Artemis, the real-life dog who inspired one of Destiny 2’s most recognizable companions, has died, according to his owner and Make-A-Wish recipient Cristian Salinas-Skahan.
In a post shared with the Destiny community, Salinas-Skahan confirmed that Artemis passed away after being shot by a neighbor when he ran off the family’s property. He was nine years old.
Artemis is best known to Destiny players as the inspiration behind Archie, the robotic dog found in the Tower in Destiny 2, as well as the Loyal Companion emote that allows Guardians to stop and pet him. The character was added to the game following a Make-A-Wish request that Salinas-Skahan made with Bungie, centered on honoring his bond with his dog.
Artemis passes at 9 years old
Salinas-Skahan said Artemis was a constant source of support throughout years of medical challenges, including multiple surgeries, a kidney transplant, and struggles with mental health. He described Artemis as his “guiding light” through major life moments, from recovery and relocation.
Beyond their personal bond, Salinas-Skahan reflected on the impact Artemis had on the wider Destiny community.
He said players frequently shared stories about visiting Archie in the Tower, using the Loyal Companion emote after difficult activities, and finding comfort in the small ritual of petting the in-game dog after tough raids, strikes, or Trials matches.
Bungie first introduced Artemis’ legacy to Destiny 2 in 2022 through multiple in-game and physical tributes. The Loyal Companion emote depicts a Belgian Malinois modeled after Artemis, while a short narrative tied to the Mind Shard sparrow tells a story inspired by Salinas-Skahan and his Guardian.
Bungie also released an Artemis plush, with proceeds from both the emote and the plush supporting the Bungie Foundation.
At the time, Bungie shared Salinas-Skahan’s story as part of its partnership with Make-A-Wish, highlighting how Destiny and Artemis helped him cope with a rare genetic disorder that caused severe kidney complications from infancy.
In his message to the community, Salinas-Skahan said he was not asking for donations or fundraisers. Instead, he asked players to honor Artemis by petting Archie in the Tower or using the Loyal Companion emote in-game.
He closed by thanking the Destiny community, calling it one of the best he has ever been part of.
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