The Sanctuary fell into disrepair and was eventually abandoned by the Saviors after Negan’s defeat.
In “The Walking Dead” series, the Sanctuary was the base of operations for the Saviors, a group led by the antagonist Negan. It was a heavily fortified compound that served as a symbol of the Saviors’ power and control over other communities in the area. However, after the All-Out War arc, which concluded with Negan’s defeat and imprisonment, the Saviors’ grip on the region weakened significantly.
Following Negan’s downfall, the Sanctuary struggled to sustain itself. The land around it was not fertile, making it difficult to grow crops and support the remaining population. Despite efforts by some characters, such as Daryl Dixon, to help the Saviors maintain the Sanctuary, the community continued to decline.
In the time jump that occurs in the ninth season, viewers learn that the Sanctuary has been completely abandoned. The building falls into disrepair, and it is shown covered in overgrowth, with the iconic “Saviors” sign riddled with bullet holes. The fall of the Sanctuary represents the end of Negan’s era and the failure of his vision for a new world order under his rule. It also signifies a shift in the series towards new beginnings and the establishment of a network of communities working together, rather than under the thumb of a dictator.