Destiny 2 Lore - The Story of Commander Zavala.

In honour of the passing of Lance Reddick, today we're talking about the complete story of Commander Zavala. In both Destiny's main campaign stories and its lore, Zavala has been a pivotal character for the franchise. Whilst his story is not yet completely written, this is what we know as of today.
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[@Tyztube21]

Rest In Peace Lance Reddick, Leader, Fighter, Mentor, Friend. We’ll see you starside one day.😢

[@anotherfriendlyshikikan6960]

Indeed

[@BanditGraves989]

Per audacia ad Astra

[@gfanikf]

We miss you Lance; but you’ll never been forgotten.

[@ringomandingo1015]

Could’ve said “Gone but Not Forgotten”hehe. You think Lance ever got that gun?

[@MukesBoy]

Never ever🎉

[@externalboss9404]

Titans won Guardian Games 2023 for him.

[@Bell_Matt]

It’s a comma that’s needed, not a semi-colon, friend.

[@externalboss9404]

@@Bell_Matt 🤓

[@ryandavie7436]

I still can’t believe he’s gone, the way the community payed tribute to Lance was awesome.

[@DrDingsGaster]

I saw so many pictures of people standing vigil near his NPC at the Tower. Hell, I even stood on and off for the next few days myself whenever I was on.

[@ryandavie7436]

@@DrDingsGaster that’s how I found out Lance passed. Everybody in the tower saluting Zaval 🥹

[@jasonhernandez730]

Should of seen FFXIV tributes to one’s who passed away they stay there for a whole week logged in paying tribute. As Destiny players didn’t even do that most only lasted 2 hours.

[@dionstewart7394]

​@@jasonhernandez730 Length of time does not matter. Paying respects is paying respects. It's not a who's better situation, read the room.

[@jasonhernandez730]

@@dionstewart7394 Agreed just saying to show that we’ve all show how much sheer admiration we have for our lost loved ones and people we appreciate for all they’ve done for. Sorry if it came out the wrong way.

[@Nexuish]

I honestly think the most respectful thing towards Lance is to play out Zavala’s story as intended. Normally I’d be against a recast, but Lance’s work recently with the character was so good. Feels like it’d be a shame to cut it all short. Never forget his contribution, positive attitude, and genuine care for Destiny. Finish the fight.

[@thisgoddamusernamestoodamnlong]

god help the poor soul who's hired to fill those shoes

[@Saltyoldguy-]

They probably already have his voice lines for Final shape. Ending his story here would be a great idea. Or at least recasting him AFTER this saga is over.

[@strider2175]

Recasting is not always a bad thing, when done correctly. Just look at Iroh, from Avatar TLA and Korra. After Mako passed away, his role was taken over by Greg Baldwin, and I'd say he has done a fantastic job as most people's favorite Uncle.

[@Saint_Wolf_]

There are many actors who could make an impression. I mean, at that point thr Vanguard will have become a Theseus' ship, Cayde having been recast for Forsaken, Ikora and now, perhaps, Zavala.

[@mshaman86]

Keith David.

[@naveensensei8220]

Rest in Peace Lance Reddick. Thank you for your contributions to media across all multiple platforms. Thank you❤🙏🏽

[@semihamf1385]

"Whether we wanted it or not, we've stepped into a war with the Cabal on Mars. So let's get to taking out their command, one by one. Valus Ta'aurc. From what I can gather he commands the Siege Dancers from an Imperial Land Tank outside of Rubicon. He's well protected, but with the right team, we can punch through those defenses, take this beast out, and break their grip on Freehold." Rest in power, Commander

[@joshkeegan3009]

Slipping this reference into the video was so clean

[@AnvilJeff]

Byf... Id just like to thank you. As a Titan main, Zavala was the shining example of what it meant to be a guardian. A protector. Im thankful you waited as long as you did to make this video... I couldn't have asked for a better birthday present. Devotion. Bravery. Sacrifice.... *Remembrance.*

[@ithfransuave]

I actually choked up alittle for this one. What a beautiful recap and tribute, Byf. Thank you. And thank you, Lance. We'll see you star side. ✊🏾🙏🏿

[@ryandavie7436]

I still can’t believe it

[@parkeryancey7512]

What an incredible character, and an incredible performance. RIP Lance Reddick, you will be missed. All the love to space dad, and thanks Byf as always for the content.

