Destiny 2 has had an open position for Hunter Vanguard since Uldren Sov murdered Cayde-6 in the Forsaken expansion, and it will likely be filled by Crow soon. The now-reincarnated Awoken had previously been the Prince of the Reef and an ambitious spy for his people. While his ego moved him to search for glory and recognition from other Awoken, he fell from grace during the Forsaken storyline in Destiny 2. Though Uldren claimed his intentions were pure and he only wished to find his sister, the Awoken Queen Mara Sov, he was actually being taken advantage of by the Taken Ahamkara, Riven.
After both he and Riven were defeated, Uldren was executed and laid to rest inside the Dreaming City. After only a few days of lying in wake, he was resurrected by the ghost Glint as a light bearer who now goes by Crow. Due to his resurrection, Crow had no memory or knowledge of his life as Uldren Sov, despite the repercussions his actions had within the solar system. As a result, he was often left in solitude and at the will of Destiny’s more morally ambiguous characters. Since then, Crow has redeemed himself not only in the eyes of many fans but also in the eyes of one of Cayde’s best friends and the Vanguard commander, Zavala.
As the Crow Flies
While Crow’s journey has not been easy, his spot and consideration as the most likely candidate for the new Hunter Vanguard has been well earned. Since his resurrection, Crow has lived a life often on the edge of Destiny’s society. Though he actively engages with Eliksni in amicable ways, he also pushes the Vanguard’s priorities forward as much as he can. Crow has worked tirelessly throughout the Season of the Hunt and the Season of the Chosen to secure a future for himself, the Last City, and his new friends to make up for his actions in Forsaken.
Though he gained a controversial mentor in Osiris, the two have proven their ability to bring out the best in each other. Since some believe that Osiris may once again fill his role as the Speaker’s successor, it seems right the Hunter he has selected as a compatriot would become Cayde’s. It would make sense as the game moves forward and fill a gap that has been present since Forsaken released in 2018. Even though his promotion is still speculation, the circumstances that have led Crow to where he is now should be considered by those that do not foster as much belief in the resurrected Awoken prince.
Season of the Hunt
While Season of the Hunt was largely based around Crow’s servitude and outright hostage situation with Spider, it was also a key piece in moving him back into the Light. Though Crow had been selected by Glint, he still lived on the fringes of society in every part of the system, and through his service to Spider, Crow eventually encountered the player and their allies. This leads Crow down a path that shows his dedication and begins to redeem him.
As Season of the Hunt focused on the hunt for Wrathborn, the final hunt made Xivu Arath’s High Celebrant its target. The Hive Knight was tracked and hunted by Crow until he and the Guardian were able to kill it in the Ascendant Plane. Throughout this quest, Crow time and time again chose his duty and the well-being of the future over himself, seeing it all as a worthy sacrifice and ultimate penance for his actions. This ultimately leads to the Guardian saving Crow both from the High Celebrant and Spider as well. In exchange for the completion of the hunt, the Guardian demands Crow's freedom from Spider as payment, and though it was done through somewhat of a loop-hole in Spider’s deal, he allows it.
Season of the Chosen
In the current season of Destiny 2, Crow begins to play scout, spy, and hunter to the Vanguard through the HELM. As a realized member of the team and a confidant of Osiris, he puts his abilities as a Guardian on display. While his cocky and arrogant demeanor remains, his will to go toe-to-toe with legendary Guardians like Lord Saladin makes him one of the most confident personas around. As the storyline for Season of the Chosen continues to play out, Crow’s concern for his fellow Vanguard members is obvious, especially for Commander Zavala.
Each time that Zavala’s life has a notable attempt against it in Season of the Chosen, Crow is there to help save him. While hidden in the shadows of the Tower's garden, Crow watched over Zavala and was able to warn him of Psion assassins before his departure into the night.
Again, as the armistice between the Cabal Empire and the Vanguard was to be signed, Crow acted. By taking a blow meant for Zavala and freeing his ghost, Targe, from a Light cage, Crow protects the Titan Vanguard publicly and in front of potential enemies.
At the end of the skirmish, Zavala reaches a handout to help Crow up, despite that latter's identity has now been revealed to him. The commander offers him a position as an official Guardian and tasks him with hunting down the Psions that acted outside of Empress Caiatl's command and made an attempt on his life. Though Zavala still struggles with the secret kept from him, his acceptance of Crow should not be understated. There will likely be some time before the Vanguard Hunter position is filled, but these events have made it clearer and clearer that Crow will step into the role.
The Witch Queen
With Destiny 2’s roadmap changed by the pandemic and the attention needed for the Witch Queen expansion, a lot could happen in the next year. While Crow’s future role seems obvious, other events can change the way the Vanguard operates as a whole. Cayde’s death was a major alteration to the cast, but Osiris was also able to resurrect his love Saint 14. A lot of the game has become fluid with Guardians now able to wield the Darkness and Eliksni and Cabal being more survivalists than the outright villains they once were.
It should also be of concern that, while some may want Crow to take over as Hunter Vanguard due to his actions in Season of the Chosen, he could receive a similar fate as his predecessor. Crow lives a dangerous life by just being the resurrected Uldren Sov. He and his allies know that not all will welcome him or see him for the new man that he is, and even more concerning is his recent past time of whistling Savathun’s Song.
The Hive's Witch Queen is on Destiny 2’s horizon and Savathun's power should not be laughed at. Mara Sov has acknowledged the Queen and the dire circumstances that will be in tow when she arrives. If players do see Crow become the Hunter Vanguard, his fate might once again be placed between the love Uldren Sov had for his sister and the powerful evil that beings of Darkness like Savathun wield.
Destiny 2 is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.