VALORANT Lore: What exactly is the backstory of the famous 5 v 5 tactical shooter? (Part 1)

So guys, we already know how famous VALORANT is amongst its existing competitive shooters in the market, and Riot does NOT disappoint when it comes to creating mind-boggling backstories and giving each character its own lore. We're certain that the impressive teasers and cinematics might be amazing to look at, but keeps tabs of the lore might just be an issue. After all, we VALORANT fans have been manifesting a series dedicated towards this game, so hopefully Riot might cook pretty soon. If you've watched Arcane, you can see Riot's animation and creative storytelling potential which would soar up to new heights if VALORANT becomes a part of it too.

Interestingly enough, the core gameplay mirrors the major conflict of the organization, with one team aiming to detonate a spike and steal radianite while the other defends their territory. It's important to note that not every aspect of gameplay needs to be justified or integrated into the lore. Gameplay mechanics do not have to actually stick strictly to the rules of the VALORANT universe or accurately represent moments when agents are not actively involved in the lore's Protocol.

What are the major elements of the Lore that give players an idea of the main backstory?

 

In the cinematics of VALORANT, you guys can get glimpses into the stories of the VALORANT Protocol while on missions. Each map is situated in a specific location within the VALORANT world, and players can explore them to uncover why these areas hold significance. Some maps, like Fracture or the Range, feature interactive lore elements where players can discover images, emails, audio recordings, and voicemails that shed light on the map's backstory or the current activities of the VALORANT Protocol. These interactive elements are typically accessible during the buy phase of matchmade games and are updated with each patch. For example, on the Range map, players can explore Brimstone's office in the basement or Cypher's office in the main hall to find VALORANT Protocol emails, voicemails, and audio logs.

Where is the VALORANT lore set?

VALORANT is set in a timeline ages away from the present day where technology has advanced significantly thanks to a mysterious substance called Radianite. This substance has brought about major changes in society, although many aspects of everyday life remain familiar. The global market for Radianite is dominated by the megacorporation Kingdom, which has amassed immense wealth and influence.

In this future world, individuals known as "Radiants" have begun to manifest paranormal powers. While most Radiants have abilities that are relatively minor and have little impact on their lives, some individuals possess exceptional abilities. Examples of such high-potential Radiants include Phoenix and Jett, who have been recruited into the VALORANT Protocol.

Although the game is set around the year 2050, specific dates are avoided by the developers. Instead, time periods are referenced in relation to "First Light," a significant event in the game's lore.