VALORANT 5th Anniversary: Why We Fight

VALORANT Celebrates 5 Years with "Why We Fight" Cinematic and New Agent

VALORANT is turning five, and Riot Games is marking the occasion with a powerful new cinematic titled Why We Fight. This anniversary video doesn't just celebrate the game's explosive success—it expands its universe with deeper character storytelling and a fresh musical collaboration, aiming to boost fan engagement and narrative immersion.

"Why We Fight" Honors VALORANT’s Origins

Inspired by First Light, the cataclysmic event that created Alpha Earth, Why We Fight reflects on the forces that brought the agents together. The cinematic connects the dots between past lore and the emotional stakes of current characters, enriching the game's evolving narrative. For players looking to rank up with a deeper understanding of the story, this short film is a must-watch.

Accompanying the video is the powerful single EGO, performed by rising Nigerian artist Qing Madi. Her voice lends a raw emotional edge to the cinematic, helping to bring a personal and reflective tone to the high-stakes world of VALORANT.

Mary Ade: Phoenix’s Sister and VALORANT’s First NPC

One of the biggest surprises in the cinematic is the introduction of Mary Ade, the younger sister of fan-favorite agent Phoenix. Though she won’t be a playable agent, Mary is officially the first non-playable character in VALORANT’s history—and her impact on the lore promises to be major.

Creative Director David Nottingham shared that Mary was created specifically for this anniversary moment. Her story highlights both the human side of the agents and the emotional toll of their missions. “Her song, EGO, embodies the duality of our 2025 celebration: honoring the journey of our players while also showing the internal struggles of agents like Phoenix,” he explained.

It’s clear that Riot isn’t just boosting gameplay updates this year—they’re deepening the emotional storytelling that sets VALORANT apart in the FPS genre.

Qing Madi’s ‘EGO’ Powers the Emotional Core

Qing Madi’s involvement in Why We Fight is more than just a soundtrack credit. The 17-year-old Afrobeats and R&B prodigy helped shape the very heart of the cinematic. Known for genre-blending projects like Qing Madi and I Am the Blueprint, which have collectively amassed over 500 million streams, Madi was a natural fit for the VALORANT universe.

According to Jonny Altepeter, Riot’s Lead Music Supervisor, Madi’s raw demo of EGO perfectly captured the tone they were aiming for. “Every now and then, an artist comes along who just naturally fits into a story, and Qing Madi was that perfect match for Mary Ade,” he said.

This strategic collaboration shows Riot's ongoing commitment to elevating VALORANT’s experience beyond just gameplay. It’s part of a long-term effort to boost the game’s cultural presence and global reach through music and media.

Music and Storytelling Continue to Shape VALORANT’s Future This isn't Riot’s first foray into musical partnerships. Over the years, VALORANT has teamed up with artists like Zedd, MILLI, and Mark Tuan to craft unique skins, Champion Anthems, and event tracks. These collaborations not only build hype but also serve to boost the emotional resonance of seasonal content, much like the ones we saw previously in League of Legends, with the KDA, True Damage, Heartsteel, and Pentakill bands.

By blending music, lore, and character-driven storytelling, Riot is carving out a unique space in the competitive shooter landscape. For players trying to climb the competitive ladder, immersing themselves in this world-building can offer a fresh layer of meaning—and might even boost their focus as they grind their next rank.

Valorant: Why We Fight

VALORANT’s Why We Fight isn’t just an anniversary cinematic—it’s a statement of how far the game has come and where it’s headed. By introducing Mary Ade, exploring Phoenix’s backstory, and partnering with Qing Madi to deliver a powerful soundtrack, Riot has created a deeply emotional tribute to its community.

Whether you’re a casual player, an esports hopeful, or someone trying to reach your dream rank this season, this cinematic is a timely reminder of the deeper narratives that power the VALORANT universe.

Stay sharp, agents. The fight continues—and now we know exactly why.

 

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