
+
 [node name="ShootComponent" type="Node" parent="." unique_id=623642425]
 unique_name_in_owner = true
 script = ExtResource("6_y4r1p")
@@ -157,7 +164,7 @@ 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")])
+available_weapons = Array[ExtResource("10_d2wvv")]([ExtResource("8_stock"), ExtResource("11_3v2ag"), ExtResource("9_ur7pv"), ExtResource("13_f1ej7"), ExtResource("14_oprun")])
 weapon_change_flash = SubResource("Resource_jej6c")
 metadata/_custom_type_script = "uid://ylmao2ndp22y"
 
diff --git a/scenes/player_weapons/weapon_stock.gd b/scenes/player_weapons/weapon_stock.gd
index d1f5198..95077ca 100644
--- a/scenes/player_weapons/weapon_stock.gd
+++ b/scenes/player_weapons/weapon_stock.gd
@@ -10,6 +10,9 @@ var time_offset: float = 0.5
 # When this bullet should fire (absolute time)
 var fire_time: float = 0.0
 
+# Angle offset for spread shots (in degrees)
+var angle: float = 0.0
+
 # Track if this bullet is currently active in the shot
 var is_active: bool = false
 
@@ -20,8 +23,13 @@ func _process(delta):
     if !is_active and current_time >= fire_time:
         activate()
 
-    # Move the bullet
-    position.y -= shot_data.speed * delta
+    # Move the bullet every frame; stagger controls visibility, not movement
+    var velocity = Vector2.UP.rotated(deg_to_rad(angle)) * shot_data.speed
+    position += velocity * delta
+
+    # Rotate sprite to face travel direction when conditions are met
+    if shot_data.follow_angle and shot_data.projectiles > 2 and shot_data.spread_angle > 0:
+        $AnimatedSprite2D.rotation = deg_to_rad(angle)
 
 func activate():
     is_active = true
diff --git a/scenes/player_weapons/weapon_stock.tscn b/scenes/player_weapons/weapon_stock.tscn
index 9989ab5..4478174 100644
--- a/scenes/player_weapons/weapon_stock.tscn
+++ b/scenes/player_weapons/weapon_stock.tscn
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ animations = [{
 }],
 "loop": 1,
 "name": &"default",
-"speed": 30.0
+"speed": 24.0
 }]
 
 [sub_resource type="RectangleShape2D" id="RectangleShape2D_mvdrj"]
diff --git a/scripts/effects/effects_component.gd b/scripts/effects_component.gd
similarity index 100%
rename from scripts/effects/effects_component.gd
rename to scripts/effects_component.gd
diff --git a/scripts/effects/effects_component.gd.uid b/scripts/effects_component.gd.uid
similarity index 100%
rename from scripts/effects/effects_component.gd.uid
rename to scripts/effects_component.gd.uid
diff --git a/scripts/movement_component.gd b/scripts/movement_component.gd
index 84c9a57..921c2d6 100644
--- a/scripts/movement_component.gd
+++ b/scripts/movement_component.gd
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ func tick(delta: float):
   # Calculate ship to bullet displacement
   player.ship_displacement = player.position.y - player.previous_position.y
   player.travel += abs(weapon_system.speed) * delta + (player.ship_displacement)
-  player.travel = clamp(player.travel, 0, 1.9 * weapon_system.spacing)
+  player.travel = clamp(player.travel, 0, 1.9 * weapon_system.projectile_vertical_spacing)
 
   # Thruster animation in relation to player movement
   if input.x > 0:
diff --git a/scripts/shoot_component.gd b/scripts/shoot_component.gd
index eb6a2a9..bf783c1 100644
--- a/scripts/shoot_component.gd
+++ b/scripts/shoot_component.gd
@@ -2,48 +2,89 @@ class_name ShootComponent extends Node
 
 @onready var weapon_component: Node = %WeaponComponent
 @onready var player = $".."
+@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
-    var total_projectiles = weapon_data.projectiles
 
-    if player.travel > weapon_data.spacing:
+    if player.travel > weapon_data.projectile_vertical_spacing:
+        _shoot_standard(weapon_data, current_time)
+        _shoot_grouped(weapon_data, current_time)
 
-        # Calculate center index for symmetrical staggering
-        var center_index = (total_projectiles - 1) / 2.0
+        # Reset travel after firing to prevent multiple bursts per tap
+        player.travel = 0.0
 
