Bungie has released a teaser trailer for Destiny 2’s final expansion, The Final Shape, which will also feature the return of Cayde-6. But what is interesting to note is that the character who was killed off in an earlier expansion, Forsaken, will return with his original voice actor Nathan Fillion, as opposed to Nolan North, who took over the role. The teaser trailer has Ikora talking about how she wished Cayde had been there for their adventures in the last few years, and then we see Cayde himself, still holding his Ace of Spades, but now with some sort of green glow emitting from his eyes, and briefly inside his chassis. It very much seems like this is all taking place through the portal that the Witness cut into the Traveler.
This has left fans wondering about the narrative impact of Cayde’s return on the game, which already struggles with making death matter, given how resurrection works with Guardians and ghosts. Cayde’s death is one of the signature moments of the entire franchise, and now that will be…undone? Maybe, maybe not, as even if he’s back for this expansion, it’s not clear he can return to actual life outside of wherever this strange place is. The teaser has raised more questions than it has answered.
While it’s a shot of nostalgia to see Fillion’s Cayde back, it raises questions about the future timeline of Destiny. Bungie is yet to disclose how they plan to redact Cayde’s death from the narrative, or how they plan to resolve the issue of Guardians and ghosts being frequently revived and resurrected. The upcoming reveal event on August 22, 2023, will likely clear up multiple questions in this regard.
The teaser also raises questions about where the story will take place and the role of Ikora in the narrative. The landscape seems to portray idyllic Earth, which is strange compared to Bungie’s typically alien locales and therefore leaves fans contemplating the motive behind this choice. The Titan who attempted to enter the portal died, so it is unclear how Ikora managed to enter and what sets her apart from other dead Guardians. Additionally, while the teaser suggests that The Final Shape will take place inside the portal, it is uncertain where exactly the crew is ultimately going beyond this point.
Despite the questions raised by the teaser, Bungie’s level of attention to features, nuances, and settings is reassuring. This suggests that the development team has put thought and effort into the upcoming expansion, given that it’s the final instalment in the game’s Light and Darkness saga. It will be interesting to see how the team will bring to life the narrative of The Final Shape, given that it has promised to provide resolution for players since its announcement.
Regardless, fans are excited to experience the final chapter of the Light and Darkness saga. The anticipation built around The Final Shape is because of the originality that Bungie provided in the past and the promise that it will continue to deliver in the future. The teaser trailer has raised the bar for expectations, and the upcoming reveal event on August 22, 2023, will only add fuel to the fire for players who are already curious about what lies ahead for Destiny 2’s final expansion.
