Updated on November 23, 11:42 p.m. (GMT+8): Added new content.
Finally, we’ve reached the finale — the singular Arcane ending that wraps up the season’s major storylines while opening possibilities for future developments.
The end of season two seemingly seals the fate of beloved characters Vi, Jinx, Viktor, Jayce, Ekko, and others.
Or does it? We’re not getting a season three, so for now, all we can do is rely on existing lore in League of Legends and Legends of Runeterra.
In this ONE Esports article, we map out the last few scenes in Arcane Season 2 Episode 9 “The Dirt Under Your Nails” and what they could imply for the “future” of these characters.
Warning: Spoilers if you haven’t watched Arcane season two.
Arcane ending explained: a new era for Piltover and Zaun
One of the first scenes we see in the aftermath of Piltover and Zaun versus Ambessa and Viktor captures the Bridge of Progress. This coincides with the start of Caitlyn’s epilogue.
For the first time, we see the people of Piltover and Zaun standing together side by side as equals united in grief and tragedy.
It’s not a bed of roses, however. Even though Sevika becomes an official member of a rebuilt council, other officials scowl at her entrance, but it is a start, giving us a glimpse of how these two very different cities could coexist in peace.
Arcane ending explained: Orianna is alive… kind of
Season 2 Episode 9 also ties up loose ends for Singed and his daughter, Orianna who is shown to be alive, resurrected from death.
The mid lane mage champion that we know and love in League of Legends is made of mechanical parts that’s magically synced together with Hextech.
In this Arcane scene, many hints of her “final form” is present. Her blonde hair and baby blue eyes resemble the in-game model. Arcane is clearly in her veins as her skin shares the same color as Viktor’s followers.
Importantly, her arm is detached from her body like a cyborg, which indicates that she’s not exactly human like Viktor’s followers nor is she an evolved form of them. After all, she’s been exposed to many different types of fluids from Singed, so she’s really one-of-a-kind.
Arcane ending explained: Setting up Mel Medarda as a new League of Legends champion in 2025 and Noxus’ conflict with Swain
After Orianna, we move on to Swain and Mel Medarda. As explained in our article “Full list of League of Legends champions in Arcane and the episode they appear,” the crow revealing its three red eyes confirms Swain’s presence in the series. It’s a trademark of his that’s visible in his official splashart.
Swain’s passive ability in LoL is called Ravenous Flock, where his ravens go out to collect Soul Fragments that heal him and increases his health. In Arcane, his raven acts as a spy, keeping tabs on all the happenings in Piltover, the aftermath of the war, and most of all, what’s happening with Noxus’ army.
LoL players know that he eventually does become Grand General of Noxus again — but the question is when and how as Arcane hints as his return to power.
This sets up a future conflict with Mel, who now sits where her mother used to on the commanding Noxian ship, The Leviathan.
For the first time in the series, we see her in Noxian colors and armor, confirming that she has chosen to leave Piltover and return to her home region. In what capacity however, we do not know.
What we are looking forward to, however, is her very high potential of now becoming the second original Arcane character to enter the MOBA game following in the footsteps of her mother. We saw her shield, reflect attacks, and using her mage powers to push enemies away. Could she be a mid lane mage or support? Or both?
Arcane ending explained: Vi and Caitlyn together forever
For LoL players, CaitVi is basically canon. We knew they would end up together. Take a look at this splashart of Officer Vi and Officer Caitlyn!
In the finale Caitlyn asks, “Are you still in this fight, Violet?
In which Vi replies, “I am the dirt under your nails, Cupcake. Nothing’s gonna clean me out.”
And so the implication of this “fight” is that against criminals in the name of justice as Vi continues her position as a Piltover warden under Sheriff Caitlyn.
Arcane ending explained: the final scene with the airship is very symbolic
In Arcane Season 1 Episode 1 “Welcome to the Playground,” when Vi, Powder, and the rest of the gang sneak up to top side, they admire the view of Piltover from the top of a building.
While on the roof, an airship zips past them overhead, flying into the city. It’s a clear symbol of progress and technological advancement for the city of Piltover.
In the very last scene of Season 2 Episode 9, we also see an airship, but this time it is flying away from Piltover, sailing across the vast and open ocean that stretches far into the horizon.
This symbolizes that the stories of these characters continue in the vast lands of Runeterra beyond just Piltover and Zaun — a universe for viewers to explore in League of Legends, Legends of Runeterra, Wild Rift, and Riot Games’ media.
After all, we’re not getting a season three, so their stories do indeed continue in-game, just not in 250 million dollars animated form.
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