Avengers: Infinity War - Mysteries Answered

2. Why Did Doctor Strange Willingly Cede The Time Stone?

In the context of Infinity War, yes, Doctor Strange is largely responsible for ensuring that Thanos is able to complete his task of wiping out half the life in the universe. He gifts him the Time Stone when Stark is on the verge of being killed, but this wasn't a moment of weakness from the Sorcerer Supreme - it's all part of the plan.

Prior to Strange, Iron Man, Spidey and the remaining Guardians' encounter with Thanos on Titan, the good Doctor takes a moment to reflect upon the task at hand. He uses the Eye of Agamotto to look into the future in hope of finding just one future - out of a possible fourteen million - where they could overcome Thanos.

He finds it, but he dares not inform his comrades of how they achieve it in fear of jeopardising their one hope. There's nothing to indicate that Strange reversed his position of prioritising the eye over the lives of Tony and Peter either, so there must be an ulterior motive at play. This makes the Sorcerer Supreme an integral figure for the upcoming Avengers 4, and while he didn’t look completely content in his death, this is clearly the group’s best shot at reversing the unthinkable.

Also interesting to note was the Russo Bros' prior tease of Civil War's B.A.R.F. technology, which could hold the key to defeating Thanos and explain those earlier, decidedly spoiler-ific set photos for the next sequel.