All League of Legends Champions in Arcane

Arcane takes viewers deep into the heart of Piltover and Zaun, where the divide between prosperity and chaos is sharper than ever. The animated series brings to life several beloved League of Legends champions, immersing fans in their backstories and reimagining their relationships in a visually stunning narrative. From main characters driving the plot to champions making brief but impactful appearances, Arcane successfully ties the lore of Runeterra to a gripping story of ambition, family, and survival.

As one of Netflix’s highest-rated series, Arcane has set a new standard for game-based adaptations. It masterfully introduces champions that fans know and love, while teasing others who may play bigger roles in the franchise’s future. This article dives into all the champions featured in Arcane, showcasing their roles in the story and how they connect to the League of Legends universe.

Spoiler Warning: If you haven’t seen Arcane yet, proceed carefully, as we’ll be exploring key details and character arcs from the series. Let’s jump in!

#12: Jinx

Jinx, once known as Powder, is one of the main characters in Arcane. Her story shows how a playful, innocent girl slowly transforms into a dangerous and chaotic force after experiencing loss and betrayal. Jinx’s relationship with her sister Vi is at the heart of the show, as her feelings of abandonment push her further into instability.

Throughout Arcane, Jinx struggles with her inner demons and the trauma of her past. She is heavily influenced by Silco, who becomes a twisted father figure, encouraging her darker side. Her signature weapons, like her bombs and minigun, start to appear as she embraces her new identity. Jinx’s story is emotional and heartbreaking, showing how tragedy shaped one of Zaun’s most dangerous criminals.

#11: Vi

Vi, short for Violet, is Jinx’s older sister and one of the central figures in Arcane. As a fiercely protective sibling with a strong sense of justice, Vi’s story is one of survival, loyalty, and redemption. Growing up in the slums of Zaun, she takes on the role of a leader to protect Powder (Jinx) and their friends. However, after a devastating tragedy, Vi is torn away from her sister, leading to years of separation that deeply affect both characters.

Vi’s time in Piltover changes her trajectory as she aligns with Caitlyn, forging an unlikely partnership. Her raw strength and her iconic Hextech gauntlets make her a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. Throughout Arcane, Vi’s resilience and unwavering determination shine as she fights to reconnect with Jinx while navigating the chaos between Piltover and Zaun. Her journey is filled with emotional highs and lows, solidifying her as one of the series’ most compelling and relatable champions.

#10: Heimerdinger

Heimerdinger, the brilliant and wise Yordle, serves as the voice of reason and caution in Arcane. As a revered figure in Piltover, Heimerdinger is a founding member of the Council and one of the brightest minds behind the city’s technological advancements. His extensive knowledge and long lifespan give him a unique perspective, though his caution often clashes with the ambitions of younger inventors like Jayce and Victor.

In Arcane, Heimerdinger warns against the dangerous potential of Hextech technology, urging restraint and careful progress. Despite his wisdom, his inability to adapt to Piltover’s rapidly changing landscape leads to his removal from the council. This turning point forces Heimerdinger to reevaluate his role and ultimately leads him to Zaun, where he befriends Ekko and witnesses the harsh realities of the undercity.

Heimerdinger’s character highlights the tension between innovation and responsibility, and his presence in Arcane showcases the Yordle’s compassion, curiosity, and unwavering desire to help others. His journey reminds viewers that true progress requires not just intelligence but also empathy and humility.

#9: Jayce

Jayce plays a pivotal role in Arcane as the ambitious inventor who helps revolutionize Piltover with Hextech technology. Driven by a desire to advance humanity and improve lives, Jayce’s genius and vision set him on a path to greatness, though not without its challenges. His discovery of Hextech, alongside Viktor, brings both progress and tension as the power of magic-infused technology becomes increasingly dangerous.

Throughout Arcane, Jayce struggles with the responsibility that comes with innovation. His rise to power as a Piltover Council member showcases his growing influence, but it also puts him in morally gray situations as he grapples with the ethical implications of Hextech. His relationships with Viktor, Mel Medarda, and Piltover as a whole shape his journey, highlighting his internal conflict between being a visionary hero and a reluctant politician.

Wielding his iconic Hextech hammer, Jayce embodies strength, leadership, and determination. His character arc reflects the fine line between progress and destruction, making him one of the series’ most compelling champions.

