ORIGIN OF OMEGAVERSE
On September 13, 2005, a series called ”Supernatural” premiered in the USA, quickly winning over a massive fanbase. This passionate fandom gave rise to a BL (Boys’ Love) fanfiction called “I Ain’t No Lady, But You’d Be the Tramp,” written by tehdirtiestsock on July 24, 2010. This fanfic helped shape the ”Omegaverse”, a genre that emerged in mid-2010.
RISE OF OMEGAVERSE
In May 2010, a writing prompt was introduced on a ”Supernatural” LiveJournal community about the idea of Alpha males with knots on their penises and Bitch males without them. This concept inspired user ”tehdirtiestsock‘‘ to write ”I Ain’t No Lady, But You’d Be the Tramp‘‘ BL (Boys Love) fanfiction focusing on the “Supernatural” TV show actors Jensen Ackles as an omega, and Jared Padalecki as an alpha. Even though the term “omega,” was not mentioned clearly but later the story unfolded a lot of characteristic traits that became key to the ”Omegaverse” genre. On November another new writing prompt (omegaverse related) was published bringing Alpha, Beta and Omega terms together for the very first time. Later on, this genre (“Omegaverse”) moved forward grabbing more tropes attached to it such as: ”Fated Mate”, ”Knotting”, ”Heat & Rut”, ”Marking and Bonding/Pairing”, ”Male Pregnancy” (MPreg), “Inner Wolf”, ”Alpha, Beta and Omega Hierarchy”, “Hybrid Creature or Shifter Omegaverse” “Smut”, “Kink”, “Taboo” and many more. Omegaverse gained large popularity in 2017, becoming a hot topic for fan fiction writers and the popularity of “Dominance and submissive or Dom/Sub” subgenre. From fanfiction to a full-blown genre, Omegaverse secured its position in both commercial and none-commercial erotic fiction. ‘Omegaverse is now a popular subgenre in yaoi (BL genre)‘, especially in Japan (Manga, Doujinshi and recently (2024) in Anime: ‘Tadaima Okaeri or Welcome Home’ first omegaverse bl anime). South Korea (Manhwa, soseol/novel) joined in and has a large audience/readers, while China’s Manhua and Danmein/novel censorship limits its reach.
ALPHA / BETA / OMEGA CHARACTERS
Just like in real life, the Omegaverse features two primary genders male and female while Alpha, Beta, and Omega are considered secondary genders.
ALPHA / Dominant Alpha: Dominant and strong. They can be male or female.Typically have a strong scent, high sex drive, and are biologically wired to mate with Omegas. Male Alphas can usually impregnate male or female Omegas. Alphas experience a rut cycle every month, during which their instincts and desires become more intense, especially around Omegas. Sometimes portrayed as aggressive or possessive, especially during ruts (a period of intense arousal). Alphas can imprint / mark / knot Omegas.
Recessive Alpha: Still biologically an Alpha, but with a more subdued presence. They may lack the intense dominance or drive of a dominant Alpha, making them appear more like Betas in behavior.
BETA: Betas are the most 'normal' or average individuals in the Omegaverse. They don’t experience the intense biological drives that Alphas and Omegas do. Their lifestyles are similar to regular humans—they lack pheromone-driven instincts, can't get pregnant, and can't be marked or imprinted like Omegas.
OMEGA: The most submissive or nurturing role (though this varies depending on the story). Can be male or female, and are often biologically fertile, even the males. Have heats—a biological cycle where they become highly aroused and fertile. Emit strong pheromones that can drive Alphas into a rut. When Omegas get marked by an Alpha they can't feel other Alphas pheromones strongly.
Recessive Omega: Less sensitive or reactive than a typical Omega. They may not go into heat or might be able to mask their scent better. They're sometimes mistaken for Betas.
Alpha and Omegas take suppressant to hide their pheromones to avoid getting affected by other Alpha/Omega's pheromones. But once an Alpha and Omega bond together they don't have to take suppressants because other Alpha/Omega pheromones don't affect them strongly when they are bonded. Some Beta’s who are late bloomers can come out as an Omega if they are surrounded by strongly dominant Alpha pheromones for a very long time or period.
WOLF PACK DYNAMICS
In the Omegaverse, the concept of wolves is often used as a metaphor for the hierarchical relationships between Alphas, Betas, and Omegas. This system mimics the pack dynamics of real wolves, where Alphas lead, Betas are neutral or supporting members, and Omegas are typically seen as more submissive or nurturing. While the Omegaverse doesn't always follow strict biological accuracy, the use of wolves and their social structures helps to frame the emotional and physical dynamics between characters, especially in terms of dominance, submission, and mating instincts. The connection to wolves adds a primal, animalistic layer to the relationships, intensifying themes of power, attraction, and belonging.
It’s important to note that actual wolf behavior is far less hierarchical than early studies suggested, but the fictionalized "pack" remains a key trope.
POPULARITY AND CULTURAL IMPACT
The Omegaverse gained popularity through fanfiction platforms like Archive of Our Own (AO3) and Wattpad. Over time, it expanded into original works—especially in manga, webtoons, and indie romance novels, including LGBTQ+ representation.
Its appeal lies in its intense emotional drama, the ability to explore taboo or unconventional relationships, and the subversion of traditional gender norms. However, it’s also controversial, with critics citing concerns about consent, gender essentialism, and fetishization.
Despite debates, the Omegaverse has created a unique literary niche and a passionate global audience.
CONCLUSION
The Omegaverse is a fascinating and ever-evolving subgenre that really stretches the limits of traditional storytelling. What started as a niche in fanfiction has grown into a worldwide phenomenon. Whether you see it as bold fantasy or a way to explore deeper social themes, the Omegaverse offers readers and writers a unique space to rethink ideas about power, identity, and love.