-        if total_projectiles > 0:
-            for b in range(total_projectiles):
-                var bullet := weapon_data.bullet_scene.instantiate() as Area2D
-                get_tree().root.add_child(bullet)
 
-                # Calculate index relative to center (0 = center, -1/+1 = first from center)
-                var index_from_center: float = b - center_index
+func _get_spawn_position(weapon_data: WeaponShot) -> Vector2:
+    # Determine sprite height with a region_rect → texture fallback.
+    var sprite_height: float = 0.0
+    if ship.region_rect.has_area():
+        sprite_height = ship.region_rect.size.y
+    else:
+        sprite_height = ship.texture.get_height()
 
-                # Calculate timing offset for staggered firing
-                var time_offset: float = index_from_center * weapon_data.stagger_offset
+    # Top edge of the sprite in world space, then offset by origin.
+    var top_edge = ship.global_position.y - (sprite_height / 2.0)
+    return Vector2(ship.global_position.x, top_edge + weapon_data.origin)
 
-                # Calculate horizontal offset for this bullet (symmetrical: left=-ve, right=+ve)
-                var bullet_horizontal_offset: float = index_from_center * weapon_data.horizontal_offset
 
-                # Calculate vertical offset from center point (symmetrical vertical spread)
-                var distance_from_center: float = abs(index_from_center)
-                var vertical_offset: float = (distance_from_center * weapon_data.origin * -1) / 2
+# Standard projectile logic (delegates to WeaponFireHelper)
+func _shoot_standard(weapon_data: WeaponShot, current_time: float):
+    var total_projectiles: int = weapon_data.projectiles
 
-                # Final position combines symmetrical horizontal spread with symmetrical vertical spacing
-                bullet.position = player.position + Vector2(bullet_horizontal_offset, weapon_data.origin + (vertical_offset + weapon_data.origin - total_projectiles))
+    if total_projectiles > 0:
+        for b in range(total_projectiles):
+            var bullet := weapon_data.bullet_scene.instantiate() as Area2D
+            get_tree().root.add_child(bullet)
 
-                # Set timing properties on the bullet
-                bullet.time_offset = time_offset
-                bullet.fire_time = current_time + time_offset
+            # 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)
+            bullet.position = props.position
+            bullet.angle = props.angle
+            bullet.time_offset = props.time_offset
+            bullet.fire_time = props.fire_time
 
-                # Set the bullet data
-                bullet.set_weapon_data(weapon_data.bullet_scene, weapon_data)
+            # Set the bullet data
+            bullet.set_weapon_data(weapon_data.bullet_scene, weapon_data)
 
-                # Offset animation playback per projectile if enabled
+            # Offset animation playback per projectile if enabled
+            if weapon_data.stagger_animation:
+                bullet.set_animation_offset(props.animation_offset)
+
+
+# Grouped projectile logic (delegates to WeaponFireHelper)
+func _shoot_grouped(weapon_data: WeaponShot, current_time: float):
+    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)
+            bullet.position = props.position
+            bullet.angle = props.angle
+            bullet.time_offset = props.time_offset
+            bullet.fire_time = props.fire_time
+            bullet.set_weapon_data(weapon_data.bullet_scene, weapon_data)
+            if weapon_data.stagger_animation:
+                bullet.set_animation_offset(props.animation_offset)
+
+            # If mirroring is enabled, fire a mirrored copy
+            if group.mirror:
+                var mirror_bullet := weapon_data.bullet_scene.instantiate() as Area2D
+                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)
+                mirror_bullet.position = mirror_props.position
+                mirror_bullet.angle = mirror_props.angle
+                mirror_bullet.time_offset = mirror_props.time_offset
+                mirror_bullet.fire_time = mirror_props.fire_time
+                mirror_bullet.set_weapon_data(weapon_data.bullet_scene, weapon_data)
                 if weapon_data.stagger_animation:
-                    bullet.set_animation_offset(index_from_center * weapon_data.stagger_offset)
-
-            # Subtract projectile spacing from current Player travel for next shot
-            player.travel -= weapon_data.spacing
+                    mirror_bullet.set_animation_offset(mirror_props.animation_offset)
diff --git a/scripts/weapon_component.gd b/scripts/weapon_component.gd
index ab00c34..1442102 100644
--- a/scripts/weapon_component.gd
+++ b/scripts/weapon_component.gd
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ func _ready() -> void:
 func _emit_weapon_changed() -> void:
     var ship: Sprite2D = get_parent().get_node("Ship")
     var sprite_size = ship.get_rect().size
-    var origin_offset = weapon_data.origin if weapon_data else 0.0
+    var origin_offset: float = weapon_data.origin if weapon_data else 0.0
     EventBus.weapon_changed.emit(weapon_data.shot_name, get_parent(), sprite_size, origin_offset)
 
