<p>A wobble laser was combined for the first time to weld X80 pipe line material with hot-wire filler metal deposition to improve gap-bridging and control weld metal hardness. Strategies including substrate preheating and root gap opening were implemented to better control the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties. Employing laser beam wobbling with a highly focused beam enhanced gap tolerance during welding. Increasing the root gap to 0.8&#xa0;mm reduced filler metal dilution, which promoted acicular ferrite at the expense of bainite, resulting in a better control of weld metal hardness. Preheating with a temperature of 120&#xa0;°C slowed down the cooling and increased t_8/5 by 57 pct in the fusion zone, promoting ferrite formation and reducing hardness to levels compliant with industry standards for non-sour service pipelines. The ability to control weld metal hardness and achieve overmatched strength demonstrates the potential of this proposed laser welding procedure for broader application in the pipeline industry.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>