Marathon Vault Breaker Mode adds PvE Vault Raids and new Upgrade System

Published: 18:11, 20 July 2026
Share this story:
Screengrab by AltChar
Marathon Vault Breaker Mode adds PvE Vault Raids and new Upgrade System
Vault Breaker is a PvE seasonal mode running July 21-August 4 where players complete missions against AI enemies in Vault Locations instead of PvP combat

Key Points from the Article

  • Players spawn with Cryo Keys, advance through territories, find Vaults, and solve symbol-matching puzzles on terminals to unlock rewards ranging from Tier 1 Indexes to powerful loot
  • Players can choose to extract after each Vault or continue deeper for more loot, but risk losing progress if time expires
  • Vault Breaker Data earned from Indexes can be spent on persistent Kit upgrades (Enhanced Shield Implant, Vault Credentials) and weapons/equipment that can be extracted for use in other game modes
  • The mode includes Legendary threats like The Compiler and provides a PvE-focused Marathon experience without player-versus-player competition
Vault Breaker is a PvE seasonal mode running July 21-August 4 where players complete missions against AI enemies in Vault Locations instead of PvP combat

Bungie’s Marathon Vault Breaker mode launches July 21 with PvE-only gameplay, Vault raids, Index extraction, and permanent kit upgrades.

Bungie has shared additional details about Marathon’s upcoming seasonal mode, Vault Breaker. Vault Breaker is a PvE focused mode that runs from July 21-August 4. 

Vault Breaker will offer players new missions, AI enemies, and loot. Vault Breaker Tasks Instead of fighting other players during expeditions into the Cryo Archive, Vault Breaker will send you into Vault Locations to defeat the UESC. 

During Vault Breaker runs, players will be tasked with “clearing” Vaults that are filled with AI-controlled enemies. This overview trailer shows players what to expect when taking on Vault Breaker PvE missions. Vault Breaker Gameplay Players will spawn into Vault Breaker missions with the choice of Cryo Key 01 or Cryo Key 02. 

From there, you’ll want to advance through occupied territories and find an actual Vault. Once you find a Vault, you’ll need to solve puzzles based on clues found within the Vault to unlock it. 

Players will need to find a series of weird symbols on the Vault walls that correspond to symbols on terminals inside the Vault. Solve the puzzle by finding the correct terminal for each symbol to unlock the Vault and collect your rewards.

Rewards can range from Tier 1 Indexes to other powerful loot. Players will then be given the option to extract and end the round or continue deeper into the Vaults to find more loot.

 

If you choose to continue, be aware that the clock is still on and you’ll lose your progress should time expire.Players won’t be able to extract any loot they find, but earned Indexes will be turned into Vault Breaker Data. You can spend this data upgrading your Vault Breaker Sponsored Kit. 

Kit upgrades are persistent between runs and allow players to start with an Enhanced Shield Implant, Vault Credentials, and more.Weapons and Equipment purchased with Vault Data can be extracted and used in other game modes. 

There are also Legendary threats like The Compiler waiting for players who venture far enough into the Vaults.Vault Breaker is a new way for players to experience Marathon without needing to worry about other players.


DON'T MISS:

Latest Game News