[@numbskullgaming]

Man, it is so unfortunate Lance had to go so soon. RIP. I only hope Zavala is granted one of the best and most honorable deaths in gaming history. His character alone is certainly one of the best.

[@DrDingsGaster]

Me too, I hope they give him something worthy for an ending.

[@JakeSafetyMan]

He was my commander back in 2014 and still is today. Rest in peace leader of the vanguard❤️

[@HazmattMorningstar]

My man, Destiny was released in 2014.

[@alduin4226]

I feel old now…

[@csvega]

​@Hazmatt it was announced in 2013

[@JakeSafetyMan]

@@HazmattMorningstar oops typo haha ty

[@mrthor8273]

One of my favorite people; both in Zavala and the man behind the iconic voice. You are missed, Lance.

[@jameskarg3240]

*Attention, Salutes* Rest in Peace, Lance. You are sorely missed, but will never be forgotten. Eyes up, Commander

[@andrewbeehler579]

🫡

[@xdarkwing104x]

🫡

[@DarkInferno99]

🫡

[@Jacob-ex9li]

🫡

[@fysy9989]

This is a very dignified way to remember Zavala and Lance, you did a great job, Byf. Made me cry a bit tbh

[@keystep8669]

Same :l It's rare that a celebrity death ever bothers me but I get pretty down feeling when I hear him speaking in game.

[@chazzsoniat7218]

I modeled all three of my guardians after the Vanguard. Role-playing that they were the children of the vanguard. When Cayde past away, my hunter lost his dad. I’ve lost my real father in December and not long after my titan lost his voice actor for his dad. This video made me teary-eyed.

[@ravenbearden6695]

Long Live the Legacy of Lance Reddick. We'll always remember your many roles and your voice

[@EnderAscendant]

This video released so much emotion for me. So much had happened in my life in recent years, but Zavala has remained constant through it all.

[@AndrewOnYoutube]

I still stand by Zavala at the Tower, whenever i'm waiting. Rest in Peace Lance. I got emotions bubbling up. Beautifully written Byf. Thank you

[@saladg]

Thank you for allowing some time to pass before you made this video; genuinely from the bottom of (I hope) everyone's heart. And making the reason very clear. That shows a large sign of respect that you don't usually see alot of these days.

[@MrSaydah]

Beautifully done, Byf. RIP Lance, a true legend.

[@dredgenrur3190]

Man, I knew this would be a sentimental video the moment I saw it on my YT feed, but damn did those final words hit hard. Few things have ever made me cry, this video is one of those. Thank you Byf for making it, and may Lance rest in peace, he left a huge legacy, but he can rest assured we will take care of it. Per audacia ad astra, Lance, and thank you for everything.

[@that_duck_man]

Haven't been this early since the Gardener and Winnower played the flower game. May Lance rest in peace.

[@_Brazen_]

Rest easy, Lance! Us guardians will never forget you.

[@ZephyrKnight76]

Great tribute to lance and zavala. I wish they fleshed out ikoras past more. We don’t know much about her early years.

[@doge5729]

Rest in power Commander. ❤

[@julianarreola3485]

He was a great actor and an even greater commander, may his light find its way.

[@wraithofkah5487]

Hey Byf. I wanted to say thank you for your continued level of respect for Lance, his family and his legacy! Thank you for your depth of concern and your response to us as to why it is now you felt it was time to tell this story. I appreciate all your content, but I appreciate your unrelenting humanity! You are such an awesome fckn guy, Byf! REST IN POWER LANCE! You are missed...you are remebered...you will always be loved!

