Valorant Lore Explained – Who Are the Radiants?

Valorant isn’t just a competitive FPS packed with slick abilities and fast-paced gameplay—it’s also a universe brimming with mysterious lore, powerful factions, and gifted individuals called Radiants. But who exactly are the Radiants? Where do they come from? And how do they fit into the broader Valorant narrative? Let’s break it down.

What Is a Radiant?

Radiants are individuals who have acquired supernatural powers following a mysterious global event known as First Light. This cataclysmic phenomenon altered the fabric of the Earth, unlocking a unique energy source that not only powered advanced technology but also awakened latent abilities in certain people.

Unlike agents who rely on tech and gear for combat, Radiants channel their powers naturally—often without any external help. Think of them as Valorant’s equivalent to mutants or superheroes, except grounded in the tactical world of an Earth forever changed by First Light.

First Light: The Catalyst

The First Light event occurred years before the events of Valorant. Though much about it is still shrouded in mystery, it’s clear that it drastically transformed the world. Aside from technological leaps, it triggered the emergence of Radiants and sparked geopolitical tensions over the use and control of this newfound power.

Following First Light, the Valorant Protocol was created—a shadowy organization designed to monitor, recruit, and regulate Radiants, while also handling threats involving Radianite (the energy linked to First Light).

Radiants vs. Non-Radiants

Not every agent in Valorant is a Radiant. Many rely on high-tech gadgets, weaponry, and Radianite-infused gear to gain the upper hand. These agents include characters like Brimstone, Killjoy, and Cypher.

Radiants, on the other hand, possess natural abilities—from elemental control to teleportation and mind manipulation. These powers are innate and often tied to a character’s backstory, personality, and cultural roots.

Notable Radiant Agents

Here are a few Radiants from the current Valorant roster and the unique abilities they bring to the battlefield:

• Jett (South Korea): Uses wind-based powers to dash, glide, and strike with deadly precision.
• Phoenix (UK): Controls fire to heal himself and burn enemies—literal hot-headedness in combat.
• Sage (China): A healer with the power to restore allies and create walls of energy.
• Yoru (Japan): Manipulates dimensions, creating portals and illusions to deceive enemies.
• Neon (Philippines): Channels bioelectric energy for lightning-fast movement and devastating charges.
• Harbor (India): Wields water-based abilities through ancient tech empowered by Radianite.
• Fade (Turkey): Radiant powers rooted in fear manipulation and tracking—perfect for psychological warfare.

Each Radiant represents not just a unique playstyle, but also a deeper connection to the lore of the game’s evolving world.

Radiants in the Conflict

The lore hints at a deep divide in the Valorant universe: one where Radiants are feared, hunted, and often weaponized. While the Valorant Protocol claims to protect the world, it also seems to exploit Radianite and Radiant powers—raising ethical questions.

Adding fuel to the fire is the emergence of Mirror Earth agents—clones or variants of the original agents, including Radiants. This parallel conflict suggests a multiverse or interdimensional angle that could further expand Valorant’s narrative.

Why Radiants Matter

Radiants represent more than flashy abilities. They’re central to the lore and identity of Valorant, serving as the bridge between ancient power and futuristic warfare. As Riot Games continues to build on this universe with animated videos, in-game voice lines, and map storytelling, expect the role of Radiants to grow deeper—and possibly more controversial.

The Radiants are a fascinating part of Valorant’s universe—powerful, complex, and sometimes caught between being saviors and threats. Whether you're a lore junkie or a casual player, understanding who they are adds a whole new layer to the gameplay experience.

So next time you pick Jett or Phoenix, remember: you’re not just playing a duelist—you’re wielding the force of a post-First Light world, standing on the frontline of a story still being written.