Marathon Sets PvE Mode Release Date and Season 3 Start for September 2026

Marathon has announced the release date for its upcoming PvE mode, Vault Breaker, along with the start of Season 3. The new "experimental" PvE mode launches on July 21st as part of the next mid-season update. In Vault Breaker, players can enter the Cryo Archive—the map used for the game's endgame raid-like content—to tackle a series of challenging vaults. Players can go solo or team up with allies, and a unique progression system allows them to grow stronger before attempting the final vault. Bungie noted that Vault Breaker requires a special Sponsored Kit to queue up, and any gear or items found are left behind upon extraction, except for Vault Data. This new currency, found within vaults, can be exchanged for upgrades to Sponsored Kits and gear usable in other modes, letting players experience Cryo Archive without flooding the economy with low-risk, high-power Cryo loot. The update also introduces the first iteration of the Cradle Evolution system, which lets players reset a maxed-out Cradle to zero in exchange for one additional maximum Energy point and unique cosmetics. Quality-of-life improvements, such as tuning changes and player profile stats, will also be included. Although Season 2 just started, Bungie has already set Season 3 to begin on September 22nd, bringing new content and changes to the extraction shooter. This news comes as Bungie tries to win over players who haven't tried Marathon or were put off by it. The game has struggled with player retention and attraction, prompting major changes. There's hope that offering more than just PvP extraction content could attract a wider audience, but so far, the trend hasn't shifted. A free trial at the start of Season 2 didn't significantly boost numbers, and it remains to be seen if future updates can turn things around.