[@malachairasmussen4591]

This made me tear up. As for Zavala.... It isn't often I find a character I get so attached to. Captain America, Superman and I can say now Zavala has been on the list for me. The Ideal Titan in my eyes.

[@bornofstardust5910]

1:40 "Where's my melee? Where's my melee!? WHERE'S MY MELEE!?"🤣 Very respectable and unselfish to wait to make this video. Your D2 content is some of my (I'm sure lots of other's as well) favorite out there. I hope to see you continue making content as long as Destiny is thriving. Thank you.

[@aster4026]

Thank you Byf for doing a video on Commander Zavala with respect to Lance Reddick. Lance Reddick we shall remember forever, and he will always be our Commander, Leader of the Vanguard, respect to Zavala! ❤

[@J_RAS_KILLER]

RIP Lance, you'll forever be a legend

[@justinchamberlin4195]

Man, it's been weeks since I teared up about Lance and here I am again...thank you for being the epitome of class with not wanting to profit from the tragedy of his passing and thank you for summing up our Commander so succinctly. To lighten the mood a bit, maybe one of my favorite Zavala moments is from the radio chatter from the original Bracus Zahn strike: -"Does this say, 'flame turret'?" -"Don't forget about the signal flares." -[a sigh so long and so pained that you can't help but picture Zavala pinching the bridge of his nose, slumping into his chair, and momentarily regretting having ever heard of Cayde-6]

[@Smokedissht]

Damn that hit hard, RIP Lance a great one who cannot be replaced!!

[@dannymcfly3053]

Much respect to you Byf for not trying to seize an opportunity out of a tragedy. Well done lore daddy!

[@paulharrald8687]

Byf, that’s a lovely and suitable tribute to Lance beautifully woven into a tribute to Zavala.

[@lukebarroso449]

RIP the legend Lance Reddick. May he rest in peace.

[@pigeonthepoop2969]

ngl this video hit the feels way harder than I expected it would... Rest in peace Lance

[@parkerreed8565]

“He is the 7th column.” What a tribute to the commander and Lance. Well said, Byf. Well said, indeed.

[@writingmyworld2062]

God damn those were some Beautiful final words to Lance they Made me break down crying so fast

[@akaj2013]

RIP, Lance Reddick. You were a Guardian to the end. Thank you, My name is Byf.

[@jaymillz1210]

Been so long since I’ve played this game. But Lance’s death brought back tons of memories. & listening to Byf’s voice is a reminder how great this game was. Thank you Byf for your years of dedication to this game

[@RuiNDieM1988]

You will be missed Lance. You didn't just voice Zavala, you were Zavala ❤️

[@marcsmith2656]

Thanks for doing this BYF, it was buried in my algorithm. The Best parts of the community shine bright for this dedication and love for a favorite voice actor. We will all miss Lance R. RIP.... we all die a final death

[@BruinHutchings]

Kudos to Byf for waiting to releases this video in a respectful fashion, not a ‘click baity’ cash in on a man’s sad passing. Well done Byf, you’re a diamond in the rough.

[@somahagymasy5341]

Thank you Byf, for telling his story the way it was meant to be told. Lance’s passion and care for the character will never be forgotten or undone. Rest easy Lance, you will forever be my, OUR commander!❤

[@retro489]

May He rest in peace. A legend

[@jeremiahrose4428]

This is why you're one of my favorite people on KZbin. I commend you for respecting the timetable of his death. RIP lance.

[@manuelaraujo1992]

This was beautifully done Byf. I'll forever be a fan of yours for showing such great respect. RIP Lance Reddick

[@theapwam]

A beautiful tribute Byf. Not only to the story of Zavala, but to also Lance as well. Your lore pieces are always top notch. Well done good sir

[@dcitron77]

That was genuinely beautiful, Byf. Thank you. Rest easy, Lance.. we'll take it from here.

