Bungie has provided new details on Marathon's upcoming "experimental" PvE mode, dubbed Vault Breaker. The mode will initially launch as a limited-time event, available for just two weeks starting July 21 and concluding on August 4. A full rollout is planned for Season 3, which begins September 22, though the exact launch date for the permanent version remains unconfirmed.
Vault Breaker is described as a roguelite PvE experience set within the Cryo Archive. Players will enter the mode using unique Sponsored Kits, and unlike traditional extraction gameplay, any loot gathered will be left behind. Instead, progression will be tied to a new in-game currency called Vault Data, used to upgrade equipment.
Two tiers of Vault Data will be available. Tier One Vault Data can be found within vaults and must be successfully extracted to be collected. It is also awarded for defeating a UESC Commander, regardless of extraction success. Tier Two Vault Data is earned exclusively by solving consecutive vaults within a single run and then extracting. Bungie notes that acquiring Tier Two Vault Data will be particularly challenging for solo players, though the mode can also be played in duos or trios.
In addition to Vault Data, a weekly rotation of Vault Data items will be offered, alongside a daily deluxe weapon, Prestige weapons, and other items. However, these items purchased with Vault Data are intended for use in standard Marathon modes and will not be accessible within Vault Breaker itself, which restricts players to their Sponsored Kits.
Bungie explained that Sponsored Kits begin in a weakened state, offering only a single standard weapon, a small amount of equipment, and consumables. As players accumulate Vault Data, various upgrade paths become available. These upgrades can focus on improving weapon quality, enhancing survivability, or diversifying implants and cores, allowing for player choice in their build.
This phased approach to Vault Breaker mirrors Bungie's earlier experimentation with its "PvP-lite" Sponsored Survival mode, which ran as a week-long event in June. Despite the experimental nature, some found the mode so compelling that they suggested it should become a permanent fixture. With Marathon being Bungie's primary focus following shifts within the studio and the performance of Destiny 2, the introduction of a PvE mode tailored for players who appreciate the game's aesthetic but not the extraction grind could prove to be a strategic move. Vault Breaker's limited availability aims to gather player feedback before its wider release.