Nathan Drake is one of the most beloved video game protagonists of many, with the character’s endless quips and lovable nature being a major reason behind the success of the Uncharted series. However, after years of adventuring and hunting down lost civilizations, Nathan Drake finally moved on from his dangerous lifestyle and settled down with Elena at the end of Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End. Finally coming to his senses and retiring, the aging Drake escapes from his addiction to treasure hunting in favor of a well-deserved happy ending with his wife and daughter.
For this exact reason, a proper Uncharted sequel does not work. While gamers adore Nate, his story has been told fully, as Naughty Dog truly wrapped a bow on the series via the neat conclusion that was provided in Uncharted 4. Bringing Nathan Drake back into action in any form cheapens the excellent sendoff the character was given in the supposed end point for the series, and it is impossible to think of a way that he could return that does not feel forced. While the Uncharted series could continue, a proper Uncharted 5 is not the right move.
Even With Cassie, Uncharted 5 Should Not Happen
A common suggestion from players when it comes to the possibility of a new Uncharted game is to place Cassie Drake in the starring role. While she is still young in the fourth game’s heartwarming finale, a fifth game could follow Cassie as an adult. Following in her father’s footsteps, Cassie could be an adventurer of her own, discovering treasures and encountering a brand-new cast of characters. While this sounds like a solid idea for a game, the reality is that there would be no escaping a Nathan Drake inclusion — and no way to bring back Nate without hurting his final goodbye.
It is hard to imagine the cheerful and happy-go-lucky Nathan Drake as anything but a loving father, which means there is no way that Nate could let Cassie adventure on her own. Knowing the risks better than anyone, a potential Uncharted 5 would surely see Drake following his daughter on her journeys, essentially becoming the sequel’s version of Sully. While some fans would like to see the series come full circle in this way, others would understandably see the move as retreading the same territory.
Aside from a Sully-like Drake being too predictable and too similar to what gamers already experienced in the previous Uncharted titles, writing out Elena would be challenging. Unlikely to let her husband break his promise, and even more unlikely to let their daughter venture off on her own, Naughty Dog would be in a tough spot with the former reporter. Needing to include a third character in all Uncharted 5’s platforming and fighting could make gameplay feel cluttered, while killing off Elena purely to justify Nathan Drake's return to treasure hunting seems cruel and unnecessary.
Continuing The Uncharted Series Via Spinoffs
While Uncharted without Nathan Drake is a hard sell, the excellent 2017 spinoff Uncharted: The Lost Legacy proved that it is possible to make the franchise work without him. Chloe Frazer proved to be a great protagonist in her own right, boasting a different sense of humor to Nate and a unique edge to her personality. As such, it is entirely possible for another Uncharted game focused on Chloe to be made, but the possibilities do not have to stop with Nate’s former love interest.
After all, a possible spinoff was teased in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, with Naughty Dog hinting that Sully and Sam were planning to go on some adventures of their own. With Sam Drake making a surprise appearance in Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, it is clear that Naughty Dog has more ideas for Nate’s long-lost brother. Further, a prequel game centered on Victor Sullivan in his prime is equally possible. With the thief mentoring Nate and teaching him much of what he knew, Sully clearly had plenty of experience and adventures prior to meeting the young Nathan Drake.
Considering that Sony has already considered Uncharted remakes, there is clearly interest in keeping the IP alive. Boasting some of the most spectacular set-piece moments in gaming as well as strong writing and voice acting, it makes sense that fans and creators alike want to see the franchise continue. While this is possible via spinoffs or the aforementioned remakes, Sony and Naughty Dog should go no further with the series. Nate earned his happy ending with Elena and Cassie, and there is no reason to bring him back into the fold beyond fan service. As such, numbered Uncharted titles and stories focused on Nathan Drake should remain a thing of the past.
Uncharted 5 is not known to be in development.