[@Stewpa2000]

Was waiting for this. Great video. RIP Lance.

[@PickleNickBR]

Why the hell am I tearing up on a video about lore of a video game? Well, good job my friend, beautiful tribute to Lance! RIP

[@loganjansky9588]

I respect you greatly for waiting. Thank you for making this and all the other videos. I use them for inspiration in drawing and when I lose interest in Destiny, your videos bring me back to it.

[@nahbro5369]

Byf. Class act for not using Lance’s passing as cash cow. Respect.

[@aidaneddy9146]

This made me deep feels cry, wonderfully respectful video Byf and crew. Thank you all

[@invisiblejaguar1]

RIP Lance Reddick, you had such a unique voice. I'm writing a fantasy screenplay and the wizard of the story is both powerful and wise, much like Zavala. Whenever I write his lines, I hear your voice speaking them. You would have been perfect to voice this wise wizard, but it's your time to rest, you've more than earned it 🖖

[@DaveDucharme]

Thank you sir, for this. I just finished watching the introductory video you mentioned and KZbin's autoplay qued this video to follow it. I've always liked your lore videos but this one really clicked for me. It almost makes me want to start up a Titan, but I've never really gotten the knack of playing them. I'm just a Warlock at heart I guess. Thanks again, now I can continue watching 😀

[@joemurphy5769]

Fantastic tribute Byf! The Commander is always in our hearts.

[@Sfirezx]

Rest in power Lance. It was just a line but truly "Survival is a temporary condition" I will definitely be more mindful of those I love and the things I have left to do. Thank you for the lesson even if it wasn't intended. Thanks to Byf for being respectful during this time and making something to honor the man while keeping on theme. I'm sure he would have loved this, brother. Per audacia ad astra❤

[@cthulhukid7131]

My God. This was a beautiful piece. Thank you Byf. A Fitting Tribute to a wonderful soul.

[@XNesuneX]

Thank you for this, Byf. One of your best for sure. Rest in Peace, Lance. ❤

[@donkulator]

the cut at the end from respectfully kneeling infront of amandas body, to thunderclapping 20 thrall made me laugh too hard

[@manuelpineiro2489]

First video to make me emotional. RIP Lance. Amazing video Byf thank you

[@theawakening9588]

I knew most of it as I watched nearly all your videos but the last minutes of the video were so well written that it gave me goosebumps I'm sure Lance is up there hearing all the good things people say about him and he's smiling

[@WebofHope]

It seems a bit apocryphal to have all the gameplay footage be a titan using arc instead of void, but even so, this was a beautiful dedication. Thanks Byf

[@C0smicz0mbie]

Thank you so much for making this video. I know you’re hurting so I know this was hard to make.. 🥺 Rest In Power Lance 😔 We WILL See You Starside!

[@nathanbradley4092]

Damn, Well done Byf. I'm sure whatever next (after life), Lance would be happy to know you've given this embodiment to one of his greatest characters.

[@101sjls]

Beautifully put, rest in peace my commander

[@michaelhauenstein2019]

This honestly was a calming and peaceful video and brought joy. Thank you

[@Chocolatebrownfudge]

Coming a bit late to this, but beautifully written Byf. Miss you, Commander.

[@chrisreilly1290]

"You might have heard of him, whether you wanted to or not" thank you for that Byf!

[@genHawkeye]

I wasn't expecting to cry today, thank you for the story Byf and Thank you Lance for infusing Zavala with life and spirit with your voice o7 i may be a Hunter main but Lance/Zavala will forever be my Commander

[@crazymees981]

Thank you Lance for making a character like Zavala. One of the best leaders and kindest harts in all media. (Eyes u guardians). And Lance you'll be missed :( .......... See you starside great commander.

