Explained: The League of Legends Timeline in Netflix’s Arcane Series

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The Arcane Timeline
The League of Legends Timeline
How They Intersect

Essential Insights

Arcane serves as a prequel to League of Legends, exploring the origins of beloved characters like Jinx, Vi, and Jayce.
Integrating the timelines of Arcane and League of Legends poses challenges due to variations in story elements.
While Arcane emphasizes character backgrounds, League of Legends broadens the narrative to encompass the vast landscape of Runeterra.

The intertwined timelines of Arcane and League of Legends present a compelling narrative; much of the current canon is derived from the animated series. This backdrop reveals essential histories of pivotal characters like Jinx, Jayce, and Vi, but piecing together their stories can be complex due to changes across the adaptations.

Many fans find it challenging to reconcile the events depicted in Arcane with the established lore of League of Legends. While the essence of the characters’ journeys remains largely intact, certain narrative adjustments have created discrepancies that require careful navigation.

The Arcane Timeline

To fully grasp the synergy between Arcane and League of Legends, fans must connect key events from both franchises. Arcane acts as a narrative foundation, revealing the backstories of significant champions such as Jinx, Vi, Vander, Viktor, and Jayce, and showcasing the evolution of Hextech technology and its impact on the cities of Piltover and Zaun.

The narrative begins with Vi, Powder (later known as Jinx), and their adopted family—Vander, Mylo, and Claggor—attempting a daring heist in Piltover that goes awry following a Hextech crystal explosion in Jayce’s residency. This misstep sets off a series of events leading to Jayce and Viktor’s collaboration on Hextech advancements, while Silco, a former ally of Vander, begins his quest for control over Zaun. Tragedy strikes when Vander falls to Silco’s ambition, and Powder is adopted into Silco’s world, leaving Vi to navigate her path alone—setting the stage for the dramatic developments in later episodes.

Significant Events in Arcane (Acts 2-4)

Jayce and Viktor enhance Hextech, establishing Hexgates that transform Piltover into a pivotal trading hub.
Caitlyn transitions into a skilled enforcer hunting for Silco and his criminal network.
Vi’s imprisonment occurs, though she eventually regains her freedom thanks to Caitlyn.
Viktor faces a terminal illness, seeking Hextech as a potential salvation.
Under pressure from the council, Jayce considers military actions against Zaun.
Jinx grows more unstable, leading to the accidental death of Silco and an attack on the Piltover council.
Caitlyn’s pursuit of vengeance intensifies following her mother’s death during the council attack.
By Act 4, Viktor undergoes a full transformation, forming an alliance with Ambessa Medarda from Noxus.
A new alliance unfolds between Noxus and Piltover, imposing martial law.
The struggle for unity among humanity evolves into a conflict among Noxus, Piltover, and Zaun, culminating in a collaborative defeat against Noxus.
In a climactic showdown, Jinx seemingly sacrifices herself to rescue Vi from Warwick, a mutated form of Vander.

The League of Legends Timeline

Situated in a post-Arcane future, League of Legends captures the thrilling exploits of champions like Vi, Jinx, Warwick, and Jayce. The timeline encapsulates the extensive lore and diverse denizens of Runeterra—an expansive world crafted by the Celestials. Furthermore, it revisits key historical events predating Arcane, including the Titan War and the Rune Wars.

The game narrates the ongoing struggles between Piltover and Zaun alongside the battleground of Noxus versus Demacia. These kingdoms represent contrasting ideologies; Demacia thrives on light magic while Noxus embodies martial strength. The League of Legends timeline is rich with pivotal occurrences that illuminate the broader universe, particularly in relation to Arcane.

Key Events in League of Legends

Following the Celestials’ creation of Runeterra, the Titan War ensues, fighting for dominion over the land.
Establishment of Shurima as an empire ruled by Ascended beings.
The Darkin Wars erupt, initiated by Ascended beings transforming into the Darkin gods, leading to widespread turmoil—these gods are ultimately confined by celestial powers.
The Rune Wars follow, focusing on a fierce contest over magical artifacts known as Runes, resulting in devastation across Runeterra.
The emergence of Demacia and Noxus, with Demacia rejecting certain forms of magic and Noxus expanding its influence militarily, including an invasion of Ionia.
The Ruination unfolds in the Shadow Isles, following King Viego’s obsession with reviving his queen Isolde, resulting in the creation of the undead Black Mist that transforms the Blessed Isles.
In contemporary events, after the bifurcation of Zaun and Piltover, Azir is resuscitated by Shurima to restore the empire.
Re-emerging as the Ruined King, Azir perpetuates the Black Mist to resurrect Isolde, prompting Champions like Lucian and Gwen to intervene.
As the Void’s power escalates, new threats emerge, with Bel’Veth rising as the Void’s new leader.

Interconnections Between Arcane and League of Legends

The interactions between Arcane and League of Legends primarily revolve around their shared characters and histories. Arcane offers an in-depth exploration of these characters’ journeys and origins, while League of Legends broadens the narrative scope to depict the larger tapestry of Runeterra.

Set predominantly within the cities of Piltover and Zaun, Arcane captures a small but vital portion of the overarching universe. In contrast, League of Legends presents a more comprehensive view of the world. The characters that feature prominently across both narratives include:

Jinx
We
Jayce
Viktor
Caitlyn
Heimerdinger
Echo
Singed

Fans of both League of Legends and its champions can regard Arcane as an insightful journey that delves into Piltover and Zaun’s complex dynamics—two interconnected yet divided realms.

You can watch Arcane on Netflix.

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