Arcane Season 2: Best League Of Legends Easter Eggs, Ranked

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As a longtime fan of both the game and the animated series, I must say that the creators have truly outdone themselves with this latest season of Arcane. It’s been a rollercoaster ride from start to finish, filled with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat.

With the new release of the final act of the second season, Arcane has finally come to a close. And boy, what a crazy finale, huh? This story had me on the edge of my seat, and as a former League of Legends player, I love how Fortiche put so much effort into crafting an original story based on the game’s rich lore.

As a gamer, I can confidently say that this show feels like an absolute triumph. Its visuals are stunning, each scene so breathtaking it’s hard not to hit the screenshot button. The characters are brilliantly crafted with depth and realism that makes them feel alive. Plus, the soundtrack is packed with tunes that get stuck in your head, in a good way!

Beyond this, each scene brims with Easter eggs that might spark a “Pointing Rick Dalton” moment for any enthusiast of lore or League players, ranging from subtle hints to significant plot points. It’s quite likely that Arcane-only viewers have been puzzled, while League fans react with excitement at every reference.

Don’t fret, this list could provide clarity on points that may have puzzled you.

Any reference to Episode or Act is specific to Season 2 unless specified.

Warning: MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD!

12 Jarvan IV

For Demacia!

Arcane skillfully weaves intricate backstories that add depth to the world, making Piltover feel authentic and vibrant. In fact, Piltover even has its own narratives and performances!

In the first episode, there are advertisements for a play showcasing Jarvan IV, who appears to be the future ruler of Demacia. In the third episode, not only do we catch glimpses of the play’s stage setup, but also a prop crown that clearly belongs to Jarvan.

In the world of Runeterra, Demacia, located at its far western edge, is a kingdom perpetually embroiled in conflict with Noxus. As it stands now, the political climate within Demacia is tense due to disagreements among its noble families regarding the succession of power following the unexpected demise of their king. The question remains unanswered as to who will ascend the throne as the new ruler of Demacia.

To put it another way, we can conclude that the play presents a dramatic account of Jarvan’s father’s journey to power.

11 Isha’s Goggles And Hat

Two Yordles Might Be Referenced

I won’t suggest that Isha is secretly the character Teemo from Yordle, but I can point out that her appearance resembles the Bandle City scout, as both sport similar bucket hats, earthy color palettes, and goggles.

Yordles are playful, spirit-like creatures that inhabit Bandle City, a magical domain where the concept of space and time is flexible at best. Heimerdinger, the cherished character we know and mourn (RIP), hails from this race, explaining his longevity in Piltover, dating back more than 200 years.

Some mourning fans who are also grappling with Isha’s passing are holding onto a theory that she was actually Ziggs. This idea, while far-fetched, finds some support in the fact that the chaotic bomber character Ziggs is officially depicted as being best friends with Jinx in the “Paint the Town” comic. Together, they create havoc across Piltover and Zaun.

It’s quite possibly just a fluke, given the massive budget invested in the series, yet it’s hard to believe that anything produced by Fortiche happens without careful planning. That fearless young girl has earned a unique spot in ours.

10 Jungle Reference

GG Jungle Diff

The animated series, Arcane, is based in the world of Runeterra, which is where League of Legends is set. To enhance the sense of realism and immersion, Fortiche has incorporated various nods to the game’s jungle environment.

If you’re not familiar with League terminology, most matches primarily take place on the map known as Summoner’s Rift. The jungle is an area where players can wander and concentrate on slaying monsters rather than fighting enemy players in lanes. This allows them to function as support players, helping teammates or surprising opponents.

The first season also had a jungle reference, featuring beetle-like rock creatures named Krugs.

  • The first jungle creature featured is the Greater Murkwolf, a two-headed monster that Singed uses to turn Vander’s corpse into Warwick at the end of each episode in Season Two Act One.
  • There’s the Scuttler, a non-hostile creature that roams the rivers in Summoner’s Rift and drops a speed-boosting ward when killed. Two tiny Scuttlers, Scuttle-Butt and Stink Maw, are seen when Jinx and Isha put them in an adorably silly brawl in Season 2, Episode 4.
  • Finally, in Episode 2, Heimerdinger says “the Brambleback has left the jungle” to Ekko when they’re sneaking into Jayce’s lab. It’s not just a bunch of nonsensical code, but another jungle reference. The Brambleback is a larger jungle monster that awards players the “Crest of Cinders,” or “Red” buff, which increases a champion’s attack when killed.

