As Arcane Season 2 wraps up, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the characters that left us enchanted.
It has been such that nearly all primary characters are established Champions from the immensely popular MOBA, League of Legends.
As Arcane’s lore offers fascinating backstories for each character, how does it shape their journeys by the end of Season 2, Episode 9?
How do the characters in Arcane differ from their in-game versions? Did Studio Fortiche do them justice, or did they miss the mark when it came to their story arcs and resolutions?
In the upcoming list, we are going to check how each character assess and assesses the quality of their writing. While a full analysis could be much more detailed, it will certainly focus on personal opinions, backed up by some key examples.
Ranking Every League of Legends Champion Appearing In Arcane
Warning: SPOILERS Ahead!!
(10) SINGED
Singed ranks as the least favored character on this list, primarily due to his involvement in some of the most despicable acts, as well as his role in driving much of the protagonists’ pain and hardship.
Singed further plays a central role in both Zaun’s challenges and its ascent to power, as his invention of Shimmer fueled the undercity’s economy, though it came with devastating consequences for countless individuals.
It’s revealed that Singed’s real name is Corin Reveck, and he is the father of Orianna, another League Champion. In his relentless search for a cure for his daughter, he has left a trail of devastation in his wake.
Please note that Singed is widely disliked by the fandom, especially since he hasn’t had to answer for the harm he’s caused.
Despite the heroes enduring the emotional toll of the final battle, he escapes unscathed and is able to reunite with his daughter in a moment of peace.
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(9) WARWICK
We all witnessed Warwick’s terrifying bloodlust takes center stage, offering one of the show’s most brutal and graphic moments in episode 4.
Set to the haunting track “The Beast”, Warwick’s fight with Jinx highlights his terrifying brutality. While his primal rage is relentless, glimpses of Vander’s humanity surface, revealing his ongoing struggle to regain control amidst the carnage.
Warwick’s role in Arcane Season 2 happens to be quite tragic, serving as a key plot device to connect the storylines of Vi and Jinx.
In Episodes 5 and 6, the writers at Studio Fortiche skillfully bring back glimpses of Vander’s compassion, only to shatter them in heartbreaking fashion.
(8) HEIMERDINGER
Heimerdinger plays a crucial supporting role, primarily acting as a mentor to Jayce and Ekko in the storyline.
Following his time in the alternate timeline, Heimerdinger’s outlook changes dramatically, shifting from a rigid politician to a mentor who champions and nurtures the potential of the younger generation.
Heimerdinger’s actions and dialogue highlight his deep wisdom. He recognizes the importance of placing trust in the judgment and intellect of the younger generation.
Heimerdinger’s sacrifice brings up intriguing questions within the context of League’s lore.
As magical entities, Yordles don’t truly perish but instead return to Bandle City. This makes one question whether his sacrifice was symbolic, rather than an irreversible fate.
If Heimerdinger dies in an alternate reality, it’s unclear if he’d be stuck there permanently, as Yordles typically respawn in Bandle City. The lore doesn’t fully explain how they interact with alternate dimensions, leaving this an open mystery.
(7) AMBESSA
Ambessa, a character created specifically for Arcane, quickly gained popularity, leading Riot to incorporate her into the game with a powerful set of abilities.
While Ambessa presents herself as a fierce and merciless leader, her underlying fear as a mother drives her to take extreme measures, even at the cost of her bond with her daughter.
Ambessa, as the head of the Medarda family, embodies the harsh values of Noxian culture, where strength reigns supreme, and her worldview is a direct result of that unforgiving environment.
Ambessa may be a shrewd villain, but her actions are fueled by intense personal emotions. From her manipulation of Caitlyn to her war against Piltover, her choices reveal a complex, underlying struggle.
Ambessa’s arc wrapped up nicely, and it would be fascinating to explore how her death impacts Mel’s development, especially if the narrative continues with Noxus playing a significant role.
(6) JAYCE
Jayce starts as an optimistic intellectual, driven by a desire to study magic using scientific methods.
Jayce evolves from an idealistic scholar into a politician, inventor, and weapons creator. Although he remains committed to preventing Hextech from being weaponized, his journey forces him to compromise his values.
