Netflix’s Arcane, the animated series set in Riot Games’ League of Legends universe, has become a landmark success, captivating game fans and newcomers alike. Released by Riot Games and animated by Fortiche, the show set a high bar with Season 1, and Season 2 only raises that bar, bringing new depth to its characters and exploring even darker themes. Through groundbreaking visuals, complex character arcs, and an intricate storyline, Arcane delivers a layered narrative that explores the complexities of family, trauma, and societal inequality within the fictional cities of Piltover and Zaun.
“I like how they made their characters using common tropes but added so many subtle complexities that it gave a new take on those archetypes, and made them more human,” says fan Ashley Torres. “I also love how well written it is because every line, every scene is so intentional.”
In Season 1, Arcane introduces us to the contrasting cities of Piltover and Zaun. Piltover is known as the City of Progress, full of wealth and innovation, while Zaun, just below, is dark, gritty, and often overlooked by the people above. It’s a world divided by class and opportunity, and that divide shapes every aspect of the story.
Season 1 focuses on the tragic story of two sisters from Zaun: Vi and Powder (later known as Jinx). Orphaned by a traumatic conflict with Piltover, they are raised by the Zaunite leader Vander and learn to survive in a hostile environment. Vi, the protective and resilient older sister, wants to shield Powder from Zaun’s dangers, but Powder’s impulsive nature and desire for belonging lead to a series of fatal mistakes. These mistakes ultimately push Powder to her limit, culminating in her transformation into Jinx, an unhinged and chaotic character whose destructive tendencies spiral out of control.
Alongside Vi and Jinx’s story, Arcane introduces other key characters from the League of Legends universe, such as Jayce, Viktor, and Caitlyn. Jayce and Viktor are driven scientists in Piltover, each with a vision for using Hextech to improve society. However, Viktor’s ties to Zaun and his ambition for rapid advancement create tension, as both characters grapple with the ethical implications of their work. Through these layered storylines, Arcane examines the cost of progress, the perils of unchecked ambition, and the difficult choices that define each character’s path.
Aside from the thrilling storyline, fans are captivated by the animation, some may even go as far as calling it a feast for the eyes, with Fortiche’s unique style bringing both action and emotion to life in incredible detail. Each scene is meticulously crafted, with distinct visual cues that highlight the show’s thematic depth.
“My favorite aspects of this show would be the unique art and animation style because of how beautiful and amazing every scene in the show is,” says Torres.
The soundtrack, another popular aspect of the show, features original scores and popular artists and captures the raw intensity and emotion of the series. The theme song, “Enemy” by Imagine Dragons and JID, encapsulates the struggles of Vi, Jinx, and others, becoming an anthem for their inner turmoil.
“I think it’s just incredibly well done from the score to the original songs that were made for the show,” says longtime Arcane fan Sophie Moreno. “It adds to the overall atmosphere and most of the lyrics really do give us a clue into what the characters are feeling. One of my favorite fight scenes, which is when Vi and Jayve are shutting down a shimmer plant, uses the song “Snakes” by PVRIS and MIYAVI and it just elevates the scene to a whole new level.”
Season 2 picks up where Season 1 left off, and let’s just say it doesn’t hold back. The cities are in chaos after Jinx’s explosive attack on Piltover’s council, and the fragile peace between Piltover and Zaun is shattered. Piltover’s leaders are panicking, and Zaun’s citizens, emboldened by Jinx’s actions, are starting to push back. It’s a tense, unstable situation, and both cities feel like they’re on the verge of war.
Vi is caught right in the middle. She’s haunted by guilt over what’s happened to Jinx but is also desperate to prevent more bloodshed. She wants to bring her sister back from the edge, but Jinx is spiraling even further into madness, haunted by her past and unable to control her destructive impulses. Their relationship is more strained than ever, and each encounter between them is emotionally charged, heartbreaking, and impossible to look away from.
Season 2 keeps up Arcane’s visual excellence, but it’s even darker this time around. Piltover, once gleaming, now feels colder and more rigid as it shifts toward militarization, while Zaun feels even more chaotic and dangerous. It’s not just about making things look good—the visuals are a direct reflection of the characters’ journeys. Every frame, every color choice, and every lighting shift adds to the intensity of the story.
The first arc leaves us with so many questions. Will Vi be able to save her sister, or is Jinx too far gone? Can peace between Piltover and Zaun ever be possible, or are they doomed to repeat the same cycle of violence and mistrust? With each episode, Arcane manages to raise the stakes, pulling us in deeper with characters who are as broken as they are determined.
“I’m incredibly excited for act 2 and 3. As someone who lived through the three year wait after the cliffhanger from season one, finally being able to watch the season is so surreal,” says Moreno. “I think I am most excited to watch act 3 as I’ll be seeing it during the finale event taking place in LA on the 22nd,” says Moreno. “I’m most looking forward to seeing Caitlyn’s overall arc and how they write her redemption seeing as her character left off on a rather dire note.”
It’s safe to say that Arcane isn’t just a show—it’s an experience. Through its art, music, and fearless storytelling, it keeps challenging our expectations, making us root for characters who are flawed but relatable. Whether you’re a die-hard League fan or completely new to the world of Runeterra, Arcane is a story worth experiencing for anyone who loves immersive, powerful storytelling. And with the way things are shaping up, Season 2 is only going to make the journey more unforgettable, with the final two acts inching closer and closer, arriving on Netflix on the 16th and 23rd of November.
