Marathon Mid-Season Update Adds Vault Breaker PvE Mode on July 21
Bungie has confirmed plans for the upcoming mid-season update for Marathon, headlined by the introduction of an experimental PvE mode called Vault Breaker. Arriving on July 21, the update aims to provide a fresh way to engage with the game’s mechanics away from the competitive pressure of standard play.
Exploring the Cryo Archive
Vault Breaker will transport players to the Cryo Archive map, where the goal is to plunder various vaults. Bungie has designed the mode to support solo play, duos, or full crews, specifically removing the threat of encountering other players during the run. The vaults themselves are described as progressively challenging, leading players toward a final vault and an encounter with a mysterious entity.
To participate, players will need to acquire a special Sponsored Kit. There is a catch regarding loot: to ensure the mode does not disrupt the balance of high-end gear in other parts of the game, players are required to leave behind any equipment they scavenge from the vaults before exiting.
However, players will still be rewarded for their efforts. The mode introduces a new currency called Vault Data. This currency can be extracted from the Cryo Archive and used to upgrade your Sponsored Kits or to purchase gear that remains usable in other game modes.
Cradle Evolution and Future Updates
The July update also marks the first iteration of the Cradle Evolution system. This allows players to apply persistent character improvements that carry over between runs. Once a player maximizes their Cradle, they will have the option to reset it to zero, earning an additional maximum Energy point and access to unique cosmetics. Bungie noted that while these cosmetics will arrive later in the season, players can earn them ahead of their official debut. Additionally, the update will increase the overall progression speed of the Cradle.
Looking beyond the mid-season patch, Bungie has already set the stage for Season 3, which is slated to begin on September 22. The developer noted that Season 3 will focus on significant changes to the early game experience, alongside the addition of new weapons, equipment, and a fresh Runner shell.
These changes follow a broader effort by Bungie to expand the appeal of Marathon during its second season, including a brief free-to-play trial earlier this month. As the studio shifts its focus, the game continues to operate in a competitive landscape, with recent reports indicating higher concurrent player counts for the final update of Destiny 2.