Not too long ago, Bungie announced that it would be introducing more PVE content into Marathon, a PVPVE extraction shooter that has placed a heavy emphasis on PVP. Now, we know what that content looks like, as Bungie has revealed Vault Breaker, a new experimental PVE mode coming to the game on July 21.
Vault Breaker will let players explore Cryo Archive as a full crew, a duo, or even as a solo player while taking on a progressively challenging series of vaults. However, unlike the main extraction loop, this mode has its own progression system that carries across multiple matches, letting players grow stronger as they push toward the final vault and whatever mysterious entity is waiting inside. Ultimately, letting those who aren’t big fans of PVP to enjoy the game at their own pace.
There is one catch. Vault Breaker does require a special Sponsored Kit to queue up, and any gear or items you find during the run will stay behind once you exfil. The exception is Vault Data, a new currency that can be extracted and used to upgrade Vault Breaker Sponsored Kits, as well as purchase gear that can be used in other modes. I’m not a fan of that, it sounds like a handicap, and I hope this is something Bungie will rethink.
Still, despite the latter, this feels like a smart way for Bungie to let players experience Cryo Archive without flooding the main game economy with high-powered loot from a lower-risk PVE mode. It also gives players who bounced off Marathon’s heavier PVP focus another reason to jump back in.
And honestly, I might be one of those players. If you were someone like me who couldn’t keep up with the daily sessions of Marathon, or got your butt handed to you when trying to reach the endgame content, Vault Breaker sounds like the kind of mode that could pull you back in. With Bungie looking for a win and Marathon still trying to find a wider audience, this could be a step in the right direction.
Marathon is currently playable on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
