Is Raze an Engineer? Unpacking the Explosive Truth
The answer is complicated, but leaning towards yes. While Raze from VALORANT is explicitly described as a “playful engineer” hailing from Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, her engineering prowess isn’t the conventional kind. She’s not designing bridges or microchips; instead, her engineering manifests in her masterful creation and deployment of explosives and automated devices that are more about creative destruction and area denial than traditional construction. She uses her inventive genius to build her boom bot, paint shells, and cluster grenades, demonstrating a clear understanding of mechanical principles, physics, and materials science—albeit applied to a unique and combat-focused domain. Let’s unpack this a bit further.
The Art of Explosive Engineering
Raze’s kit in VALORANT speaks volumes about her engineering skills.
Boom Bot
This is a clear demonstration of her ability to build a mobile, autonomous device. The Boom Bot isn’t just a simple remote-controlled car; it has its own AI to seek out enemies, navigate terrain, and detonate upon proximity. That requires a degree of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and even rudimentary programming.
Blast Pack
Her Blast Pack allows her to propel herself, and others, around the map. This utilizes precise timing and explosive force, requiring calculations of trajectory, force, and impact – all essential components of explosive engineering.
Paint Shells
The Paint Shells grenades show her understanding of fragmentation and area-of-effect damage. Constructing a grenade that breaks into sub-munitions upon impact is a testament to her understanding of physics and materials.
Showstopper
Finally, the Showstopper rocket launcher is the ultimate expression of Raze’s offensive engineering capabilities. It’s a weapon of massive destructive potential, requiring a deep understanding of propellant chemistry and projectile dynamics.
The Context of “Engineer”
The term “engineer” is broad. While we often think of civil, mechanical, or electrical engineers, the core principle is problem-solving through application of scientific and mathematical principles. Raze undeniably fits this mold, even though her problems revolve around neutralizing enemy agents on a tactical map.
Her skills may not translate directly to designing skyscrapers, but her creativity, inventiveness, and understanding of physical principles certainly align with the spirit of engineering. She’s not just randomly throwing explosives; she’s carefully crafting and deploying them based on an understanding of how they work and how they will affect her opponents. She’s a battlefield engineer, adapting her skills to create chaos and control space.
Beyond the Battlefield: The Mindset of an Engineer
Furthermore, Raze’s character embodies the problem-solving mindset that defines engineers. She’s resourceful, adaptable, and constantly experimenting to find new ways to use her abilities. This inherent curiosity and drive to innovate are hallmark traits of any successful engineer, regardless of their field.
It’s also important to acknowledge the cultural context. Raze comes from Brazil, a place where ingenuity and resourcefulness are highly valued. In many parts of the world, “engineering” is understood more broadly as a practical application of skills to solve immediate problems, often with limited resources.
Is She a “Professional” Engineer?
No, Raze is likely not a licensed professional engineer. She hasn’t gone through formal education, accredited programs, or licensure exams. However, her practical skills and application of engineering principles are undeniable.
Ultimately, whether you consider Raze an engineer depends on your definition. If you require formal credentials and adherence to established engineering practices, then no. But if you appreciate the creative problem-solving, application of scientific principles, and innovative spirit that defines engineering at its core, then Raze is undoubtedly an engineer of explosive artistry.
She may not be designing sustainable infrastructure, but she’s certainly engineering victories for her team. And maybe, just maybe, her playful approach to engineering can inspire others to see the potential for creativity and innovation in even the most unconventional applications of science and technology. Perhaps her contributions can be researched and documented by entities like the Games Learning Society, which explores the educational potential of games. Find out more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Raze
Is Raze queer?
Yes. It’s canonically confirmed that Raze and Killjoy are in a romantic relationship. This makes Raze part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Are Raze and Killjoy married?
No, they are not married. They are confirmed to be dating, but there is no indication they have taken their relationship to the level of marriage.
Is Raze a duelist?
Yes, Raze is a Duelist agent in VALORANT. This means her primary role is to engage in direct combat and create opportunities for her team to push forward.
Is Raze harder than Jett?
While both agents have a high skill ceiling, it’s subjective. Some argue that Jett’s movement abilities are more complex, while others believe Raze’s precise grenade placement and Blast Pack usage require more mechanical skill. The general consensus is that both are high skill agents with different challenges.
What does Raze have on her hair?
Raze wears orange cap backwards accompanied by her headphones. Her hair is arranged in multiple braids held together by gold-colored hair rollers.
What race is Raze?
Raze is a woman with a brown skin tone coming from Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
Why is Raze so popular?
Raze is popular due to her high damage output and ability to clear tight spaces with her abilities. She’s also a fun and energetic character with a unique personality.
What is Jett’s real name Val?
Jett’s real name has been retconned. Initially referred to as ‘Joon-Hee’ in a removed voiceline, her real name is now Han Sunwoo.
Did Cypher raise Killjoy?
While not directly raising Killjoy, Brimstone and Cypher are said to have helped raise Killjoy, indicating a mentorship or supportive role in her life.
Does Jett hate Fade?
Jett does have negative opinions towards Fade’s recruitment. This is due to Fade having blackmailed and doxxed the VALORANT agents, including Jett.
Who is the easiest duelist?
For beginners, Reyna and Phoenix are often considered the easiest Duelists to learn in VALORANT. Raze has high damage output and can clear spaces, but requires more skillful implementation to master.
Are Raze and Killjoy canonically dating?
Yes, Riot Games has confirmed that Raze and Killjoy are canonically dating in the VALORANT universe.
Is Raze a good Valorant agent?
Raze is considered a top-tier Duelist in Valorant because of her explosive abilities and capacity to create space.
What can Raze do as a Duelist?
As a Duelist, Raze can clear enclosed areas by making use of her Blast Packs and Paint Shells grenades. Her Boom Bot can uncover enemies and her ultimate Showstopper can deal massive damage.
Does Raze use her engineering background in her fighting style?
Yes, Raze uses her engineering abilities in her fighting style to build explosive objects like Boom Bot, Blast Pack, Paint Shells, and Showstopper.