 
@@ -31,12 +31,12 @@ func get_bullet_scene() -> PackedScene:
 func get_weapon_resource() -> Resource:
     return weapon_data
 
-func select_weapon_by_name(name: String) -> bool:
+func select_weapon_by_name(weapon_name: String) -> bool:
     for i in range(available_weapons.size()):
-        if available_weapons[i].shot_name == name:
+        if available_weapons[i].shot_name == weapon_name:
             _current_weapon_index = i
             weapon_data = available_weapons[i]
-            print("Switched to: ", name)
+            print("Switched to: ", weapon_name)
 
             _emit_weapon_changed()
             _trigger_change_flash()
diff --git a/scripts/weapon_fire_helper.gd b/scripts/weapon_fire_helper.gd
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6da3c5d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/weapon_fire_helper.gd
@@ -0,0 +1,129 @@
+class_name WeaponFireHelper extends Node
+
+
+## Compute bullet properties for a standard shot.
+## Returns a Dictionary with: position, angle, fire_time, time_offset, index_from_center, animation_offset
+func compute_standard_props(weapon_data: WeaponShot, projectile_index: int, spawn_position: Vector2, current_time: float) -> Dictionary:
+	var total_projectiles: int = weapon_data.projectiles
+	var center_index: float = (total_projectiles - 1) / 2.0
+
+	var index_from_center: float = projectile_index - center_index
+
+	# Horizontal offset (symmetrical: left=-ve, right=+ve)
+	var bullet_horizontal_offset: float = index_from_center * weapon_data.horizontal_offset
+
+	# Timing: center-first, pairs outward
+	var time_offset: float = abs(index_from_center) * weapon_data.stagger_offset
+
+	# Angle (only when projectiles >= 3, division-by-zero guard)
+	# Moved before vertical offset to support compensation
+	var bullet_angle: float = 0.0
+	if total_projectiles >= 3:
+		bullet_angle = (index_from_center / center_index) * (weapon_data.spread_angle / 2.0)
+
+	# Vertical spacing creates the ^ (inverted-V) geometry: outer projectiles fire lower
+	# (higher Y values, further from the player) than the center projectile, which sits
+	# higher on screen (lower Y values). This creates a ^ pattern relative to the origin.
+	# When compensate_spawn_geometry is enabled and spread_angle > 0, compute vertical
+	# offsets to align the geometric spread with velocity vectors.
+	var vertical_offset: float
+	if weapon_data.compensate_spawn_geometry and weapon_data.spread_angle > 0 and total_projectiles >= 3:
+		var velocity_angle_rad: float = abs(bullet_angle) * PI / 180.0
+		if index_from_center == 0:
+			# Center bullet in compensated mode: use full projectile_vertical_spacing
+			# so the V-shape stays visually smooth (center = 35, outer ≈ 75)
+			# instead of a broken gap (center = 8.75, outer ≈ 75).
+			vertical_offset = weapon_data.projectile_vertical_spacing
+		elif velocity_angle_rad > 0.1:  # Guard against division by zero for very small angles
+			vertical_offset = abs(bullet_horizontal_offset) / tan(velocity_angle_rad)
+		else:
+			# Very small angle: fall back to full spacing
+			vertical_offset = weapon_data.projectile_vertical_spacing
+	else:
+		vertical_offset = (abs(index_from_center) * weapon_data.projectile_vertical_spacing) / 2.0
+	var position: Vector2 = spawn_position + Vector2(bullet_horizontal_offset, +vertical_offset)
+
+	# Fire time
+	var fire_time: float = current_time + time_offset
+
+	# Animation offset (if staggered animation is enabled)
+	var animation_offset: float = index_from_center * weapon_data.stagger_offset
+
+	return {
+		"position": position,
+		"angle": bullet_angle,
+		"fire_time": fire_time,
+		"time_offset": time_offset,
+		"index_from_center": index_from_center,
+		"animation_offset": animation_offset,
+	}
+
+
+## Compute bullet properties for a grouped shot, with optional mirroring.
+## Returns a Dictionary with: position, angle, fire_time, time_offset, index_from_center, animation_offset
+func compute_grouped_props(group: WeaponProjectileGroup, weapon_data: WeaponShot,
+						   bullet_index: int, spawn_position: Vector2, current_time: float,
+						   mirror: bool = false) -> Dictionary:
+	var center_index: float = (group.bullet_count - 1) / 2.0
+	var index_from_center: float = bullet_index - center_index
+
+	# Horizontal offset: group offset + within-group spread
+	var bullet_horizontal_offset: float = group.horizontal_offset + index_from_center * group.horizontal_spacing
+	if mirror:
+		bullet_horizontal_offset = -bullet_horizontal_offset
+
+	# Base angle: group angle (negated when mirrored) + within-group spread
+	var bullet_angle: float = group.angle_offset
+	if mirror:
+		bullet_angle = -group.angle_offset
+
