Final stop in VALORANT Lore: The First Light, Radianite, and the Mirrorverse Explained
Explore the captivating lore of VALORANT, from the mysterious First Light event that introduced Radianite and Radiants to the epic conflict between parallel Earths in the Mirrorverse.
Diving further into the world of VALORANT Lore, we come across the First Light, a pivotal event which marked a significant turning point in the world of Radianite and Radiance. Approximately a decade before the game's timeline, a sudden global phenomenon known as First Light struck the world, causing widespread power outages and introducing Radianite and Radiance into the forefront of society. If you missed out on the setting and major elements covering up the main backstory, you should check it out here.
While Radianite had existed prior to First Light, it wasn't until after the event that its importance surged, leading to widespread utilization in technology, energy production, and manufacturing. This period following First Light witnessed remarkable advancements in technology across the globe.
Moreover, First Light brought about the emergence of individuals with extraordinary abilities, known as Radiants. These individuals, while accepted as a minority in society, may face discrimination due to their unique powers.
Although considered the first event of its kind, there remains speculation about the true nature and origins of First Light, adding an intriguing layer of mystery to the game's lore, as noted by Creative Director David Nottingham.
Radianite is exactly what plays a pivotal role in the backstory, which just so happens to be the enigmatic substance that emerged following the events of First Light, and has become a cornerstone of the world's technological advancements. Found both naturally and integrated into man-made creations, Radianite is pretty much a multi-purpose thing, with applications ranging from consumer goods to cutting-edge scientific research.
The prevalence of Radianite has played a significant role in the rise of Kingdom, the largest corporation in the VALORANT universe, which capitalized on its sales. This substance has revolutionized various industries, powering three-quarters of the world's technology and serving as a vital energy source.
In the hands of Tech Users within the VALORANT Protocol, Radianite unlocks the potential for highly advanced and potent creations. Whether powering their devices or incorporating it into their designs, Tech Users harness Radianite to push the boundaries of innovation.
While initially believed to have been introduced to the world by First Light, recent discoveries challenge this notion. For instance, the ancient Samurai ship discovered at Icebox contained Radianite-infused armor, suggesting its presence predates the event. This revelation adds layers of intrigue to the mysteries surrounding Radianite's origins and its impact on the VALORANT universe.
Also Read: The Best VCT Crosshairs Used by Pro Players in VALORANT
How can we see the same agents being used in both the teams?
Ever wondered why both teams can pick the same agents? A significant element in VALORANT's universe is the concept of the Mirrorverse (a parallel universe, in simple terms), involving α-Earth (Earth-1) and Ω-Earth (Earth-2). Both Earths are strikingly similar, but Ω-Earth possesses more advanced technology. However, it suffers from a severe lack of Radianite, the precious resource necessary for its survival.
To secure more Radianite, Ω-Earth sends operatives to raid α-Earth’s Radianite reserves. This conflict plays out in the game's matches, with Ω-Earth’s teams acting as attackers attempting to plant Spikes to steal Radianite, while α-Earth's forces defend these crucial sites. Both Earths comprise of the same agents, and while all of them seemingly hate their counterparts, Chamber works alongside his own towards an unknown common goal as shown in his trailer L'Accord.
This conflict plays out in Spike Site missions, where teams from both Earths engage in intense battles to either steal or defend the precious Radianite. In the game's mechanics, players assume the roles of attackers from Ω-Earth and defenders from α-Earth, adding an extra layer of depth to the gameplay experience.
