Riot Games, the creators of League of Legends (LoL), expanded their gaming universe with the release of Valorant in 2020. Although Valorant is a tactical first-person shooter and LoL belongs to the MOBA genre, the developers have woven Easter eggs and references to their flagship project into Valorant, delighting fans of both games. Additionally, the community actively explores the lore of both worlds and even builds theories about their possible crossover in the future.

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Hidden References to League of Legends in Valorant

1. Jett Connection to Ionia

One of the most popular fan references is the connection between the agent Jett and a world in League of Legends known as Ionia. The region is famous for its deadly martial arts, which resonate with Jett's abilities. Furthermore, her ultimate ability, "Blade Storm," is reminiscent of Irelia, who has a similar ability animation. Although these are just speculations with no official confirmation, fans of both games constantly look for connections between the universes.

2. Killjoy and Hextech

Although this theory might seem far-fetched to some, certain fans believe that the abilities of the agent Killjoy bear some resemblance to Hextech craftsmanship, actively used by champions in League of Legends. Hextech is a combination of magic and technology found in the city of Piltover. Killjoy's gadgets, such as her turret and ultimate, appear to be created using Hextech innovations. This subtle nod to Piltover's advanced technology will delight LoL players familiar with champions like Jayce, Viktor, and many others who use Hextech in their arsenal.

3. Shurima Symbol on Sage

This time, we move away from fan theories and turn to direct references left by Riot Games developers for their game fans. One such reference is the Shurima symbol on the chest of the agent Sage. Shurima is an ancient kingdom in the world of League of Legends, ruled by Emperor Azir.

4. Tahm Kench Bench on Ascent

We cannot overlook the famous bench on the Ascent map, which features the League of Legends champion known as Tahm Kench. This inconspicuous location, adorned with an engraving of Tahm Kench, quickly gained popularity, becoming a kind of landmark for all League of Legends fans.

5. Brimstone and Demacia

Jett and Killjoy were not the only agents whose designs fans found references to League of Legends. Brimstone, an American agent in Valorant, has traits that echo Demacian ones from the LoL universe. His fierce yet noble character resembles the behavior of Demacian heroes. These parallels are evident in the way Brimstone commands on the battlefield, akin to Demacian champions like Garen and Jarvan IV.

6. Phoenix and Elements of Runeterra

Phoenix, the fiery duelist from the UK, possesses abilities based on elemental magic, which is one of the existing magics in LoL. His powers are reminiscent of champions who wield fire, such as Brand and Annie. Using fire as a weapon and control tool references the primal elemental magic that many inhabitants of Runeterra possess, linking Phoenix to this magical world.

7. Tahm Kench Sculpture on Split

Returning to the much-loved champion Tahm Kench, on the Split map, you can also find a sculpture resembling the hero in a top hat. This is another subtle reference that connects League of Legends to the world of Valorant. It’s not just a fun nod but also an example of how Riot Games engages with fans of their games, encouraging them to find more hidden clues left during development.

8. Valorant Maps and Runeterra

Some maps in Valorant contain architectural references to Runeterra. For example, Pearl, with its Venetian setting, resembles the coastal city of Bilgewater from the LoL universe, known for its labyrinthine streets and underwater world. Bind, with its teleportation gates, reminds one of the mystical portals found throughout Runeterra in League of Legends.

9. Scuttle Crabs on Split

The Split map has the most elements referencing the world of League of Legends. On it, you can find the famous scuttle crabs from the LoL universe. These crabs, inhabiting the rivers of Summoner's Rift, now appear in Valorant. Near a place known as Scuttle Shack, you can see numerous scuttles in boxes, possibly being prepared for cooking.

10. Voice Lines and Lore Hints

Voice lines in Valorant sometimes contain references to LoL lore, or at least we are inclined to believe so. Agents may mention places, items, or concepts rooted in the world of Runeterra. These lines serve as pleasant Easter eggs for fans well-versed in the extensive history of LoL. For example, mentions of "Aurelion" might hint at Aurelion Sol, the celestial dragon from LoL, though this is unconfirmed information and merely fan speculation about these two popular worlds.

11. Agent Skins and LoL Champions

Some Valorant agent skins look as if they were inspired by LoL champions. For example, the "Sovereign" skin line features visual elements reminiscent of Demacian regalia, hinting at the grandeur and nobility associated with champions like Lux and Xin Zhao. These skin designs often include thematic elements that fans of LoL will recognize and appreciate.

12. Theory of a Shared Riot Universe

The idea that Valorant and LoL might exist in the same universe, or at least in parallel universes, is popular among fans. Riot Games has a history of creating interconnected lore, as seen in crossover events and stories in LoL. This theory gains traction with each new reference or Easter egg, suggesting a deeper connection between the two games.