+	# Symmetrical spread (guard against < 3 bullets)
+	var spread_contribution: float = 0.0
+	if group.bullet_count >= 3:
+		spread_contribution = (index_from_center / center_index) * (group.spread_angle / 2.0)
+		if mirror:
+			bullet_angle -= spread_contribution
+		else:
+			bullet_angle += spread_contribution
+
+	# Vertical spacing creates the ^ (inverted-V) geometry: outer projectiles fire lower
+	# (higher Y values, further from the player) than the center projectile, which sits
+	# higher on screen (lower Y values). This creates a ^ pattern relative to the origin.
+	# When compensate_spawn_geometry is enabled and group.spread_angle > 0, compute
+	# vertical offsets to preserve the within-group V-shape independently of
+	# angle_offset, which handles global tilt.
+	#
+	# angle_offset tilts the entire group — mixing it into the compensation formula
+	# breaks the V-shape because the formula assumes velocity vectors converge at the
+	# origin, but with angle_offset > 0 they fan out from an offset line instead.
+	# Solution: calculate compensation using only within-group parameters.
+	var vertical_offset: float
+	if weapon_data.compensate_spawn_geometry and group.spread_angle > 0 and group.bullet_count >= 3 and index_from_center != 0:
+		var within_group_angle: float = abs(spread_contribution)  # exclude angle_offset
+		var within_group_angle_rad: float = within_group_angle * PI / 180.0
+		var within_group_horizontal: float = abs(index_from_center * group.horizontal_spacing)  # exclude group.horizontal_offset
+		if within_group_angle_rad > 0.1:  # Guard against division by zero for very small angles
+			vertical_offset = within_group_horizontal / tan(within_group_angle_rad)
+		else:
+			vertical_offset = (abs(index_from_center) * weapon_data.projectile_vertical_spacing) / 2.0
+	else:
+		vertical_offset = (abs(index_from_center) * weapon_data.projectile_vertical_spacing) / 2.0
+	var position: Vector2 = spawn_position + Vector2(bullet_horizontal_offset, +vertical_offset)
+
+	# Timing: group delay + within-group stagger
+	var time_offset: float = group.group_delay + abs(index_from_center) * group.stagger_offset
+
+	# Fire time
+	var fire_time: float = current_time + time_offset
+
+	# Animation offset (if staggered animation is enabled)
+	var animation_offset: float = index_from_center * weapon_data.stagger_offset
+
+	return {
+		"position": position,
+		"angle": bullet_angle,
+		"fire_time": fire_time,
+		"time_offset": time_offset,
+		"index_from_center": index_from_center,
+		"animation_offset": animation_offset,
+	}
diff --git a/scripts/weapon_fire_helper.gd.uid b/scripts/weapon_fire_helper.gd.uid
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7261b18
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/weapon_fire_helper.gd.uid
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+uid://bpcv2ojtyityc
diff --git a/scripts/weapon_projectile_group.gd b/scripts/weapon_projectile_group.gd
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3e7f6a3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/weapon_projectile_group.gd
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+class_name WeaponProjectileGroup
+extends Resource
+
+@export_category("Identification")
+@export var pattern_name: String = ""
+@export_category("Group Settings")
+@export var bullet_count: int = 3
+# Horizontal distance between bullets in this group
+@export var horizontal_spacing: float = 6.5
+# Total spread angle for bullets in this group (in degrees)
+@export var spread_angle: float = 0.0
+# Angle of the entire group from the shot origin (positive = right/up, negative = left)
+@export var angle_offset: float = 0.0
+# Horizontal offset from the center line (positive = right, negative = left)
+@export var horizontal_offset: float = 0.0
+@export_category("Timing")
+# Time delay for this group's first bullet (relative to shot start)
+@export var group_delay: float = 0.0
+# Stagger delay between bullets within this group
+@export var stagger_offset: float = 0.25
+@export_category("Mirroring")
+# If true, duplicate this group's bullets mirrored across the ship's vertical axis
+@export var mirror: bool = false
diff --git a/scripts/weapon_projectile_group.gd.uid b/scripts/weapon_projectile_group.gd.uid
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..65a3b0d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/weapon_projectile_group.gd.uid
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+uid://d0ios82vubijg
diff --git a/scripts/weapon_shot.gd b/scripts/weapon_shot.gd
index c535924..8abc83d 100644
--- a/scripts/weapon_shot.gd
+++ b/scripts/weapon_shot.gd
@@ -1,23 +1,84 @@
 class_name WeaponShot
 extends Resource
 