Beyond his professional life, Jayce is quite compassionate and caring person. He plays a big brother role for Caitlyn and shares a strong connection with Mel. His ability to teach is also evident, particularly when he introduces Ekko to the concept of wild runes in Episode 2.
At his core, Jayce always seeing the best in people. Despite his numerous mistakes, he continues to stand as a champion of progress.
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(5) CAITLYN
Caitlyn’s sense of right and wrong has been tested throughout the show, with Season 2 bringing about notable changes in her character.
It’s a common belief to say that grief has a powerful impact, and for Caitlyn, it pushed her down a more troubling path.
Fueled by rage and a desire for revenge against Jinx and, by extension, the entire undercity, Caitlyn embarks on a brutal crackdown. In her pursuit, she dishonors her mother’s memory by using the harmful Grey substance to try and flush out Jinx.
Caitlyn acknowledges how deeply anger and hatred have affected her, but her desire to do what’s right prevails. This inner resolve leads her to free Jinx in Act 3 and defy Ambessa.
Caitlyn’s journey in Season 2 is intricately woven with Shakespearean themes, which is highlighted by Studio Fortiche’s clever Macbeth homage in the opening.
(4) Vi
This is what Rocky quote, “It’s not about how hard you hit, but how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward,” perfectly captures Vi’s resilience as she perseveres through years of pain and loss.
Behind Vi’s hardened facade happens to be a vulnerable individual who looks afraid to loose her loved ones. Her moments of openness basically highlight her unwavering loyalty and willingness to face any challenge for those she cares about.
Vi has faced incredible hardships, yet her core values remain intact. Though bold and impulsive, she leads with her heart, showing her deep empathy. Unlike Jinx or Silco, she chooses not to succumb to vengeance, forging a brighter path instead.
Vi isn’t mainly driven by lofty goals like others in the cast; her primary concern is safeguarding her loved ones and making the right choices for her own community.
(3) VIKTOR
Viktor stands out as the League of Legends champion who has experienced the most dramatic transformation, both in terms of appearance and storyline.
Viktor, formerly known as the “Machine Herald,” was a visionary who strongly believed that humanity’s future lay in embracing cybernetic enhancements.
Riot made a daring choice by overhauling Viktor’s narrative, shifting away from his former identity as a cybernetic, machine-driven character.
Viktor’s portrayal carries strong religious undertones, with his crutch resembling a shepherd’s staff, his blanket transforming into a robe, and his Hexcore abilities allowing him to perform what appear to be miraculous feats.
Viktor’s evolution away from his villainous League of Legends persona is a refreshing change. While his previous tech-priest look had its appeal, it was time for him to undergo a meaningful transformation.
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(2) JINX
Since her introduction in 2013, Jinx has evolved into one of the most iconic characters in League of Legends.
Starting from the beginning, Jinx portrayed as a chaotic, unpredictable character akin to Harley Quinn, Jinx’s arc in Arcane delves into deeper, more complex emotions, offering a much richer narrative than before.
Some fans, with insight into her character, suggest that Powder may have been dealing with an undiagnosed mental health condition before becoming Jinx. Fortunately, the series addresses her trauma and mental struggles with sensitivity and depth.
Her anger is intense, aimed at herself and the world, and she conceals her suffering behind a mask of false confidence to cope.
When Jinx shines, she’s a true delight on screen. Embracing her role as Zaun’s chaotic hero, she showcases both clever humor and an impressive intellect.
(1) EKKO
Although Ekko didn’t get as much screen time as some of the other main characters, he plays a pivotal role in Arcane. His decisions in Act 3 were crucial in changing the trajectory of the story.
Ekko’s journey in Arcane is one of the most compelling. From a tough, small boy known as “Little Man,” he grows into a powerful and respected leader.
Ekko’s selflessness throughout the story won the admiration of many. Despite the opportunity to remain in an alternate timeline where he could have found happiness with Powder, Benzo alive, and peace between Piltover and Zaun, as he chose to fight for what he believed was right.
Ekko’s actions demonstrate his heroism, but unfortunately, heroism doesn’t always lead to a happy ending. By the conclusion of the story, despite his sacrifices, he finds himself isolated.
ARCANE
In the midst of the intense conflict between the twin cities of Piltover and Zaun in Arcane Season Two, two sisters find themselves on opposing sides of a war driven by magical technologies and conflicting ideologies.
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