Summary
- Cayde-6's return in Destiny 2's The Final Shape offers fans a reasonable but divisive explanation for his resurrection.
- Crow and Cayde's interactions surrounding his return add depth to their relationship and future story developments.
- The story of Cayde's death, afterlife, and return sheds light on the unexpected twists and character growth in Destiny 2's lore.
The following contains MAJOR spoilers for The Final Shape campaign in Destiny 2.
It has been nearly six years since the release of one of Destiny 2's most beloved expansions to date, Forsaken, which means it has also been that long since the agonizing death of Cayde-6. Before his death, Cayde-6 was the humorous and daring Hunter Vanguard who could make light of just about anything. However, he was much more than his inability to take anything seriously. He was a loyal friend and a bold, albeit recklessly cocky, warrior on the battlefield. All of this is why his death impacted the Destiny 2 community so greatly, but now he has been resurrected in The Final Shape.
Since it was revealed that Cayde-6 would return in The Final Shape, Destiny 2 fans have debated how the story would explain it. As it turns out, there is a fairly reasonable explanation for Cayde's revival, even though it still may not sit well with some. Bits and pieces of Cayde's story are revealed during the early moments of The Final Shape's campaign, but one key conversation between him and Crow tells fans everything they need to know about how Cayde has been resurrected from the dead.
How Cayde-6's Return is Explained in Destiny 2: The Final Shape
Cayde's Return From His Perspective
Shortly after reuniting with Cayde-6 in The Final Shape, he begins explaining his death and resurrection from his own perspective. After Uldren (now Crow) killed Cayde in Forsaken, Cayde ventured into what he referred to as "nothing." He was at peace, so much so that he didn't want to leave. He even felt his Ghost, Sundance, there with him. After that, he felt pain and was pulled out of the nothingness he had become familiar with, only to wake up inside the Pale Heart of the Traveler with no Ghost and no way to use the Light.
To make matters worse, at least from his point of view, he saw Crow, his killer, there waiting for him. This is all revealed in the "Into the Pale Heart" cinematic that premiered at the end of Destiny 2's final season, Season of the Wish. In it, Crow and Cayde are reunited and agree to work together to stop the Witness from enacting the final shape and bringing an end to everything. However, Cayde's experience doesn't tell the whole story or the truth about his resurrection.
Crow Wished Cayde Back From the Dead
The true reason behind Cayde's resurrection is revealed during the "Ascent" mission in The Final Shape's campaign. Cayde and Crow are sitting together on the edge of a snowy cliff when Crow tells Cayde he'd like to speak with him more about how he was brought back from the dead. Cayde assumed the Traveler had brought him back, but Crow said that wasn't the case. He then begins to explain how he got inside the Traveler in the first place — how he wished himself there on an Ahamkara.
Crow emphasized how his decision to travel there on an Ahamkara was born out of a desire to atone for the sins he committed as Uldren, and this thought process is really what fueled Cayde's return. Just before he "took the plunge," as he puts it, he thought about Cayde in the last moments of his life, staring up at Uldren through the barrel of his own weapon. Because of this, Cayde was essentially wished back into existence by Crow himself, making for a bit of irony, as Crow's former self is the one who killed Cayde in the first place.
Cayde's resurrection will likely continue to divide fans, but at least there is a proper explanation for it now. At any rate, it makes for a bit of compelling character and relationship development between Cayde and Crow, likely setting up Destiny 2's future in the process.
Destiny 2
- Released
- August 28, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
Dive into the world of Destiny 2 to explore the mysteries of the solar system and experience responsive first-person shooter combat. Unlock powerful elemental abilities and collect unique gear to customize your Guardian's look and playstyle. Enjoy Destiny 2’s cinematic story, challenging co-op missions, and a variety of PvP modes alone or with friends. Download for free today and write your legend in the stars.
An Immersive Story
You are a Guardian, defender of the Last City of humanity in a solar system under siege by infamous villains. Look to the stars and stand against the darkness. Your legend begins now.
Guardian Classes
Choose from the armored Titan, mystic Warlock, or swift Hunter.
- ESRB
- T For TEEN for Blood, Language, and Violence
- Developer(s)
- Bungie
- Publisher(s)
- Bungie
- Engine
- Tiger Engine
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
- Expansions
- Destiny 2: Forsaken, Destiny 2: Shadowkeep, Destiny 2: Beyond Light, Destiny 2: The Witch Queen, Destiny 2: Lightfall
- Number of Players
- 1-6 (Co-Op)
- Platform(s)
- PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC, Stadia
- Genre(s)
- FPS
- How Long To Beat
- 100+
- Metascore
- 85
- Platforms That Support Crossplay
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S
- PS Plus Availability
- Essential, Extra, & Premium (The Witch Queen)
