Marathon's PvE Only Vault Breaker Mode changes the extraction rules

After teasing a dedicated PvE-only game mode Marathon ahead of the launch of Season 2, Bungie has officially revealed details about Vault Breaker, along with when players can finally try it out. It's an uncertain time for Bungie, as its long-running live service game, Fate 2ends, leaves Marathon as a new bread winner for the studio. Unfortunately, Marathon has yet to find its footing and Bungie is trying new things to attract a larger crowd of players.

Although MarathonWhile the re-reveal earlier this year seemed to get players excited, the launch numbers weren't sustainable as player numbers seemingly dwindled in the weeks and months that followed. As such, Bungie is trying to be a bit more creative with the game, not only responding very quickly to fan feedback, but also adding experimental playlists. Marathonnew content to watch and constant quality of life improvements to keep players happy. Season 2 might be the biggest change yet, as Bungie is now trying to attract more players by introducing PvE-style modes.

Marathon's next game isn't as obvious as it seems

While Marathon still struggles to find a strong player base, a drastic change in direction may be the key to Bungie's survival.

Marathon reveals details about Vault Breaker

As a component MarathonAt the Season 2 reveal, Bungie confirmed that two new PvE modes will be coming to the game. At launch, players were able to try out the experimental Sponsored Survival mode, which had a single crew infiltrating the Night Marsh map, with solo Rook players being added over time to add some tension to NPC enemies. Later in Season 2, however, Bungie promised a dedicated PvE-only playlist, and with the upcoming mid-season update, Bungie has given fans a deeper dive into how the mode will play.

Who is that character?

Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.

Who is that character?

Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.

Easy (7.5s) Medium (5.0s) Hard (2.5s) Permadeath (2.5s)

Players, known as Vault Breaker, will explore MarathonThe final Cryo Archive update when the mid-season update arrives on July 21st. Open to full crews, duos, or even solo players, they will have a series of vaults that get progressively harder over time. However, this mode also seemingly changes the rules of the game, as not only does Vault Breaker have its own unique progression system, but players will only be able to queue through a special sponsored set.

Additionally, none of the items and loot players find can be extracted, a massive departure from Marathon's core rules. Instead, players take home a new currency called Vault Data, which can be exchanged for upgrades to the Vault Breaker Sponsored Kit and gear that can be used in other game modes. The change was implemented to allow players to explore the Cryo Archive without “flooding the economy” with low-risk, high-performance loot.

What kind of weapon is that?

Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.

What kind of weapon is that?

Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.

Easy (7.5s) Medium (5.0s) Hard (2.5s) Permadeath (2.5s)

With Marathon struggling to find a large audience, perhaps Vault Breaker is the jolt the game needs. 2nd season Marathon it didn't launch the way many wanted it to, so Bungie is basically trying to catch up again. However, Vault Breaker appears to be just the start of what Bungie has planned for the rest of Season 2, with the post bringing plenty of other quality-of-life changes and new features. The Cradle is also getting some new features, increasing the speed of progression and allowing players to “prestige” once they pump up their stats to get unique cosmetics and one more max energy point.