Marathon to get its first PvE game mode: ‘Vault Breaker’ next month

While the game saw a relatively solid launch, Bungie’s Marathon has suffered in the months since, with one of its biggest detractors being the fact that the extraction shooter does not offer anything in the way of a PvE experience – making the barrier to entry far higher in some people’s minds. That said, Bungie have promised to bring some level of PvE support to the game, with the first step in this direction set to go live next month in the form of a new ‘Vault Breaker’ mode.

Prior to the launch of Marathon's second Season, the team at Bungie shared their initial plans for the future of the PvP focused extraction shooter, revealing intentions to introduce some form of PvE mode. Taking to their blog, the team at Bungie have now detailed many of the major additions set to be joining Marathon with the launch of Season 2.5 next month.

Going live on the 21st of July, the most notable addition is easily that of their new Vault Breaker mode. Described as an “experimental PVE mode” this upcoming addition will allow players to: “Explore Cryo Archive as a crew, duo, or a solo player, taking on a progressively challenging series of vaults. Grow stronger across multiple matches with progression that’s unique to Vault Breaker, and push towards the final vault and the mysterious entity within.”

Seemingly functioning somewhat as a rogue-like, Bungie explains how “Vault Breaker requires a special Sponsored Kit to queue up, and any gear or items you find stay behind when you exfil.”

That said, players will be able to obtain a currency known as Vault Data which “when extracted, can be exchanged for upgrades to your Vault Breaker Sponsored Kits as well as gear that can be used in other modes.”

Alongside this new mode, Season 2.5 will also bring new updates to Marathon’s Cradle Evolution system – adding a form of prestige while giving players who do so benefits in the form of higher max energy points and some cosmetic rewards.

Last but not least, Bungie confirmed that Season 3 is happening, and will be coming relatively soon, with its 22nd of September launch seeing new additions such as “a revamp of Perimeter”; a new Runner shell; addition weapons, equipment and more.

KitGuru says: What do you think of the current state of Marathon? Does this PvE mode sound enticing? Could Marathon find greater success in the long-run if they continued to embrace PvE? Let us know down below.

Become a Patron!