Where Arcane Fits in LoL's Main Timeline
Ever since its groundbreaking debut, Riot Games’ animated series Arcane has captivated audiences worldwide, drawing in both long-time League of Legends fans and newcomers alike. With its rich storytelling, complex characters, and stunning animation, it’s no wonder that many are left wondering: how arcane fits into league of legends main timeline? Is it a separate universe, a prequel, or something else entirely?
Let’s dive into the fascinating relationship between Arcane and the vast world of Runeterra.
The Core Question: Is Arcane Canon?
This is perhaps the most frequent question among fans, and the answer is a resounding yes, Arcane is canonical within the League of Legends universe. However, like many expansive fictional worlds, Riot Games has a nuanced approach to its lore. Arcane isn’t just a side story; it’s a foundational retelling and expansion of key events and character origins.
A New Foundation: Arcane serves as the definitive origin story for many beloved champions from Piltover and Zaun, establishing the current canonical events that set the stage for their futures. Evolving Lore: While it might contradict some older, less-defined pieces of lore, Arcane is now the official history for the characters and regions it depicts. Think of it as a definitive reboot and expansion that aligns all future storytelling.
Arcane: A Canonical Origin Story
Arcane doesn’t just borrow elements from League of Legends; it meticulously crafts the early lives and pivotal moments for some of its most iconic figures. This is precisely how arcane fits into league of legends main timeline – by building the very bedrock of its current lore.
Setting the Stage: Piltover and Zaun's Tumultuous Past
The series takes us back to a crucial period, illustrating the socio-economic and political tensions between the gleaming city of Piltover and the dark, undercity of Zaun.
Vi and Jinx: We witness the tragic separation and subsequent transformation of Powder into Jinx, and Violet into Vi, the Enforcer. Their sisterly bond, trauma, and diverging paths are central to the narrative. Jayce and Viktor: The show details the revolutionary discovery of Hextech, its creation by Jayce Talis, and his partnership with the brilliant but ailing Viktor. Their journey from shared ambition to ideological conflict is expertly portrayed. Caitlyn Kiramman: Arcane introduces us to a young Caitlyn, showcasing her privileged upbringing and her nascent detective skills that lead her to partner with Vi. Heimerdinger: The revered Yordle scientist and inventor plays a critical role in shaping the direction of Piltover and its relationship with Hextech.
Bridging the Lore Gaps
Beyond character origins, Arcane fills in significant gaps and provides context for many elements familiar to LoL players. It explains the origins of:
Hextech: The magical technology that powers Piltover. Chemtanks/Chembarons: The development and impact of Zaun’s chemtech. The Enforcers: Piltover’s law enforcement and their struggles. The Council: Piltover’s governing body and its internal politics.
Understanding the "Flexible Canon" Approach
Riot Games has a philosophy often referred to as “flexible canon.” This means that while core events and character identities are fixed, specific details or older narratives might be retold or adjusted to better serve new stories and adapt to different mediums.
Story First: For Arcane, Riot prioritized compelling storytelling and character development, even if it meant minor deviations from pre-existing, less-defined lore snippets. The New Standard: Arcane doesn’t just occupy a space in the timeline; it defines that segment of the timeline. Any future League of Legends content involving these characters or regions will build upon the events established in the show.
What Arcane Establishes for the Future of LoL Lore
Arcane isn’t merely a flashback; it’s the foundation upon which much of League of Legends’ future lore will be built. It provides context for the current states of these champions and their regions within the game.
Character Motivations: The show deepens our understanding of why champions like Jinx and Vi are the way they are, enriching their in-game personalities and rivalries. World-Building: It expands on the socio-political dynamics of Piltover and Zaun, making Runeterra feel more alive and interconnected. Future Conflicts: Arcane sets up major plot points and conflicts that could reverberate through the League of Legends universe for years to come, indicating how arcane fits into league of legends main timeline as a launchpad for future events.
So, How Arcane Fits Into League of Legends Main Timeline?
In essence, Arcane is a canonical prequel to the present-day events depicted in the League of Legends game and much of its wider lore. It’s not an alternate universe but rather the definitive, re-established beginning for a significant part of Runeterra.
The Official Past: Arcane depicts the events that occurred before the current “present” state of many League of Legends champions and the world of Runeterra.
- A Living History: It serves as the official history of Hextech, the origins of Piltover and Zaun’s rivalry, and the pivotal moments that shaped characters like Vi, Jinx, Jayce, Viktor, and Caitlyn into the champions we know.
By embracing Arcane, Riot Games has provided a rich, emotionally resonant, and visually stunning entry point into its vast universe, solidifying its place as the definitive starting point for a major saga within the League of Legends main timeline.