Marathon is finally testing dedicated PvE content, but don’t mistake Vault Breaker for the game’s long-term PvE experience. This is a limited-time experimental mode built to gather player feedback before Bungie rolls out its larger PvE plans in Season 3.
Available with Update 1.1.5 from July 21 through August 4, Vault Breaker drops players into the Cryo Archive for a roguelite-inspired challenge where every successful run strengthens future attempts. Progress is built around collecting Vault Data, upgrading a dedicated Sponsored Kit, and deciding just how much risk you’re willing to take before heading for extraction.
Here’s everything you should know before entering Cryo Archive.
Vault Breaker Quick Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Release | Update 1.1.5 (July 21) |
| Event Duration | July 21 – August 4 |
| Mode Type | Experimental PvE event |
| Team Size | Solo, Duo, or Trio |
| Runner Level Requirement | None |
| Location | Cryo Archive |
| Progression | Separate PvE progression |
| Main Currency | Vault Data |
| Gear Extraction | Items found during runs cannot be extracted |
What Is Vault Breaker?
Vault Breaker is Marathon’s first attempt at an isolated PvE experience. Rather than using the standard extraction formula, the mode follows a roguelite structure where players repeatedly enter Cryo Archive, clear increasingly dangerous Vaults, and gradually strengthen a dedicated event loadout.
Unlike regular matches, everyone starts with access to the same free Sponsored Kit, regardless of Runner Level. As you complete successful runs, you’ll earn Vault Data that permanently upgrades your kit for future expeditions.
The developers have been clear that Vault Breaker is an experiment rather than a finished feature. Feedback collected during the event will help shape the much larger PvE mode planned for Season 3, so don’t expect permanent progression. Everything tied to the event resets once it ends.
How Vault Breaker Progression Works
Each run follows a simple but increasingly demanding loop.
- Equip the free Sponsored Kit.
- Enter Cryo Archive alone or with up to two teammates.
- Clear Vaults while fighting UESC forces.
- Collect Vault Data.
- Successfully extract.
- Spend your earnings in the Vault Breaker Armory.
- Repeat with a stronger Sponsored Kit.
Every successful run makes future attempts easier, but reaching deeper Vaults also raises the difficulty. The further you push, the better your potential rewards.
Forget Normal Extraction Rules
Vault Breaker changes one of Marathon’s biggest gameplay expectations.
Any weapons, equipment, or loot you discover during a run stay inside the activity. You cannot extract them into your regular inventory.
That means backpack space is far more valuable for Vault Data and survival supplies than random loot pickups. Bungie hasn’t confirmed whether extracted items are automatically converted into Vault Data afterward, although that possibility would make sense. Until more details arrive, it’s safest to assume your priority is collecting event currency instead of stockpiling gear.
Vault Data Explained
Vault Data powers nearly every form of progression inside Vault Breaker. It’s the currency you’ll spend to strengthen your Sponsored Kit and unlock items in the event Armory.
There are two versions of Vault Data.
| Vault Data | How It’s Earned |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Found inside Vaults and extracted successfully |
| Tier 2 | Awarded for clearing consecutive Vaults during one run and then extracting |
Tier 1 comes with one useful safety net.
Defeating a UESC Commander grants Tier 1 Vault Data after the run even if you fail to extract, making boss kills worthwhile even during unsuccessful attempts.
Tier 2 is much harder to earn. To receive it, you must complete multiple Vaults back-to-back in a single expedition and still make it out alive.
Players chasing faster progression will eventually need to push deeper into Cryo Archive instead of playing conservatively.
Fortunately, even difficult AI opponents aren’t as unpredictable as real players, making careful route planning and efficient time management especially valuable.
The Vault Breaker Armory
Vault Breaker introduces its own dedicated Armory, accessible through the Event section of the Armory menu.
This store operates separately from your regular inventory and progression.
