Arcane ending explained: What's going to happen to our beloved characters? (2024)

Somewhere I belong.

Updated on November 23, 11:42 p.m. (GMT+8): Added new content.

Finally, we’ve reached the finale — the singular Arcane ending that wraps up the season’s major storylines while opening possibilities for future developments.

The end of season two seemingly seals the fate of beloved characters Vi, Jinx, Viktor, Jayce, Ekko, and others.

Full list of League of Legends champions in Arcane and the episode they appear

Or does it? We’re not getting a season three, so for now, all we can do is rely on existing lore in League of Legends and Legends of Runeterra.

In this ONE Esports article, we map out the last few scenes in Arcane Season 2 Episode 9 “The Dirt Under Your Nails” and what they could imply for the “future” of these characters.

Warning: Spoilers if you haven’t watched Arcane season two.

Arcane ending explained: a new era for Piltover and Zaun

Arcane ending explained: What's going to happen to our beloved characters? (1)

One of the first scenes we see in the aftermath of Piltover and Zaun versus Ambessa and Viktor captures the Bridge of Progress. This coincides with the start of Caitlyn’s epilogue.

For the first time, we see the people of Piltover and Zaun standing together side by side as equals united in grief and tragedy.

It’s not a bed of roses, however. Even though Sevika becomes an official member of a rebuilt council, other officials scowl at her entrance, but it is a start, giving us a glimpse of how these two very different cities could coexist in peace.

Arcane ending explained: Orianna is alive… kind of

Arcane ending explained: What's going to happen to our beloved characters? (2)

Season 2 Episode 9 also ties up loose ends for Singed and his daughter, Orianna who is shown to be alive, resurrected from death.

Who is Isha in Arcane season 2? First appearance, relationship with Jinx, theme song

The mid lane mage champion that we know and love in League of Legends is made of mechanical parts that’s magically synced together with Hextech.

Arcane ending explained: What's going to happen to our beloved characters? (3)

In this Arcane scene, many hints of her “final form” is present. Her blonde hair and baby blue eyes resemble the in-game model. Arcane is clearly in her veins as her skin shares the same color as Viktor’s followers.

What is Shimmer in Arcane? Origins, uses, and more

Importantly, her arm is detached from her body like a cyborg, which indicates that she’s not exactly human like Viktor’s followers nor is she an evolved form of them. After all, she’s been exposed to many different types of fluids from Singed, so she’s really one-of-a-kind.

Arcane ending explained: Setting up Mel Medarda as a new League of Legends champion in 2025 and Noxus’ conflict with Swain

Arcane ending explained: What's going to happen to our beloved characters? (4)

After Orianna, we move on to Swain and Mel Medarda. As explained in our article “Full list of League of Legends champions in Arcane and the episode they appear,” the crow revealing its three red eyes confirms Swain’s presence in the series. It’s a trademark of his that’s visible in his official splashart.

Swain’s passive ability in LoL is called Ravenous Flock, where his ravens go out to collect Soul Fragments that heal him and increases his health. In Arcane, his raven acts as a spy, keeping tabs on all the happenings in Piltover, the aftermath of the war, and most of all, what’s happening with Noxus’ army.

LoL players know that he eventually does become Grand General of Noxus again — but the question is when and how as Arcane hints as his return to power.

Arcane ending explained: What's going to happen to our beloved characters? (5)

This sets up a future conflict with Mel, who now sits where her mother used to on the commanding Noxian ship, The Leviathan.

For the first time in the series, we see her in Noxian colors and armor, confirming that she has chosen to leave Piltover and return to her home region. In what capacity however, we do not know.

Every League of Legends Runeterra race featured in Arcane

What we are looking forward to, however, is her very high potential of now becoming the second original Arcane character to enter the MOBA game following in the footsteps of her mother. We saw her shield, reflect attacks, and using her mage powers to push enemies away. Could she be a mid lane mage or support? Or both?

Arcane ending explained: Vi and Caitlyn together forever

Arcane ending explained: What's going to happen to our beloved characters? (6)

For LoL players, CaitVi is basically canon. We knew they would end up together. Take a look at this splashart of Officer Vi and Officer Caitlyn!

In the finale Caitlyn asks, “Are you still in this fight, Violet?

Caitlyn and Vi’s relationship in Arcane — full timeline, dating history

In which Vi replies, “I am the dirt under your nails, Cupcake. Nothing’s gonna clean me out.”

And so the implication of this “fight” is that against criminals in the name of justice as Vi continues her position as a Piltover warden under Sheriff Caitlyn.

Arcane ending explained: the final scene with the airship is very symbolic

Arcane ending explained: What's going to happen to our beloved characters? (7)

In Arcane Season 1 Episode 1 “Welcome to the Playground,” when Vi, Powder, and the rest of the gang sneak up to top side, they admire the view of Piltover from the top of a building.

Is Jinx dead? What happened to Viktor and Jayce? Best theories

While on the roof, an airship zips past them overhead, flying into the city. It’s a clear symbol of progress and technological advancement for the city of Piltover.

Arcane ending explained: What's going to happen to our beloved characters? (8)

In the very last scene of Season 2 Episode 9, we also see an airship, but this time it is flying away from Piltover, sailing across the vast and open ocean that stretches far into the horizon.

Exclusive: Katie Leung on how she prepared for her major role as Caitlyn in Arcane

This symbolizes that the stories of these characters continue in the vast lands of Runeterra beyond just Piltover and Zaun — a universe for viewers to explore in League of Legends, Legends of Runeterra, Wild Rift, and Riot Games’ media.

After all, we’re not getting a season three, so their stories do indeed continue in-game, just not in 250 million dollars animated form.

READ MORE: Looking for your next hyperfixation? Power up your watchlist with these 5 shows like Arcane

Arcane ending explained: What's going to happen to our beloved characters? (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Frankie Dare

Last Updated:

Views: 6371

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Frankie Dare

Birthday: 2000-01-27

Address: Suite 313 45115 Caridad Freeway, Port Barabaraville, MS 66713

Phone: +3769542039359

Job: Sales Manager

Hobby: Baton twirling, Stand-up comedy, Leather crafting, Rugby, tabletop games, Jigsaw puzzles, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Frankie Dare, I am a funny, beautiful, proud, fair, pleasant, cheerful, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.