In Destiny 2 there are many characters in the space shooter universe that drive and influence the story. Therefore, it is especially important for new Guardians to look into the past so that they can see the connections in the story. We will show you which characters everyone should know in the Destiny universe.
Where do the characters come from? These are a mix of Destiny 1 & 2 characters who have significance in the story and in the universe of the Guardians. It also involves antagonists you may have encountered over the years, who are now deeply woven into the plotlines of the space shooter.
5 important characters every Guardian should know
We will list 5 important characters for you, show you how important they are in Destiny, and most importantly, what fate they currently bear.
Oryx
Who is Oryx? Oryx belongs to the notorious three Hive sisters, who have taken many lives. In the Destiny 1 “The Taken King” expansion, Oryx was the main antagonist, whom even Mara Sov, the Awoken Queen had no chance against.
After the death of Hive Prince and son “Crota”, Oryx ventured into the Sol system to deal with the Guardians and the Traveler once and for all.
How important is Oryx in the Destiny universe? Oryx plays a significant role in the entire Destiny universe, as he is the reason for the enemy race “Taken”. Oryx confronted Akka, the divine Hive worm, to gain this ability to convert something into the Taken. Although Guardians brought the massive Hive God to his knees, Taken still roam the solar system.
Through him, the Guardians became aware that further dangers would come for the Last City. In the latest DLC “Witch Queen”, the Guardians faced Savathûn, the second sister of the Hive trio. Soon the War Goddess “Xivu Arath” should be up to confront the Guardians. Her forces are allied with the Darkness and thus already part of the current story.
What is Oryx doing now? In the Destiny 1 raid “King’s Fall”, the Guardians were able to fight through the Dreadnaught of the Taken King to confront him.
Since his ship was a mobile Ascendant realm, the Guardians defeated him once and for all without return. Now the dead and crystallized king floats around Saturn until the end of time.
Rasputin
Who is Rasputin? Rasputin is a Russian-speaking AI with an unpredictable drive to destroy anything that can harm humanity. Rasputin was built and developed by Bray-Tec in the Golden Age to detect threats to humanity early and exterminate them if necessary.
How important is Rasputin in the Destiny universe? Rasputin is deeply woven into the Destiny story. When the Dark Age began, it was Rasputin who took down the righteous Iron Lords with SIVA.
Additionally, he allowed the Fallen from the House of Devils to modify themselves with SIVA. In Destiny 2, the Guardians had to help the Warmind on Mars as a Hive threat approached to destroy the Warmind.
Despite many problems, the Vanguard now sees the AI’s potential and wants to use it as an ally in their fight against the Darkness.
What is Rasputin doing now? Rasputin is currently trapped in an Engram. When in Season of Arrival, Mars was evacuated, Ana Bray took everything from Rasputin that she could.
Now, the ambitious hunter is trying to transfer the AI’s consciousness into an Exo in the Last City. If successful, Rasputin could still be a key figure in the fight against the Darkness.
The Speaker
Who is the Speaker? The Speaker was a fundamental figure in the Destiny universe concerning the understanding of the Light and the relationship between the Traveler and humanity. He spoke to the Guardians and the people, revealing the way of the Light. Where the Traveler could not communicate, the Speaker spread the teachings of Guardian existence. Even though it was not always clear whether he genuinely conveyed the messages from the Traveler or perhaps embellished them.
How important is the Speaker in the Destiny universe? Although new Destiny 2 players may not know about the Speaker, his presence and loss are still felt. He guided the new Guardians through the story in Destiny 1 and showed them with wise advice what the Light and the Traveler stand for.
He influenced many well-known characters like the 14th Cabal, Osiris, and Zavala. Without his existence, Guardians would not interact with the known NPCs they meet in the Tower.
What is the Speaker doing now? The Speaker was captured in the vanilla story of Destiny 2 by the Cabal of the Red Legion. He was tortured by Ghaul, the then leader of the Cabal, to discover how to gain the favor of the Light.
Unfortunately, the Speaker did not survive this brutal procedure and ultimately died from his injuries. A memento, his mask, can be seen by attentive players in Commander Zavala’s office.
Cayde-6
Who is Cayde-6? Cayde is the former Hunter Vanguard of the Last City. He is known for his terrible timing, dry jokes, but also for his cool and laid-back demeanor. He is considered a fan favorite in the Destiny community.
How important is Cayde-6 in the Destiny universe? Cayde played a minor role in Destiny 1. Especially in Destiny 2, he gained more depth and attention, thus quickly positioning himself as one of the most popular characters in the space shooter universe.
With cool and laid-back remarks, the Hunter Vanguard entertained the Guardians during strikes and in the campaign of the Red Legion. The Forsaken DLC was dedicated entirely to him and revolved around avenging Cayde. Even today, many Guardians miss the mouthy Vanguard, and when he died, a significant part of the humor in Destiny also died.
What is Cayde-6 doing now? Cayde was murdered by Uldren Sov, the Awoken Prince. Today’s Guardians only know him as “Crow”.
Despite his death, Cayde remains constantly in the memories of the Guardians. His trademark, the Ace of Spades, was embedded in the Tower’s floor near Zavala, and Bungie left a photo of him in the noodle shop.
Calus
Who is Calus? Calus is the former opulent Emperor of the Cabal. Guardians first found him in the Leviathan Raid in Destiny 2. In his lavish ship, he challenged the Guardians to participate in his games in the circus or the baths for great prizes.
How important is Calus in the Destiny universe? At the beginning of Destiny 2, it was not clear how important Calus would be for the story. However, when the Ghost ship “Glykon” and now the Leviathan appeared in the Sol system, it becomes clear that Calus plays a larger role.
The current trailer for the dungeon “Duality” of Season 17 quickly highlights this:
Obsessively, the Emperor tries to communicate with the Darkness since his discovery in the Void to achieve a higher plane of existence. If you follow the story, it will become clear that Calus has meticulously planned everything since his first encounter with the Guardians. His story is as profound as that of Savathûn in the Destiny universe.
What is Calus doing now? Nobody knows. Guardians wildly speculate whether Calus is hiding in the underbelly of his Leviathan or perhaps merged with the entire ship.
We will have to wait and see if players will discover him at the end of the “Season 17” story and hold him accountable along with Caiatl, his daughter.
These were our top five characters you should know in the Destiny universe. What do you think of our list? Did we forget an important person, and if so, who do you think is the most important that should not be forgotten? Feel free to let us know in the comments what you think!
