diff --git a/core/src/mindustry/type/Weapon.java b/core/src/mindustry/type/Weapon.java
index af6b19b05e..04facbab05 100644
--- a/core/src/mindustry/type/Weapon.java
+++ b/core/src/mindustry/type/Weapon.java
@@ -97,6 +97,8 @@ public class Weapon implements Cloneable{
     public boolean parentizeEffects;
     /** internal value used for alternation - do not change! */
     public int otherSide = -1;
+    /** draw Z offset relative to the default value */
+    public float layerOffset = 0f;
     /** sound used for shooting */
     public Sound shootSound = Sounds.pew;
     /** sound used for weapons that have a delay */
@@ -161,6 +163,10 @@ public class Weapon implements Cloneable{
     }
     
     public void draw(Unit unit, WeaponMount mount){
+        //apply layer offset, roll it back at the end
+        float z = Draw.z();
+        Draw.z(z + layerOffset);
+
         float
         rotation = unit.rotation - 90,
         weaponRotation  = rotation + (rotate ? mount.rotation : 0),
@@ -196,6 +202,8 @@ public class Weapon implements Cloneable{
             Draw.blend();
             Draw.color();
         }
+
+        Draw.z(z);
     }
 
     public void update(Unit unit, WeaponMount mount){