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The Ace of Spades: Cayde-6’s Signature Exotic Hand Cannon

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The exotic hand cannon most associated with Cayde-6 is undoubtedly the Ace of Spades. This weapon served as his signature firearm throughout his tenure as the Hunter Vanguard in the Destiny universe. A symbol of his personality and combat style, the Ace of Spades holds a special place in the hearts of many Destiny players. It’s more than just a gun; it’s a piece of Cayde-6’s legacy.

The Ace of Spades: A Closer Look

The Ace of Spades has appeared in both Destiny and Destiny 2, each time as an Exotic Hand Cannon. Its lore is deeply intertwined with Cayde-6, acting as a constant reminder of his character, his history, and ultimately, his sacrifice.

Destiny 1: A Hunter’s Reward

In the original Destiny, the Ace of Spades was a Hunter-exclusive exotic obtainable after reaching Rank 3 Gunsmith reputation and completing the quest, “Back in the Saddle.” Although not as deeply connected to Cayde-6’s narrative as it would later become, it was still recognized as a powerful weapon.

Destiny 2: Forsaken and Beyond

The Ace of Spades achieved true iconic status in Destiny 2: Forsaken. Here, it wasn’t just a weapon; it was a central plot device. The gun was built specifically for Cayde-6 by Banshee-44, the Tower’s gunsmith. After Cayde-6’s tragic death at the hands of Uldren Sov, Guardians embarked on a quest to reclaim and master the Ace of Spades, using it as a tool for revenge and as a way to honor Cayde’s memory. The weapon’s perks and lore entries further fleshed out Cayde’s story, revealing details about his past, including his son, “Ace”.

The Weapon’s Abilities and Lore

The Ace of Spades has always boasted impressive stats and unique perks. In Destiny 2, its signature perks included:

Memento Mori: Reloading after a kill grants magazine rounds with extra damage. These rounds also grant radar while aiming down sights.
Firefly: Precision kills increase reload speed and cause the target to explode, dealing Solar damage to nearby enemies.

These abilities combined with the weapon’s sleek design and distinct sound, made the Ace of Spades not only effective in combat but also a joy to use. The flavor text, “Folding was never an option,” perfectly encapsulates Cayde-6’s risk-taking, never-give-up attitude. The Ace of Spades is a potent mix of form and function, style and substance.

Cayde-6: Beyond the Ace of Spades

While the Ace of Spades is undeniably Cayde-6’s most recognizable weapon, he was a capable Guardian with access to a range of abilities and weaponry.

Light Manipulation: As a Gunslinger Hunter, Cayde-6 wielded the power of Solar light. He could create his Golden Gun, deploy Solar trip mines, and throw Solar throwing knives.
Other Subclasses: While primarily known for his Gunslinger abilities, Cayde-6, like all Guardians, could switch between subclasses. He was also known to use Flux Grenades, indicative of the Bladedancer subclass.

Ultimately, the Ace of Spades is more than just a weapon associated with Cayde-6; it is a symbol of his legacy and a crucial piece of Destiny lore. The weapon is a constant reminder of his humor, his bravery, and his sacrifice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Cayde-6 and his iconic weapon, the Ace of Spades:

What exotic hand cannon is most associated with Cayde-6? The Ace of Spades is the exotic hand cannon most associated with Cayde-6. It was his signature weapon.
How did Cayde-6 obtain the Ace of Spades in Destiny 1? In Destiny 1, the Ace of Spades was a Hunter-exclusive exotic obtained by reaching Rank 3 Gunsmith reputation and completing the “Back in the Saddle” quest.
Who built the Ace of Spades for Cayde-6 in Destiny 2? Banshee-44, the Tower’s gunsmith, built the Ace of Spades specifically for Cayde-6.
What are the signature perks of the Ace of Spades in Destiny 2? The signature perks are Memento Mori (reloading after a kill grants magazine rounds with extra damage and radar while aiming down sights) and Firefly (precision kills increase reload speed and cause the target to explode).
Who killed Cayde-6? Uldren Sov, manipulated by Riven, killed Cayde-6 in the Forsaken expansion.
What subclass was Cayde-6 primarily known for? Cayde-6 was primarily known for his use of the Gunslinger subclass, wielding Solar light.
Did Cayde-6 only use Solar abilities? No, Cayde-6, like all Guardians, could switch subclasses. He was also known to use Flux Grenades from the Bladedancer subclass.
What is the significance of the phrase, “Folding was never an option” in relation to Cayde-6? “Folding was never an option” is the Ace of Spades’ flavor text, reflecting Cayde-6’s risk-taking and never-give-up attitude.
Does Cayde-6 have any family? Yes, Cayde’s Letter Fragments in Destiny 2 reveal that he had a wife and a son whom he nicknamed “Ace”.
Is Cayde-6 coming back in Destiny 2? Cayde-6 is shown again and seems to be alive in the trailer for The Final Shape expansion.
What happened to Cayde-6’s Ghost? Cayde-6’s Ghost, Sundance, was destroyed by the Scorn Barons, rendering him permanently dead.
What is Cayde-6’s favorite food? Cayde-6 loves ramen.
Was Cayde-6 always an Exo? No, Cayde-6 was originally human. He was a soldier with a massive amount of debt before becoming an Exo.
Besides Sundance, did Cayde-6 have any other companions? Yes, Cayde-6 kept a pet chicken named Colonel as a companion.
What does the Games Learning Society have to say about the educational elements in video games like Destiny?

The Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org, emphasizes the potential for games to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. Complex narratives and strategic gameplay, as seen in Destiny, offer valuable learning opportunities.

The legacy of Cayde-6 and the Ace of Spades lives on within the Destiny universe, reminding players of the importance of friendship, sacrifice, and never giving up, even when the odds are stacked against you. The Ace of Spades isn’t just a weapon; it’s a legend.