Netflix's Arcane season 2 will be the final chapter in Jinx and Vi's story.

Given how sprawling the story of League of Legends is, and how vast and deep the cast of Arcane is, it's easy to imagine the show lasting for multiple seasons. While many people would surely like to see as much of Arcane as possible, season 2 is the end of Arcane. 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 in Arcane season 2.

Arcane Season 2 Was The Show's Last: Was It Canceled?

Vi And Jinx's Story Reached A Natural Conclusion

Though Arcane season 2 was the end of the series, the show was not canceled. As series co-creator Christan Linke told Netflix, Arcane has 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."

Arcane has 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. Though Arcane season 2 being the show's ending is disappointing, the decision was likely for the best. Ending after just two seasons ensures Arcane remains true to its original vision, and that none of its various plot lines or characters get needlessly drawn out. It also means Arcane season 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 of Arcane was 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 to Arcane season 2. Netflix will release Arcane season 2 in three "acts," essentially splitting the season into three smaller releases.

That decision isn't uncommon for Netflix - it has taken the same approach to other popular shows like That '90s Show and Bridgerton in the past - and the streamer took the same approach to Arcane season 1. In any case, Netflix's release schedule means viewers were able to enjoy new episodes of Arcane season 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 of Arcane was 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 in League of Legends).

Most interestingly, thanks to Ekko's storyline, Arcane explores 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 in Arcane season 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 an Arcane season 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. If Arcane season 3 were on the cards, this would likely be a key plot point (especially since Jinx is present in League 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, Arcane season 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 of Arcane season 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. Arcane season 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 to Arcane season 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 an Arcane season 3 is understandable given that Riot Games wants to explore other stories in the League of Legends universe, but until these shows arrive, the ending of season 2 of Arcane will be perceived as leaving an itch fans appear desperate to have scratched.

There were multiple reviews that described the ending of Arcane season 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 of Arcane season 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 of Arcane season 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

Though Arcane ended with season 2, that doesn't mean there won't be more stories from the League of Legends franchise in the future. Though there haven't yet been any announcements about a follow-up to Arcane, both the company behind League 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 future League of Legends stories are incredibly likely. Linke also hinted that those future projects may look visually similar to Arcane and its distinctive animation style, since he mentioned the work of animation studio Fortiche. There are even already predictions for the next League of Legends show to follow Arcane season 2, so fans of the franchise likely won't have to wait long to return to Runeterra.

Source: Netflix