The Fall of a Legend: What Killed Cayde-6?
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The question of what ultimately led to the demise of Cayde-6, the beloved Exo Hunter Vanguard of Destiny 2, is a complex one involving several factors. While the direct cause of his death was a fatal gunshot wound, understanding the full context requires delving into the events of the Forsaken expansion and the specific weapon used. In short, Cayde-6 was killed by Uldren Sov, who fired Cayde’s own weapon, the Ace of Spades, at him after mortally wounding Cayde’s Ghost, Sundance, with a modified Devourer Bullet from a Scorn launcher. This act was the culmination of a series of events orchestrated by Uldren, fueled by his twisted devotion to his sister, Mara Sov.
The Devastation of Sundance
The first critical blow was not to Cayde himself, but to his Ghost companion, Sundance. Ghosts are integral to the existence of Guardians, providing resurrection capabilities, among other things. Sundance, being a Ghost, could not be killed by conventional means. However, she was struck by a Devourer Bullet, modified to be fired from a Scorn launcher. This was no ordinary projectile; it was specifically designed to disrupt the Light, the very essence of a Ghost’s being, rendering her incapable of revival.
The use of a Devourer Bullet is significant. These bullets are associated with weapons of Sorrow, ancient and malevolent tools that can permanently destroy Light-infused beings. The fact that the Scorn, a corrupted race, were able to utilize such advanced and destructive technology highlights the dark forces at play in the events leading to Cayde-6’s death. It is also heavily implied that the Drifter knew about the weapons of Sorrow and may have had some involvement in the making of the weapon that killed Sundance, adding a layer of intrigue to the tragedy.
The Fall of the Gunslinger
With Sundance destroyed, Cayde-6 was made mortal. Uldren then held him at gunpoint with Cayde’s own weapon, the Ace of Spades. In a final act of defiance, Cayde taunted Uldren with the question, “How’s your sister?”, before being fatally shot in the chest. This sequence of events highlights the calculated nature of Uldren’s actions. He did not simply eliminate a Guardian; he stripped him of his immortality, disarmed him, and then struck the final, deadly blow, all while using his own gun. This was a cold and cruel murder, motivated by a mixture of fanaticism and vengeance.
The death of Cayde-6 was not just a loss for the Destiny universe; it was designed to be a driving force for the players. Bungie intentionally chose to kill him off, despite his popularity, to instill a personal connection to the quest for revenge that drives the narrative of Forsaken. His death was not arbitrary; it was a deliberate choice to elevate the stakes and motivate Guardians to avenge their fallen comrade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Cayde-6 permanently dead?
While Cayde-6 was indeed killed during the introductory story of Forsaken, and could not initially be revived because his Ghost, Sundance, was destroyed, the beloved Exo Hunter is set to return in the next Destiny 2 expansion, The Final Shape. This return is a major surprise, especially given the nature of his initial death.
2. Could Cayde-6 be revived?
Initially, no. With Sundance destroyed, Cayde-6’s connection to the Light was severed, making standard Guardian revival impossible. However, his return in The Final Shape indicates that there may be other methods of resurrection being explored, suggesting a departure from the usual rules regarding Guardian deaths.
3. What weapon killed Cayde-6 directly?
While Sundance was killed by a modified Devourer Bullet, Cayde-6 was killed with his own weapon, the Ace of Spades, which Uldren used to deliver the fatal shot.
4. Will there be a Cayde-7?
No, it is confirmed that there will be no Cayde-7, even with his return in The Final Shape. This implies his return is a unique event, not a standard resurrection, and reinforces the uniqueness of Cayde-6’s character.
5. Was the Drifter involved in Cayde’s death?
It’s implied in the lore that the Drifter knew about weapons of Sorrow and may have had some involvement in the creation of the Devourer Bullet that killed Sundance. This connection suggests that Cayde’s death may have been part of a larger conspiracy, rather than just the actions of Uldren alone.
6. Why couldn’t Cayde be rebooted?
Standard Guardian revivals require a Ghost. Since Sundance was destroyed, Cayde-6’s ability to be brought back through conventional methods was removed. This was a critical plot point that underscored the stakes of the story in Forsaken.
7. Who will voice Cayde-6 in The Final Shape?
Nathan Fillion, the original voice actor for Cayde-6 (known for roles in Firefly and Castle), will return to voice the character in The Final Shape. This is significant as he did not voice Cayde’s limited dialogue in Forsaken.
8. What were Cayde-6’s final words?
Cayde-6’s official final words are: “You tell Zavala and Ikora…the Vanguard…is the best bet… I’ve ever…lost…” This adds to the emotional impact of his death, emphasizing his faith in the Vanguard even in his final moments. However, he does also make a taunt about Uldren’s sister just before the final shot is fired.
9. Who killed Uldren Sov?
It’s implied that the Guardian killed Uldren Sov, though it was never explicitly stated. While both the Guardian and Petra Venj were present, Osiris’ secret transmission, “The Unclaimed Lightbearer”, suggests it was the Guardian that pulled the trigger.
10. Who is Ace to Cayde-6?
Ace was Cayde’s son from before the Collapse. Cayde had only discovered this information through a journal he found when he was first revived by Sundance, making the relationship very important to his character development.
11. Who carried Cayde’s body after his death?
The Guardian carries Cayde’s body back to the Tower, where Ikora Rey held a funeral service for the fallen Hunter Vanguard. This highlights the respect and grief felt by his fellow Guardians.
12. Did Cayde-6 have a pet?
Yes, Cayde-6 had a pet chicken named Colonel, in addition to his Ghost companion Sundance. This adds to his quirky character and hints at his hidden depth and humanity.
13. How long has it been since Cayde-6 died?
Cayde-6 died during the Forsaken expansion, which was released more than five years ago. His unexpected return in The Final Shape is a huge surprise for the Destiny community.
14. Why didn’t Fortnite add Cayde-6?
Bungie and Epic Games may not have added a Cayde-6 skin in Fortnite out of respect for his death, or they may be saving it for a future Destiny–Fortnite collaboration.
15. Is Ana Bray Cayde’s daughter?
No, while Ana Bray is an important character in the Destiny universe, she is not Cayde-6’s daughter. He believed Ace to be his son.