The Biggest Secrets And References Hidden In Arcane: Season 2

Fortiche, a studio that began its journey with music videos (and has maintained that distinctive style), has become a cornerstone of modern animation with Arcane. They delivered a masterpiece blending storytelling, music, and a mix of 2D and 3D animation styles – from watercolors to meticulously hand-drawn elements, like the funeral sequence of Cassandra, Caitlyn’s mother. Fortiche’s brilliance also shines in the tiny details, Easter Eggs, and layers of storytelling scattered throughout the series, captivating both hardcore League of Legends fans and newcomers.

For those mourning the end of Arcane, don’t worry; one of the show’s creators, Christian Linke, said during a Twitch stream that they’re investing in three spin-offs, potentially set in Noxus, Ionia, and Demacia. Now, let’s uncover some hidden gems in Arcane Season 2 you might have missed.

This list contains spoilers for Arcane Season 2

10 The Hidden Frames

And Nods to Art History

Even the opening credits subtly hint at the characters’ fates and feature nods to art history. Examples include Caitlyn with her hands in her hair and a shadow resembling a crown, referencing a Macbeth poster, Jinx waving a flag evocative of Delacrox’s Liberty Leading the People, and Viktor holding a Phantom Pain-style white mask.

Fortiche animators also slipped blink-and-you-miss-it frames that show previews of what will happen in the current episode. From Powder’s necklace to Heimerdinger’s sacrifice, some of these details really hit hard.

9 Scryer’s Bloom

The Gloom Plants In The Tunnels

The series has many subtle references, even to specific League of Legends items – including plants! While navigating the underground tunnels in search of Vander, Vi, Jinx, and Isha pass through areas filled with glowing plants that react to sound.

This is a nod to League of Legends’ Scryer’s Bloom, which, when struck, reveals darkened areas in the game. Even when the two sisters hit each other, the plants glow on each impact, showcasing the animators’ meticulous attention to detail.

8 Jinx Appearances

A Mirror Of Her Past

Powder, now Jinx, visibly carries pieces of her loved ones in her appearance. Her iconic braid resembles her mother’s, while the streak in her hair echoes Silco’s tuft. In the alternate reality, she sports a pink streak, reminiscent of Vi’s colored hair. And in the finale, her hairstyle mirrors Vi’s shaved look, complete with Firelight tattoos, hinting at the time spent with Ekko.

Even her mannerisms, like Mylo’s finger-gun gesture and her mother’s sort of peace sign, reveal how she absorbs traits from those she’s lost.

7 A Melody’s Beginning And End

Plus Bonus Detail

In the opening scene of Season 1, Powder sings a melody while crossing the destroyed bridge that frequently appears throughout the show, connecting Piltover to Zaun. In the finale, when Vi is in Caitlyn’s living room, Vi hums the same tune, revealing it as a song their mother used to sing.

Another tiny detail: Caitlyn’s room originally had only one chair, but now, with Vi there, there are two. Every detail in this series is another tissue-worthy moment.

6 Kaenic Rookern

The Green Runes Anti-Magic

When Ambessa is attacked by the Black Rose, her lieutenant Rictus wields rune-engraved green stones, known in League Of Legends as the Kaenic Rookern. In the game, these items block magical damage and appear throughout the series, from the battles with Jinx and Rictus to Ambessa’s confrontation with Caitlyn and Mel.

The runes also echo markings on Riven’s blade, another character in the game, hinting at her potential inclusion in the future – especially since one of the spin-offs may explore Noxus and Ionia.

5 Ekko’s Sword

A Symbol Of Time

In the final battle, people don’t talk enough about the fact that Ekko saves literally everyone by breaking the trance-like state caused by Viktor. During the sequence where he approaches Jayce and Viktor, surrounded by these mannequin-like figures, we can see him wielding a sort of sword – which he didn’t have earlier.

Upon closer inspection, the “sword” is actually a clock hand from the clock tower that Ekko, Jinx, and Vi destroyed earlier. This tiny detail references Ekko’s time-manipulating abilities and his very similar weapon in the game.

4 The Four Seconds

The Devil Is In The Details

One of the standout moments is when Ekko and Powder dance in the alternate reality, accompanied by Stromae and Pomme’s song that skyrocketed on Spotify. The scene is animated at four frames per second, matching the amount of time Ekko can rewind…

Want to cry even more? When Ekko tries to save Jinx from her explosive act, her tears form a reversed ‘VI’ – a nod to Vi’s tattoo and, even more heartbreakingly, the fact that Ekko has only four seconds to save her (IV is 4 in Roman numerals). We’re definitely not putting Ma Meilleure Ennemie in the background while crying.

3 Powder’s Blue Rose Necklace

The Two Figures Inside

In the alternate dimension, Powder’s necklace, gifted to her by Ekko, features two distinguished figures – one of herself and one of Ekko. After Ekko departs to his original dimension, leaving Powder speechless, she places the necklace in Vi’s memory drawer alongside Hextech crystals. Is this the end of one chapter or the beginning of another?

Powder’s intelligence, as noted by Vander during their dialogue, and the fact she was involved in the creation of the time machine, suggests her destiny goes far beyond spending her life in a bar, whether in one reality or another..​​​​​​.

2 The Three-Eyed Crown

Swain Appearance

In the finale, a three-eyed crow appears at the site of Jayce and Viktor’s tower-top battle, seemingly searching for something. This crow is a direct nod to Swain, Noxus’ Grand General in League of Legends, whose character is associated with crows and visions.

The bird later follows a Noxian ship, where Mel is likely heading to her hometown and, who knows, possibly taking her mother’s place. This detail strongly suggests that Noxus will play a key role in future stories, with Swain’s arrival on the horizon.

1 Jinx’s Finale Sacrifice

Is She Really Dead?

The fate of Jinx remains one of the most hotly debated aspects of the finale. As Jinx sacrifices herself in the explosion, a brief frame shows a purple streak, hinting at her signature Shimmer-enhanced movements. Furthermore, when Caitlyn examines the map of the battle site, there is a focus on nearby side tunnels, suggesting an escape route for Jinx.

In the last scene, a flying boat appears, resembling Powder’s childhood dream of riding one in the first episode of season 1. Could this be heading to Demacia, where Jinx’s best friend, Lux, resides? To even add more, the closing frame reads The End in Jinx’s signature font, leaving viewers questioning whether this is truly her last chapter.