Bungie has unveiled the latest content and experiences coming to its online first-person shooter (FPS) game, "Marathon," centering on the much-awaited PvE mode.
'Marathon' PvE Mode 'Vault Breaker' Confirmed
Bungie has officially revealed "Vault Breaker," a new experimental PvE mode coming to "Marathon" as part of the game's upcoming mid-season update. The announcement came through a post from the Marathon Development Team on X, which lays out a series of key dates.
"Vault Breaker" is set inside "Cryo Archive," the game's endgame map, and can be played solo, in duos, or as a full crew.
Players will face a progressively challenging series of vaults, growing stronger across multiple matches until they reach the final vault and the mysterious entity waiting inside, with the mode breaking away from the traditional extraction loop "Marathon" is built around.
Rather than carrying loot out after a successful run, players leave nearly everything behind, apart from one exception, the Vault Data, which is a new currency found specifically within the vaults. Players can use this currency to upgrade their Vault Breaker Sponsored Kit, which is also required to queue into the mode in the first place.
Bungie explained its decision to deliver this new mode, claiming that the studio aims to let players experience Cryo Archive without flooding the economy with low-risk, high-power loot.
— Marathon Development Team (@MarathonDevTeam) June 23, 2026
Bungie Unveils Cradle Evolution System
Alongside "Vault Breaker," Bungie confirmed the first iteration of the Cradle Evolution System, which gives an option to players who have already maxed out their Cradle upgrades. Those players will be able to reset their progress back to zero in exchange for an additional maximum energy point and a set of unique cosmetics.
The studio also said Cradle progression speeds are being increased as part of the same update, making it somewhat easier for players working their way back up after resetting.
This system arrives as Bungie continues adjusting "Marathon" based on player feedback since launch. The PvE-focused additions follow earlier efforts like the C.A.R.R.I. Protocol, which was introduced to encourage more cooperative play within a game largely built around player versus player tension.
When to Expect Mid-Season Update
The mid-season update carrying both "Vault Breaker" and the Cradle Evolution System is scheduled to begin on July 21. Bungie also confirmed that Season 3 will follow shortly after, kicking off on September 22.
According to IGN, the next season is expected to bring a notable revamp to Perimeter, introducing major new areas and encounters, along with a new Runner shell, additional weapons and equipment, and other content the studio has not detailed yet.
Bungie said more information on "Vault Breaker" and the rest of the Season 3 plans will be shared as both updates get closer to their live dates, leaving some specifics still under wraps for now.
