Marathon's biggest gameplay experiment yet replaces PvP firefights with roguelite vault raids and permanent progression.

Marathon's first dedicated PvE experiment has arrived. Launching alongside Update 1.1.5, Vault Breaker sends Runners into the Cryo Archive for a roguelite extraction experience where the only enemies are the UESC, not rival crews.

Alongside the update, Bungie released a new gameplay overview trailer offering players their first detailed look at the limited-time mode, showcasing everything from solving vault puzzles and upgrading Sponsored Kits to battling the mysterious Compiler. 

Available from 21 July until 4 August, Vault Breaker rewards players with permanent Sponsored Kit upgrades, exclusive cosmetics, and new gear for the main game, while also serving as Bungie's biggest test ahead of Marathon's full PvE mode planned for Season 3.

Bungie detailed the new mode, its progression systems, and the rest of Update 1.1.5 in its latest Mid-Season Update blog post.

Marathon

Release date: 5 March, 2026

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (via Steam)

Developer: Bungie

What is Vault Breaker in Marathon?

Vault Breaker is Marathon's first experimental PvE mode, taking place entirely inside the Cryo Archive. Players can queue solo, as a duo or in a trio, with no enemy Runners appearing during matches.

Instead, each run focuses on battling UESC forces while breaking into a chain of increasingly difficult vaults. Bungie describes Vault Breakers as Runners who "utilize hit-and-run tactics to master the secrets of the Marathon's Cryo Archive," targeting vaults in search of valuable loot while pushing deeper into the deck.

The mode begins with players collecting either Cryo Key 01 or Cryo Key 02 before fighting through UESC-controlled sectors to locate a vault. Once inside, players must decipher strange symbols on the walls to identify the correct terminal and unlock the vault's rewards.

Every successful vault awards valuable resources, but players can choose whether to extract immediately or continue searching for additional vaults. The deeper they go, the tougher the encounters become, while the countdown clock leaves little room for mistakes. Those who survive long enough may even encounter the mysterious Compiler waiting in the depths of the Cryo Archive.

When will Marathon Vault Breaker be available?

Marathon Vault Breaker launches with Update 1.1.5 on 21 July and will remain available until 4 August.

The mode is available to all players regardless of Runner Level, meaning that anyone can jump into Marathon's first PvE experience from day one. Bungie says Vault Breaker is intended to test ideas for future PvE content, saying their blog post that they were "excited for you [the players] all to jump in and check it out, and we can't wait to gather up all of your feedback and data as we continue to work towards our full PvE mode, arriving in Season 3."

How Marathon Vault Breaker progression works

Unlike Marathon's standard extraction matches, equipment found during Vault Breaker cannot be brought out of the Cryo Archive. Instead, the mode revolves around earning Vault Data, an event-exclusive currency that powers progression throughout the event.

Tier 1 Vault Data can be recovered from vaults after a successful extraction, while defeating a UESC Commander also grants Tier 1 currency once the run ends, regardless of whether players escape. Tier 2 Vault Data is harder to earn, requiring crews to solve consecutive vaults during the same run before successfully extracting.

Vault Data can then be spent in the Vault Breaker Armory, where players can upgrade their Sponsored Kit or purchase weapons, equipment, Cryo Key Templates and Prestige gear for use in Marathon's regular modes. Some of the Armory's highest-tier rewards are available in limited weekly quantities, while Prestige items can only be claimed once throughout the event.

Marathon Vault Breaker Sponsored Kits explained

Every player receives a free Sponsored Kit to access Vault Breaker. Initially, the kit provides only basic weapons, equipment and consumables, but every successful run unlocks additional upgrade paths using Vault Data.

Players can choose how they want to progress, whether by improving weapon quality, increasing survivability or unlocking a broader selection of implants and cores. Bungie also confirmed that Cradle and Faction upgrades remain active during the event, giving players even more ways to customise their builds.

Unlike traditional extraction runs, these Sponsored Kit upgrades persist between matches, forming the roguelite progression system at the heart of Marathon Vault Breaker.

Marathon Vault Breaker queues and rewards

Marathon Vault Breaker supports Solo, Duo and Trio play. Players looking for an extra challenge can enter the dedicated Solo queue, while Duos and Trios are available through both matchmaking and pre-made crews.

Completing the event also unlocks four exclusive Codex challenges that reward Vault Breaker-themed cosmetics, including the Opposition Marker profile emblem, UESC Command profile background, UESC Bulwark Circuit Breaker weapon style, and a UESC Control weapon charm.

Marathon Update 1.1.5 adds more than Vault Breaker

Vault Breaker may be the headline feature of Update 1.1.5, but Bungie has also introduced several notable sandbox changes.

The WSTR Combat Shotgun has been reworked, restoring its two-shot potential at close range while reducing its effective range and increasing pellet spread. The D54 Battle Pistol has also been toned down, requiring additional precision bursts to eliminate opponents.

Players will also be limited to carrying a combined total of two Bubble Shields and grenades when entering a match, a change Bungie says is intended to reduce explosive spam and the dominance of Bubble Shields during engagements.

Elsewhere, implant icons have been updated for improved readability, while the Cradle Evolution system now allows fully upgraded Cradles to reset in exchange for additional maximum Energy and exclusive cosmetic rewards.

Vault Breaker gives Marathon players a chance to experience the game's first dedicated PvE mode, while helping Bungie shape the larger PvE experience planned for Season 3. Until the event ends on 4 August, Runners can continue upgrading their Sponsored Kits, collecting exclusive rewards, and testing how far they can push into the Cryo Archive.