If you’re one of the avid viewers of Riot Games and Fortiche Production’s television series, you might be wondering — what is Shimmer in Arcane?

While it may look quite dazzling with its pink hue, Shimmer has significantly influenced the development of both the undercity of Zaun and its neighboring city, Piltover.

Arcane key visual featuring Full list of League of Legends champions in Arcane and the episode they appear
Credit: Riot Games, Fortiche
Full list of League of Legends champions in Arcane and the episode they appear

What is Shimmer in Arcane, and how has it been utilized in the series?

In this article, we look into the intricacies of Shimmer. We’ll explore its origins, its applications, and the individuals who have harnessed its power throughout the series.

What is Shimmer in Arcane?

Shimmer is a pink compound with various applications, primarily used as a recreational drug in the first season of Arcane.

It originates from purple, bioluminescent flowers found within Zaun.

What is Shimmer used for in Arcane?

Beyond its recreational use as a narcotic, Shimmer has a wide range of applications.

Every League of Legends Runeterra race featured in Arcane ONEEsports
Credit: Riot Games, ONE Esports
Every League of Legends Runeterra race featured in Arcane

It’s employed in scientific experiments on both humans and animals, serves as an energy source, and is even used to enhance physical abilities, providing superhuman strength. Additionally, Shimmer has medicinal properties, acting as a pain reliever.

It is worth noting that excessive consumption of Shimmer can lead to significant alterations in both brain function and physical biology, as evidenced by certain characters within the series.

Who created Shimmer in Arcane?

Shimmer was invented by the scientist known as Singed, or Dr. Corin Reveck. The motivation behind its creation is revealed in Arcane season 2, episode 5, “Blisters and Bedrock.”

League of Legends champion Singed in Arcane Act 1 Episode 1
Credit: Riot Games, screenshot by Amanda Tan/ONE Esports

Singed’s ultimate goal is to revive his daughter, Orianna Reveck, who is in a comatose state. His relentless pursuit of a cure has driven him to conduct numerous experiments, including the development of Shimmer and its subsequent testing on various subjects.

Shimmer users in Arcane

Several characters throughout Arcane have been depicted using Shimmer. The first known user and test subject of the substance was Deckard, a Zaunite thug.

Singed frequently utilized the drug in his experiments on both animals and humans to assess its potency.

Ekko in League of Legends Arcane.
Credit: Riot Games, Netflix

Shimmer played a crucial role in the recovery and resuscitation of Jinx following her confrontation with Ekko at the Bridge of Progress.

Sevika uses Shimmer as an energy source to power her prosthetic arm.

Other notable characters who have interacted with or been affected by Shimmer include Silco, Vander/Warwick, Viktor, Caitlyn, Vi, Salo, Leste, and Orianna.

READ MORE: Caitlyn and Vi’s relationship in Arcane — full timeline, dating history