Second Wave
The era when the world's hidden powers surged back into the light, reshaping reality forever.
The Second Wave refers to a pivotal era in Valorant history marking the resurgence of Radiant powers following their initial discovery and subsequent suppression. This period is characterized by a global shift where individuals began manifesting abilities more frequently, often leading to societal disruption and the formation of new factions dedicated to controlling or exploiting these phenomena. It serves as the bridge between the ancient, hidden lore of the Radiants and the modern conflict involving the VALORANT Protocol.
- Era
- Post-First Wave Resurgence
- Key Phenomenon
- Increased Radiant Manifestations
- Primary Conflict
- Societal Control vs. Radiant Freedom
- Associated Factions
- Various Unnamed Groups, Early VALORANT Protocols
- Status
- Historical Period Leading to Modern Era
Lore & Background
Following the initial discovery of Radiant abilities, known as the First Wave, humanity spent centuries hiding or suppressing these gifts out of fear and misunderstanding. However, the Second Wave broke this silence with a sudden, global surge in manifestations. Unlike the sporadic events of the past, this wave saw abilities appearing across diverse populations, from bustling cities to remote villages, forcing governments to acknowledge the reality they had tried to ignore. This resurgence was chaotic and dangerous. Without established rules or protocols, many Radiants struggled with their powers, causing accidents that drew public scrutiny. In response, shadowy organizations began forming, some seeking to weaponize these abilities while others aimed to protect the newly awakened. This tension created a volatile atmosphere where trust was scarce, setting the stage for the eventual creation of the VALORANT Protocol as a necessary countermeasure to maintain global stability.
In Their Own Story
The air in the crowded market square hummed with an unnatural static. A young vendor, trying to balance a stack of crates, suddenly found his hands glowing with a soft, violet light. The crates didn't just lift; they floated, defying gravity as the crowd gasped and scrambled back. It wasn't the first time something like this had happened in the city, but it was the loudest yet. In the shadows of the alleyways, figures watched, their eyes narrowed not with wonder, but with calculation. The Second Wave had arrived, and the world would never be safe again.
Reader's Guide
Long before modern history, ancient legends spoke of beings who could bend reality, known only as Radiants. For centuries, these stories were dismissed as myths, until the First Wave occurred when a few individuals suddenly manifested powers, leading to fear and suppression. The world entered a long period of silence where Radiant abilities were hidden or denied. However, this peace was shattered by the Second Wave, a global resurgence where powers appeared more frequently and unpredictably across all demographics. This era of chaos forced humanity to confront the reality of these abilities. Governments failed to contain the spread, leading to the rise of rogue factions and desperate measures to control the narrative. The instability eventually necessitated a unified response. From this turmoil emerged the VALORANT Protocol, an initiative designed to recruit and train Radiants for defensive purposes. This marked the transition from the chaotic Second Wave into the structured, high-stakes modern era of the Valorant universe.
Did You Know?
- The Second Wave is considered the catalyst that forced global governments to acknowledge the existence of Radiants publicly.
- Unlike the First Wave, which was sparse, the Second Wave saw abilities manifesting in a much wider variety of people and locations.
- Many modern agents were likely born or awakened during this turbulent period, shaping their early lives with secrecy and danger.
- The chaos of this era directly led to the formation of the organizations that would eventually become the VALORANT Protocol.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Second Wave in Valorant lore?
The Second Wave is a historical era in Valorant's timeline marking the large-scale return of Radiant abilities after they had been suppressed following their first emergence. It sits between the ancient, largely forgotten period of Radiant discovery and the modern conflicts that define today's world.
What defined the Second Wave era?
During this period, Radiant manifestations surged across the globe at an unprecedented rate, with far more individuals suddenly developing supernatural powers. This rapid increase in ability-wielders destabilized existing social structures and forced governments and organizations to scramble for a response.
What was the central conflict of the Second Wave?
The defining struggle pitted those who wanted to regulate, contain, or exploit Radiant powers against those who championed the freedom of individuals to use their abilities openly. This tension over control versus liberty shaped the political landscape for generations and set the stage for modern institutions.
How does the Second Wave connect to the VALORANT Protocol?
The Second Wave is widely understood as the direct precursor to the VALORANT Protocol, since the chaos of uncontrolled manifestations created the very conditions that made the Protocol's founding necessary. In short, the modern agency exists because the Second Wave made inaction no longer viable.
Which factions were active during the Second Wave?
The era saw the rise of numerous loosely organized groups—some seeking to harness Radiant power for political influence, others pushing for Radiant autonomy—though most remain unnamed in official lore. The earliest iterations of what would eventually become the VALORANT Protocol also took shape during this turbulent period.
More in History & Timeline
Elsewhere in the Valorant universe
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