9 Runes

In the final battle of Episode 3, Caitlyn damages Jinx’s gun by shooting it, causing a breach and rendering it unusable. Later on in Act 2, you’ll observe that Jinx has fixed this gun and even improved it significantly, transforming it into her primary weapon known as Zapper within the game.

In the game known as “League“, Runes serve as enhancements, offering diverse advantages to a champion. One such Rune is Precision, specifically designed for champions who deal damage primarily through continuous auto-attacks, often referred to as ADCs (Attack Damage Carries) in casual conversation.

In keeping with her ADC character, Jinx sports a Precision Rune etched on her gun’s side, which was evident during her initial clash with Warwick (Episode 4). It’s quite impressive to observe in-game emblems appearing in the series.

If you’re curious, it appears that the speed-enhancing artifact called Jayce’s Acceleration wild rune, which set the storyline in motion, seems exclusive to the series “Arcane”. I’ve searched extensively and haven’t found it anywhere else.

8 In-Game Items

7

In the context of a competitive game, League of Legends provides players with valuable items they can buy throughout the game to boost their in-game abilities. The initial act showcases around two (or arguably three) essential items that play a significant role within the game’s universe.

In Episode 1, the first highlighted piece is the Turbo Chemtank. This item is designed to help tank-type champions pursue enemies more effectively. Interestingly, it was also mentioned in Season 1’s episode 8, during Jayce and Vi’s battle with a group of Chemtank guards.

Following is the Chempunk Chainsword, which Chem Baron Renni used during the assault on the memorial at the end of Episode 1. Although its design differs slightly from the one portrayed in the game, it shares a strong resemblance. In the game, this item is particularly effective for bruiser-type champions.

To round things off, we come to the Kaenic Rookern, a delightful surprise for many fans of League. This artifact offers protection against magic, as demonstrated by its usage in the series by characters like Rictus and Ambessa, who utilized it to deflect magical harm.

6 Zaun’s History And Janna

The Zaunite Spirit Goddess Of… Fresh Air?

Janna is often mentioned during Season 2 as the Wind and Fresh Air goddess who is revered within Zaun.

Most of what we know about Janna primarily stems from folklore and myths; however, given that the series adheres closely to the lore within League of Legends, it’s also established that Zaun was previously under the rule of the ancient Shuriman Empire.

In the language of Shurima, Janna is referred to as either “Jan’ahrem” or “Guardian.” This ethereal being is actually a wind spirit who was once the guardian deity for seafarers, shielding a Shuriman port city, now known as Zaun.

During the intense battle between characters Jinx and Vi, the background music will feature a Shuriman prayer to the goddess, taken from the song “To Ashes and Blood” by Woodkid.

Over time, as Zaun evolved into its current state, there was a resurgence in people paying homage to Janna once more. She came to symbolize purity and cleanliness in the otherwise polluted underground metropolis.

5 Jinx’s Theme And League Outfit

Come On, Shoot It Faster!

Initially, Jinx wasn’t the deeply complex character we now admire. Prior to the show Arcane, she was merely a criminal psychopath who often caused trouble for Vi and Caitlyn. However, her character is now portrayed so subtly that the old version of Jinx appears as a mere caricature in comparison.

Initially, character Jinx debuted on the League platform back in 2013, accompanied by an original theme tune titled “Get Jinxed.” This catchy melody made a reappearance on two separate occasions within the series.

1) In the initial instance, it was during Season 1 when she played the tune loudly in her secret spot, failing to notice Silco’s shouts. The second occurrence took place in Episode 2 of Season 2, as Sevika turned up the jukebox on her freshly-acquired mechanical arm, and the music boomed during her battle against Smeech.