Available purchases include:
- Sponsored Kit upgrades
- Daily rotating Deluxe weapons
- Cryo Key Templates
- Prestige Weapons
There’s one important limitation.
Items purchased from Weekly Offers or Limited Offers only carry over into standard Marathon gameplay. They do not improve your Vault Breaker loadout.
Only Sponsored Kit upgrades strengthen your performance inside the event itself.
Weekly Purchase Limits
Not everything in the Armory can be bought endlessly.
Tier 1 Vault Data purchases generally have weekly stock limits of 3 or 5 copies, depending on the item.
Tier 2 rewards are even more restricted, usually allowing only one purchase per week.
Players can also convert Tier 2 Vault Data into Tier 1 currency, although those exchanges are limited each week.
The Armory also features Limited Offers containing Prestige gear, with only one of each item available during the event.
Sponsored Kit Upgrades
Every player begins Vault Breaker with the same free Sponsored Kit.
It’s intentionally basic, providing:
- One standard weapon
- A small supply of equipment
- Basic consumables
Your first objective isn’t clearing every Vault—it’s surviving long enough to bring home Vault Data.
Once you start upgrading the Sponsored Kit, you’ll gradually unlock stronger equipment through several upgrade paths:
- Better weapon quality
- Increased survivability
- Additional implants
- Extra cores
Outside progression still matters, too. Cradle upgrades and Faction progression remain active during the event, giving experienced players a noticeable advantage.
One open question remains, though. Bungie hasn’t explained what incentive players will have once every Sponsored Kit upgrade has been unlocked.
Vault Breaker Cosmetic Rewards
Vault Breaker includes four exclusive Codex challenges that award cosmetics unavailable through normal gameplay.
| Challenge Reward | Cosmetic |
|---|---|
| Profile Emblem | Opposition Marker |
| Profile Background | UESC Command |
| Weapon Style | Circuit Breaker – UESC Bulwark |
| Weapon Charm | UESC Control |
Since Vault Breaker is only available for a limited time, these cosmetics may become unobtainable after the event ends unless Bungie decides to bring them back alongside the full Season 3 PvE mode.
If you’re interested in exclusive collectibles, this is one event you probably don’t want to skip.
Best Strategy for Vault Breaker
The mode is still brand new, so there isn’t a fully established meta yet. Based on Bungie’s confirmed mechanics and extensive Marathon experience, this approach offers a strong starting point.
Learn Before You Invest
Spend your first few runs exploring Cryo Archive and understanding Vault locations instead of immediately upgrading your Sponsored Kit.
Map knowledge will pay off far more than small early stat increases.
Make Vault Data Your Priority
Since ordinary loot can’t be extracted, Vault Data should always take precedence.
Every successful extraction speeds up your long-term progression.
Upgrade Once You’re Comfortable
After learning enemy locations and common routes, begin investing in Sponsored Kit improvements.
Better weapons and survivability make deeper Vault chains much more manageable.
Bring Teammates
Solo play is possible, but it’s considerably less forgiving.
Running with a duo or full trio dramatically improves your chances of surviving difficult encounters. Unless you’re planning to rely entirely on Assassin’s mobility, having teammates is one of the safest ways to progress consistently.
Don’t Rush Into Deep Vaults
The deepest sections of Cryo Archive offer the biggest rewards—but also the toughest enemies.
Wait until your Sponsored Kit has received meaningful upgrades before pushing for higher-tier Vault chains.
Final Thoughts
Vault Breaker isn’t the permanent PvE experience many Marathon players have been waiting for, but it offers a promising preview of Bungie’s direction. Separate progression, roguelite-style upgrades, dedicated event rewards, and repeatable PvE runs give players something very different from the standard extraction formula.
Whether the experiment succeeds will likely influence what Season 3 eventually delivers. Until then, focus on learning Cryo Archive, collect as much Vault Data as possible, strengthen your Sponsored Kit, and only start chasing the deepest Vaults once your upgrades can keep up with the danger.