-@export_category("Parameters")
+
+@export_group("Weapon")
+
+
+# Human-readable name for reference in UI and logs.
 @export var shot_name: String
-@export var bullet_scene: PackedScene = null
-@export var damage: int = 1
-@export var speed: int = 135
-@export var projectiles: int = 2
-# Vertical spacing between projectiles
-@export var spacing: float = 35
-# Origin offset from center of player
-@export var origin: int = -23
 
-@export_category("Spread")
-# Horizontal distance between projectiles
-@export var horizontal_offset: float = 6.5
-# Time delay per projectile index
-@export var stagger_offset: float = 0.25
+# PackedScene reference to the bullet / projectile scene instantiated on fire.
+@export var bullet_scene: PackedScene
 
-@export_category("Effects")
-# Offset animation playback per projectile index
+
+@export_subgroup("Launch")
+
+
+# Damage dealt by a single projectile instance.
+@export_range(1, 100, 1) var damage: int = 1
+
+# Travel speed of projectiles in pixels per second.
+@export_range(50, 2000, 10) var speed: int = 135
+
+# Number of projectiles fired in a burst pattern.
+@export_range(1, 20, 1) var projectiles: int = 2
+
+
+@export_subgroup("Spawn Geometry")
+
+
+# Vertical spacing between projectiles in a burst (used by WeaponFireHelper to compute the ^ pattern).
+# This parameter has a dual role: spatial (computing the ^ burst geometry) and temporal
+# (serving as the burst-gating threshold in ShootComponent.shoot()). When compensate_spawn_geometry
+# is enabled, this parameter is overridden by geometric compensation for spatial calculations;
+# temporal behavior remains unchanged and continues to use this value.
+@export_range(10, 200, 0.5) var projectile_vertical_spacing: float = 35
+
+# Vertical offset from the top of the player's sprite where bullets spawn.
+# Measured in pixels; negative values fire in front of (above) the ship,
+# positive values fire behind (below) it. The default of -25 places the
+# burst 25 pixels above the sprite's top edge.
+@export_range(-200, 200, 0.5) var origin: float = -25.0
+
+
+@export_subgroup("Spread")
+
+
+# Horizontal distance between adjacent projectiles in a burst.
+@export_range(0, 100, 0.25) var horizontal_offset: float = 6.5
+
+# Total spread angle in degrees (only applied when projectiles >= 3).
+@export_range(0, 360, 0.5) var spread_angle: float = 0.0
+
+# Time delay per projectile index in a burst.
+@export_range(0.01, 5.0, 0.05) var stagger_offset: float = 0.25
+
+# When enabled, adjusts spawn vertical offsets so the geometric line
+# from the center bullet to each outer bullet matches their velocity
+# direction. Eliminates the optical illusion where the spread appears
+# wider than the actual bullet trajectories (e.g. vanguard+). See the
+# Debugging Checklist for the vertical offset pitfall on standard shots.
+## WARNING: This flag uses a trigonometric formula (horizontal_offset / tan(angle)) that evaluates independently-tuned horizontal and spread angles in grouped shots ONLY!
+@export var compensate_spawn_geometry: bool = false
+
+
+@export_subgroup("Timing")
+
+
+# Offset animation playback per projectile index.
 @export var stagger_animation: bool = false
+
+
+@export_subgroup("Effects")
+
+
+# Rotate projectiles to point along their travel direction (requires >2 projectiles and spread_angle > 0).
+@export var follow_angle: bool = false
+
+
+@export_subgroup("Groups")
+
+
+# Array of projectile groups defining layered, multi-directional fire patterns.
+@export var groups: Array[WeaponProjectileGroup] = []