Bungie is introducing an experimental PvE roguelite mode to Marathon titled Vault Breaker, launching on July 21 as part of the mid-season 2 update. The mode challenges players to infiltrate heavily guarded Vaults within the Cryo Archive to secure high-value data.
How to Access Vault Breaker
Vault Breaker is available to all players who own the base game of Marathon. You can enter the mode solo, as a duo, or as a full trio. Bungie has implemented a solo queue option for those playing alone, while duos and trios utilize standard matchmaking. There is no minimum Runner level required to participate.
Vault Data Tiers and Rewards
The core of the mode involves collecting Vault Data, which can be spent in the Armory Tab under the Event Section to purchase gear or upgrade your Special Sponsored Kit. Data is split into two categories:
- Tier 1 Vault Data: Found inside Vaults and must be successfully exfilled. You can also earn this by defeating a UESC commander, regardless of your final exfill status.
- Tier 2 Vault Data: Earned by completing consecutive Vaults in a single run followed by a successful exfill.
Players can exchange Tier 1 data for weekly rewards with 3x or 5x availability. Tier 2 data is used for higher-tier, limited-stock rewards (1x per week), or it can be converted into Tier 1 data to increase your weekly reward availability.
Vault Breaker Codex Challenges
Players can earn exclusive cosmetic rewards by completing specific objectives within the mode:
| Title | Challenge | Reward |
|---|---|---|
| Vault Breaker | Play Vault Breaker | Opposition marker (Profile Emblem) |
| Apprentice Vault Breaker | Solve Vault 01 or 02 and exfil | UESC Command (Profile Background) |
| Certified Vault Breaker | Solve Vault 03 or 05 and exfil | UESC Bulwark (Weapon Style) |
| Master Vault Breaker | Solve Vault 7 and exfil | UESC Control (Weapon Charm) |
Be aware that these Vaults are defended by UESC bots and Warden bosses. The event is scheduled to run until August 4, 2026, after which Bungie will evaluate the experimental mode for potential future changes.