In the animated series Arcane, a nod to The Loose Cannon’s former team outfit was subtly included. This recognition can be spotted in Episode 4, when Jinx and Sevika orchestrate the escape of Zaunites from Stillwater Prison. One of the Jinxers is seen donning an attire reminiscent of Jinx’s old uniform, featuring a pink and black bikini top and short shorts.

4 Black Rose

Noxus’s Illuminati

In Episode 3, Ambessa was assaulted by a representative from the Black Rose, which has since sparked excitement among League fans as it implies the series is delving into the hidden organization.

However, who exactly is the Black Rose? This clandestine organization originated from the Noxian nobility, masterminded by the old sorceress LeBlanc following her agreement with Vladimir to imprison Mordekaiser, a being of immense brutality. This covenant marked the birth of Noxus, and the cabal now holds sway over its governance, operating covertly behind the scenes.

Regardless of Ambessa’s actions, they managed to catch the interest of The Black Rose. LeBlanc and her faction’s part in Arcane strongly hints at an upcoming League of Legends animated show being based in Noxus.

If there’s any doubt about whether the woman is actually LeBlanc, note that she shares distinctive eye patterns with her, and her powers primarily involve deception and binding spells. It’s worth mentioning that LeBlanc is infamous for her mysterious intentions, which often seem to be part of a larger, unseen plan.

3 Orianna

A Highly Anticipated Revelation

As a devoted fan, I found myself immersed in the game’s narrative where Orianna, a girl brimming with curiosity and empathy, succumbed to an unforgiving illness. Her father, Corin Reveck – a skilled artificer – was driven by desperation to save her. He resorted to a “Ship of Theseus” approach, gradually replacing her organic body parts until only a clockwork machine remained.

In the game Arcane, it’s been widely speculated among fans that Singed might be Orianna’s father. This theory stems from the fact that Singed, a disgraced scientist, was fixated on finding a cure for death. Interestingly, he carries a key in his locket that opens a secret passage to Orianna’s room, and this space features a music box identical to the one associated with Orianna.

It wasn’t until Episode 5 that we received confirmation, where Caitlyn referred to Singed as Dr. Reveck – the same man who transformed his daughter into a mechanical being. By the end of the series, we also meet Orianna, who appears to have developed further due to Viktor’s Glorious Evolution.

2 Viktor’s Evolution Is Terrifyingly Original

Immaculate. Glorious, Even

In the last episode, Viktor’s transformed appearance fits perfectly. It exudes a vibe that clearly suggests he’s the ultimate adversary, effectively embodying the original League of Legends design in a more natural Hextech style.

I gaze upon this character, and he strikes me as something out of this world, bordering on the Lovecraftian with a dash of body horror for good measure. His mask seems to be a grotesque split of his original face, and the Hexclaw emerging from his back gives off an otherworldly aura, making him even more unsettling, like a biblical figure twisted into something dark and eerie. That’s Viktor for you.

In his design, Fortiche maintains much of the original’s visual style and color palette, but transforms Viktor into an ethereal character, a stark contrast to the cyborg he once was in the game. It appears that Riot is revamping Viktor to align with this fresh aesthetic.

Some people aren’t pleased with Viktor’s recent makeover, as they believe the Hexcore design strays too far from the traditional robotic appearance that the character initially embodied. This discontent intensifies when it’s revealed that Riot is officially incorporating this new version of Viktor into the game.

1 The Noxian General Sees All

Future Story Implications

Although the narrative mainly focuses on the social and political strife between Piltover and Zaun, the ambitious nation of Noxus has been biding its time, poised to intervene aggressively.

In the final scene, some observant viewers may spot a raven, but upon closer inspection, it transforms into a sinister-looking crow – this particular bird being the pet of Jericho Swain, a forward-thinking ruler in the Noxian Empire, who possesses two extra sets of eyes.

From now on, what lies within the Arcane universe might be under close observation by Swain, given his possible awareness of the happenings in Season 2 (or possibly even earlier).

Without a shadow of a doubt, just as LeBlanc’s visage is unmistakable, it’s clear that the upcoming Arcane project will center around the city of Noxus. Whether it’s the invasion of Ionia or the ongoing Demacia-Noxus conflict, there are numerous possibilities to explore.

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2024-12-04 17:09