Updated
Updated · Rock Paper Shotgun · Jun 23
Marathon Adds Vault Breaker PvE Mode on July 21, Opening Cryo Archive to Solo and Duo Players
Updated
Updated · Rock Paper Shotgun · Jun 23

Marathon Adds Vault Breaker PvE Mode on July 21, Opening Cryo Archive to Solo and Duo Players

3 articles · Updated · Rock Paper Shotgun · Jun 23

Summary

  • July 21 brings Marathon’s experimental Vault Breaker mode, letting solo players, duos or full crews enter the normally hardcore Cryo Archive in a PvE-only format.
  • Vault Breaker runs through progressively harder vaults and uses its own progression loop: players queue with a sponsored kit, lose normal loot on exfil, and keep only Vault Data.
  • Vault Data can upgrade Vault Breaker kits and buy gear for other modes, a system Bungie says preserves Cryo Archive’s economy by avoiding low-risk access to high-power loot.
  • The mid-season 2 update also adds the Cradle Evolution System, which lets maxed-out players reset progression for 1 extra maximum energy point and early cosmetic unlocks.
  • September 22 is set for Season 3, which will revamp Perimeter with major new areas, encounters and gameplay, plus a new Runner shell, weapons and equipment.

Insights

Is Bungie's new PVE mode a smart pivot or a betrayal of its core extraction shooter fans?
As Sony pivots from live-service games, is this new PVE mode for Marathon too little, too late?