With a 24-hour peak total of fewer than 6,000 players on Steam, Bungie’s Marathon isn’t looking too hot, especially in the wake of mass layoffs at the company. Fortunately, the mid-season update is coming on July 21st and introduces the first true PvE mode, Vault Breaker, into the mix. It sees players venturing into the Cryo Archive and facing off against UESC enemies. No other players.
Duos and Trios matchmaking is available alongside the option to go in solo, and in a new preview, Bungie has outlined how the rogue-lite progression works. Upon obtaining Vault Data, you can spend it in the new Vault Breaker Armory tab.
Tier 1 Vault Data can be obtained by killing UESC Commanders and will remain even if you die. But it’s also found in Vaults, which must be exfilled. Furthermore, the real reward, Tier 2 Vault Data, requires looting multiple Vaults in a row and then extracting, which is a tough ask. But succeed, and there are Deluxe weapons, Prestige Weapons, and more to look forward to while the event is on until August 4th.
It also goes towards upgrading your free Sponsored Kit, upgrading it further and offering new paths for improved weaponry, implants, core, and more. Hence, the term “rogue-lite.”
Will it be enough to revive interest in Marathon or draw in new players? Time will tell, so stay tuned when update 1.15 goes live. And lest we forget, Season 3 is on track for September 22nd with a revamped Perimeter and new Runner Shell on the way.