[@flubbed99]

Im in tears. Thanks, Byf ♡

[@reesedigital1527]

Wow, I teared up at the end of the video. We will miss you Lance...

[@uhsul]

A truly noble effort and a moving salute to the best of the Vanguard - Commander Zevala and to the man who gave him life Lance Reddick, may he know lasting peace & rest.

[@ddarko77]

Respectfully done Byf.

[@andydimezza2229]

RIP Mr. Reddick. Also way to have manners Byf. Proper job here.

[@bagelman9572]

Rest in peace lance reddick we all loved you and we appreciate the work,dedication and passion you have put into our favourite characters Eyes up guardian.

[@ryanebrecht5651]

I salute you sir for having the decency to not take advantage of a person's death.

[@marlonthomas2713]

Damn. Earlier here than I’ve even been in my whole professional career. 😅 Rest in peace and power Lance. It’s been a Joy going through this Journey with your commanding voice on the comms. Wish I could’ve met you. Condolences to the family.

[@XanderShadow]

Damnit y'actually got me a bit teary at the end. To the stars, Commander.

[@ChrisKA-47]

God I have so much respect for you Byf.

[@donweiss2326]

I still think about how the whole week after Lance's passing, and even a bit further beyond, gaurdians all gathered around Zavala to pay tribute and remember our Commander.

[@alter6243]

I found it so hard to listen to the Journey track nowadays. I remember feeling goosebumps hearing it for the first time when Destiny 2 first came out. It has such an emotional resonance to it. I can’t help but feel the emotion of this song. It captures that essence of loss so well. When I hear Journey I think of everything we have lost. It can be anything like characters, voice actors, locations, weapons, abilities, and content creators. Journey most of all makes me think of Lance Reddick. It matches the beauty of his life and the pain of his loss perfectly. RIP Lance Reddick

[@crg5]

S/O Byf for being a real human and not monetizing Lance's passing

[@ABDULLAHAIi]

Your closing always gets me 👏

[@themancalledjbob]

Lance Reddick’s light will always live on and inspire guardians new and old, both in-game and in the real world

[@yourebelscumm]

The time is right. Thanks Byf. Rest in Peace Lance.

[@CyberMancerGamer]

I think this is the first byf video I've been able to read the entire title of

[@YUHASify]

I fully understand why you did this so late. And can appreciate it too. But cause it's so far past the actual passing throughout the whole video I kept thinking that the character Zavala was dead. It was very good as always.

[@Langz_Noir]

Beautifully done Byf. Thank you Lance.

[@hoodiesempai5608]

Thank you byf. Thank you commander.Thank you Lance for everything.Eyes up gaurdians. 😢

[@Inushimaru]

I believe I've said it before....but I shall say it again here.... You are an artist with words Byf ❤❤❤❤ You described Zavala so perfectly and whole heartedly....that I was nearly moved to tears 😭 I have not been the best Guardian lately....I missed the latter half of Witch Queen content and the first leg of Lightfall content But I remember my Commander and all the moments of inspiration, guidance.....and friendship he gave to me through Destiny 1 and 2 Though we butted heads a little when Cayde fell and most of us young Guardians wanted nothing more than to put a bullet through Uldren Sov's forehead in retribution.....I can agree that Zavala made the right choice in holding back and not giving in to hatred My heart goes out to Lance Reddick's family R.I.P. Commander We will All See you Starside 🌟❤

[@robertroach4]

I’m not crying you’re crying 😿 One love! Lance Reddick/Commander Zavala

[@rebeccad4098]

Rest in power and peace, Commander. May you be a light for generations to come.

[@SHVDOW-IX]

This was very emotional video. RIP Lance Reddick our commander, friend, and protector. We’ll see you Starside

[@raypearson4475]

Byf, that was a good one, hit me right in the feels. Bravo sir.

[@cosmicfungi5829]

I think Mr. Reddick would be proud. Well done.

[@DreHayn]

Byf was cutting up onions in this video I was tearing up