The Infinity War was a days-long confrontation fought between the united superhumans of Earth and Thanos and his Skrull followers, as well as the Black Order and their army of Outriders. Despite Captain America and Tigra subduing the Mad Titan, Drax made a critical error that allowed Thanos to gain the advantage and use his Infinity Gauntlet to wipe out half of all life in the universe.
Background
Having long desired the power of the six Infinity Stones, Thanos hatched a years-long plan to obtain the artifacts. Through his pawns and schemes, he eventually came into possession of half of the stones prior to the beginning of the Infinity War.
- Stones obtained prior to Infinity War
- Reality Stone: Stolen from the Collector on Knowhere.
- Space Stone: Stolen from Nick Fury by Thanos' Skrull agents.
- Time Stone: Stolen from Danny Rand by a Skrull impersonating Elektra.
- Stones obtained during Infinity War
- Power Stone: Stolen from Black Panther in Wakanda.
- Soul Stone: Taken from Vormir despite the efforts of Dagger and Dr. Doom.
- Mind Stone: Retrieved from Lockheed's body after defeating Beast, Captain America, and Tigra.
Timeline
- Thanos' Invasion
- Wakanda is overrun in Thanos' initial strike, which includes missile barrages and a ground invasion of Outriders
- T'Challa, the Black Panther, warns S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Tony Stark of Thanos' arrival
- Stark assembles a "Thanos Task Force" of superhumans who go to confront the Mad Titan
- Thanos captures the entire force: Dr. Doom, Dr. Strange, Loki, Nick Fury, and the Sentry
- Having taken several major players out of the game, Thanos focuses his efforts on Earth's remaining superhumans
The Battle Begins
- Meanwhile, Earth's united superhumans battle Thanos' army of Skrulls in the Savage Land
- Captain Marvel tips the battle in Earth's favor after she kills Supergiant and exposes many Skrull impostors among the hero's ranks
- Aboard the Sanctuary, Drax and She-Hulk battle the other four members of the Black Order
- A remorseful Magneto frees the members of Stark's task force from their jail aboard Thanos' ship
- The Guardians of the Galaxy are also freed, and go to help Drax, She-Hulk, and Captain Marvel
Infinity War
- Captain Marvel and the Guardians of the Galaxy arrive to help Drax and She-Hulk finish off the Black Order
- Drax and the others return to the Savage Land to find Thanos has defeated all but Captain America and Tigra
- Having gained the Soul Stone as well, Thanos quickly dispatches Drax and the other remaining heroes, except Captain America and Tigra
- Suddenly, a revived Beast runs off with Lockheed, whose body contains the final Infinity Stone which Thanos needs
- Captain America's newfound mastery of Mjolnir proves effective against Thanos until the Mad Titan flees
The Final Countdown
- Thanos tracks down Beast, stunning him and Lockheed after a quick series of running battles
- Captain America and Tigra, the final two heroes standing, arrive to rescue Beast and Lockheed
- After Tigra unleashes her own secret power, the Iron Fist, she and Cap pull off a stunning victory against Thanos
- Suddenly, a rage-fueled Drax intervenes, thirsting for revenge against Thanos after feigning his earlier defeat
- Thanos uses the distraction to his advantage, retrieving the Mind Stone from Lockheed and quickly snapping his fingers
Aftermath
- The power of Thanos' completed Infinity Gauntlet causes countless beings across the universe to disintegrate
- As Captain America fades away in front of Tigra's eyes, he entrusts her with his unbreakable shield
- Dozens more of Tigra's allies disappear into dust across the battlefield and elsewhere
- Thanos teleports away, leaving Earth in a state of utter chaos, confusion, and despair
- The Skrulls also depart, knowing that Earth now belongs to them, just as Thanos promised