MARATHON VAULT BREAKER
Dates, Vault Data, and how the mode works.
Marathon's first experimental PvE mode: a roguelite run through progressively tougher Vaults inside Cryo Archive, played Solo, Duo, or Trio at any Runner Level. Runs July 21 to August 4, 2026 with Update 1.1.5.
At a Glance
Vault Data
Vault Data is the mode’s currency and the main thing you carry out. It comes in two tiers, and they are earned differently.
- Solving Vaults — you must exfil to keep it.
- Killing a UESC Commander — credited after the run whether or not you exfil.
Solving consecutive Vaults in a single run, then exfilling. That is the only way to earn it.
The UESC Commander is the source most coverage misses. Because it pays out even on a failed run, it is the one way to leave a bad run with something.
What Leaves With You
Items and gear you find during a run do not exfil with you. The only things that leave the mode are event currency and designated event rewards.
The Sponsored Kit
You do not bring your own loadout. Vault Breaker gives you a free Sponsored Kit from the Vault Breaker Armory tab in the Events section, and you build it up with Vault Data.
- Weapon quality
- Survivability
- Implants and cores
Kit upgrades persist across runs. Cradle and Faction upgrades are enabled inside the mode.
The Vault Breaker Armory
- Tier 1 items: 3× or 5× per week, depending on the item.
- Tier 2 items: 1× per week — or convert to Tier 1 and buy 5× per week.
- Prestige Weapons: one of each, per event.
Codex & What Comes Next
Four Codex challenges run with the event, rewarding cosmetics.
Bungie frames Vault Breaker as a test ahead of a full PvE offering in Season 3, which arrives September 22, 2026.
FAQ
When does Marathon Vault Breaker start?
Vault Breaker runs from July 21 to August 4, 2026. It arrives with Update 1.1.5 and is a limited-time event.
How do you get Vault Data in Vault Breaker?
Tier 1 Vault Data comes from two sources: solving Vaults (you must exfil to keep it) and killing a UESC Commander (credited after the run whether or not you exfil). Tier 2 Vault Data comes only from solving consecutive Vaults in a single run and then exfilling.
Does gear carry out of Vault Breaker?
No. Items and gear found during a run do not exfil with you. Only event currency and designated event rewards leave the mode.
Is there a Runner Level requirement for Vault Breaker?
No. Vault Breaker is open at any Runner Level, and can be played Solo, Duo, or Trio, either matchmade or as a premade group.
Sourced from Bungie’s Marathon Mid-Season 2 Update Preview, published 2026-07-16. Facts last checked against the source on 2026-07-16. Vault Breaker is a limited-time event; details may change when the mode goes live.