It’s been nearly a decade since Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End gave us a satisfying send-off for Nathan Drake, PlayStation’s most iconic treasure hunter. But as rumors swirl about the long-awaited Uncharted 5, fans are asking the big question: Does the series need Nate anymore?
The answer might be no — and yes.
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy already showed us that the franchise can succeed without its central figure. With Chloe Frazer and Nadine Ross leading the charge, fans embraced the fresh direction, proving the series had room to grow beyond its original star.
But Uncharted 4 also planted a seed for a new generation. In the game’s touching epilogue, we meet Cassie Drake, Nate and Elena’s curious, clever, and adventure-hungry daughter. Her short playable moment felt like more than a cameo — it felt like a passing of the torch.
A future Uncharted led by Cassie would be a natural evolution. Picture this: years after A Thief’s End, Cassie embarks on a globe-trotting quest of her own. When things spiral out of control, she calls the only people who understand the danger — her parents.
This setup would allow for brief, meaningful returns from Nate and Elena without undoing their growth. In fact, it could build on it. Watching them fight to protect their daughter from the same peril they once chased would make for a powerful story about family, legacy, and growing up.
Critics might argue it risks spoiling Uncharted 4’s perfect ending. But if done right, it could honor the past while forging a new future, much like The Last of Us Part II expanded on Joel and Ellie’s journey.
And with Kaitlyn Dever, who played Cassie in the epilogue and now stars as Abby in HBO’s The Last of Us, Sony and Naughty Dog have the perfect lead to carry the series forward.
With the PS5 (or even the PS6) on the horizon, the time is right for a bold new chapter. Uncharted doesn’t need Nathan Drake anymore — but that doesn’t mean we’re ready to say goodbye for good.
