Netflix’sArcane, a hit adaptation of the video gameLeague of Legends, is ending after season 2, and the show’s creators have given a bit of explanation for that decision.Arcaneis based off and uses characters fromLeague of Legends, a multiplayer online battle arena game. When Netflix releasedArcaneseason 1 at the end of 2021, it was immediately met by both critical and popular praise. Since it was such a beloved show, many fans couldn’t get enough, and may be disappointed to hear thatArcaneseason 2will be the final chapter in Jinx and Vi’s story.
Given how sprawling the story ofLeague of Legendsis, and how vast and deep thecast ofArcaneis, it’s easy to imagine the show lasting for multiple seasons. While many people would surely like to see as much ofArcaneas possible, season 2 is the end ofArcane. Luckily, the show’s creators have a very good reason for ending the hit series, and they still delivered a satisfying conclusion to the show inArcaneseason 2.
Will There Be An Arcane Season 3? What’s Next For The League Of Legends Universe
Riot don’t intend to make Arcane season 3, but that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road for Netflix’s thrilling League of Legends TV shows…
Arcane Season 2 Was The Show’s Last: Was It Canceled?
Vi And Jinx’s Story Reached A Natural Conclusion
ThoughArcaneseason 2 was the end of the series, the show was not canceled. As series co-creator Christan Linke toldNetflix,Arcanehas reached its natural conclusion.
“From the very beginning, since we started working on this project, we had a very specific ending in mind, which means the story of Arcane wraps up with this second season.”
Arcanehas always had a very strong creative voice and vision, so it’s not surprising that co-creators Linke and Alex Yee have a set endpoint for the show. ThoughArcaneseason 2 being the show’s ending is disappointing, the decision was likely for the best. Ending after just two seasons ensuresArcaneremains true to its original vision, and that none of its various plot lines or characters get needlessly drawn out. It also meansArcaneseason 2 was made specifically to end the series as well as possible, and the show’s release schedule should helped it be savored.
Arcane Season 2 Was Released In Three “Acts”
Netflix Didn’t Opt For A Batch Release
The final season ofArcanewas released across three weeks, allowing viewers to digest the story chapter by chapter rather than binge-watch in one sitting. Netflix often releases its original content all at once, but the streamer is taking an increasingly common approach toArcaneseason 2.Netflix will releaseArcaneseason 2 in three “acts,” essentially splitting the season into three smaller releases.
Act Three
Saturday, November 23
That decision isn’t uncommon for Netflix - it has taken the same approach to other popular shows likeThat ’90s ShowandBridgertonin the past - and the streamer took the same approach toArcaneseason 1. In any case, Netflix’s release schedule means viewers were able to enjoy new episodes ofArcaneseason 2 for three weeks.
What Happened In Arcane Season 2
The Story Of The First League Of Legends TV Show Was Neatly Wrapped Up
Season 2 ofArcanewas just as action-packed as the first, and brought each of the various character narratives to a satisfying conclusion. Vi and Jinx’s complex relationship sees them eventually reconcile, especially when they find themselves on the same side against the show’s true villains - the Noxians and Viktor’s army. Viktor and Jayce learn the true nature of Hextech, which leads them to be at odds (and sets Viktor on the path to becoming the powerful being he is inLeague of Legends).
Most interestingly, thanks to Ekko’s storyline,Arcaneexplores the idea of alternate versions of Runeterra.Audiences get to see a different reality where Powder never became Jinx, and a much more idyllic and peaceful version of PIltover. There are plenty of emotional moments inArcaneseason 2, and it’s these that ensured the narrative was just as positively received as the stunning animation. The evolution of Vi and Caitlyn’s romance, for example, was a highlight. There was also the soul-crushing loss of Isha, the young girl Jinx takes under her wing.
Did Arcane Season 2 Leave Room For A Season 3?
The Story Left Room To Continue
While there isn’t going to be anArcaneseason 3, the ending of season 2 did leave some room for more of the story.Most of the storylines may have been wrapped up, but there were still some unanswered questions which season 3 could answer. For example, Jinx caused an explosion that killed the feral Vander and herself in order to protect Vi. However, with Jinx’s body never shown, it’s entirely possible she’s still alive. IfArcaneseason 3 were on the cards, this would likely be a key plot point (especially since Jinx is present inLeague of Legends,which takes place after Arcane).
There’s also the whereabouts of Heimerdinger. He and Ekko were transported to an alternate reality, and Ekko was only able to return to the version of Piltover he knew thanks to Heimerdinger flinging himself elsewhere in the multiverse. Since Heimerdinger’s fate was never revealed,Arcaneseason 3 would also need to explore and explain exactly what happened to him. The same is true for both Viktor and Jayce, who both vanished while destroying the wild rune.
Piltover and Zaun may have reached an uneasy peace at the end ofArcaneseason 2, with Sevika representing Zaun on the council, but it feels highly unlikely the region will be safe for long. Mel left for Noxus, though unless her diplomatic efforts are successful, the Noxian’s may not take what happened to their forces in Piltover well. An invasion would be entirely possible.Arcaneseason 2 ended on an appropriate note when it dedicated its final moments to Vi and Caitlyn wondering what was awaits in the future, as the peace they’d fought and sacrificed so much for feels far from permanent.
Was Arcane Season 2’s Ending Great?
The Finale Left Fans Wanting More
Overall, the finale toArcaneseason 2 concluded the show well. However, there was a key criticism in many reviews - that it left viewers wanting more. The decision not to make anArcaneseason 3 is understandable given that Riot Games wants to explore other stories in theLeague of Legendsuniverse, but until these shows arrive, the ending of season 2 ofArcanewill be perceived as leaving an itch fans appear desperate to have scratched.
There were multiple reviews that described the ending ofArcaneseason 2 as underwhelming. This isn’t a sentiment echoed by every viewer, but it does show that the show may have been better positioned as a narrative across 3 series. By the end ofArcaneseason 2 the momentum of the story felt in full swing. The final moments came suddenly, with the ending feeling quite abrupt given the pace of the second season overall.The ending ofArcaneseason 2 wasn’t a bad season finale by any stretch, but it did feel like it came too soon.
What’s Next For The League Of Legends Franchise After Arcane?
Arcane Was Just One Of Several Planned Stories Set In Runeterra
ThoughArcaneended with season 2, that doesn’t mean there won’t be more stories from theLeague of Legendsfranchise in the future. Though there haven’t yet been any announcements about a follow-up toArcane, both the company behindLeague of Legends, Riot Games, and the show’s co-creator Christian Linke are excited to continue fleshing out the world of Runeterra.
“Arcane is just the beginning of our larger storytelling journey and partnership with the wonderful animation studio that is Fortiche.
“Arcane is just the first of many stories that we want to tell in Runeterra.”
Based on Linke’s comments, it seems that futureLeague of Legendsstories are incredibly likely. Linke also hinted that those future projects may look visually similar toArcaneand its distinctive animation style, since he mentioned the work of animation studio Fortiche. There are even alreadypredictions for the nextLeague of Legendsshowto followArcaneseason 2, so fans of the franchise likely won’t have to wait long to return to Runeterra.
Arcane
Cast
Arcane is an animated series set in the League of Legends universe, debuting in 2021. It explores the conflict between the affluent city of Piltover and the oppressed undercity of Zaun. Central to the story are two sisters whose allegiance to opposing sides of a technological and ideological war strains their bond.