#8: Viktor

Viktor is one of Arcane’s most tragic and compelling figures, offering a deeply human perspective on ambition and transformation. Hailing from the undercity of Zaun, Viktor’s humble beginnings and frail health fuel his relentless pursuit of progress. As Jayce’s partner and a fellow brilliant inventor, Viktor plays a crucial role in the development of Hextech, striving to create technology that can improve lives, particularly for those suffering in the undercity.

Throughout Arcane, Viktor’s health deteriorates further, pushing him to desperate measures as he experiments with Hexcore technology to save himself. This pursuit of survival and perfection slowly pulls him down a darker path, reflecting his transformation into the Machine Herald seen in League of Legends. His relationship with Jayce becomes strained as their visions for Hextech begin to diverge—Jayce focusing on Piltover’s safety while Viktor remains dedicated to unbounded innovation.

Viktor’s story in Arcane is a powerful commentary on sacrifice, ambition, and the cost of progress. Despite his struggles, his resilience and brilliance make him a standout character, as he teeters between hero and antihero.

#7: Caitlyn

Caitlyn, known as the Sheriff of Piltover, is a determined and skilled enforcer who plays a key role in Arcane. Born into a wealthy and influential family, Caitlyn chooses to walk her own path, seeking justice and truth in a city clouded by corruption. Her sharp intellect, precise marksmanship, and unwavering moral compass set her apart from others in Piltover’s elite class.

In Arcane, Caitlyn partners with Vi, forming a dynamic duo that contrasts her methodical approach with Vi’s more aggressive style. Caitlyn’s quest to uncover the truth behind Piltover’s rising crime and the undercity’s unrest showcases her bravery and dedication to protecting her city. Despite her privileged background, Caitlyn remains compassionate, showing genuine concern for the struggles of Zaun’s residents as she navigates its dangers.

Her character in Arcane is a perfect blend of strength and integrity, embodying her role as a protector of justice. With her keen investigative skills and unmatched aim with her rifle, Caitlyn stands as a beacon of hope in a city on the brink of chaos. Her growing bond with Vi adds emotional depth to her story, solidifying her as one of the series’ standout champions.

#6: Ekko

Ekko is one of Arcane’s most inspiring and beloved characters, representing resilience, ingenuity, and hope amidst the chaos of Zaun. As a gifted young inventor, Ekko uses his intelligence and resourcefulness to survive in the harsh undercity. Even as a child, he displayed remarkable curiosity and a knack for tinkering with gadgets, traits that would later shape him into the creative genius fans recognize in League of Legends.

In Arcane, Ekko grows into a leader for the people of Zaun, founding the Firelights, a group dedicated to protecting their home from destructive forces like Silco’s influence and Shimmer. His ingenuity is highlighted in his ability to adapt and overcome challenges, using both his inventions and combat skills to fight for his city’s future. Ekko’s emotional reunion with Vi and his confrontation with Jinx showcase his depth, as he struggles with the pain of their shared past while trying to mend what’s broken.

Ekko’s bravery, combined with his sharp mind and determination, makes him one of the most compelling champions in Arcane. While his iconic time-manipulating abilities are hinted at rather than fully realized, his role in the series perfectly captures his journey from a hopeful boy to a revolutionary hero in Zaun.

#5: Singed

Singed, known as the Mad Chemist, is a sinister and enigmatic figure in Arcane. A brilliant yet morally unhinged scientist, Singed represents the darker side of Zaun’s obsession with progress and experimentation. He is the mastermind behind Shimmer, the volatile substance that enhances strength at the cost of physical and mental stability.

In Arcane, Singed serves as Silco’s trusted scientist, aiding in the creation of Shimmer-fueled warriors and conducting experiments that push the boundaries of ethics and humanity. His cold, calculated demeanor and willingness to sacrifice anything—including his own humanity—make him one of the series’ most unsettling characters. Singed’s fascination with science and his ruthless pursuit of knowledge are embodied in his experiments on subjects like Vander, which lead to the creation of Warwick in League of Legends lore.

Despite his sinister nature, glimpses of Singed’s humanity shine through, particularly in his relationship with his mutated creation and his obsession with saving his daughter (hinted at in the series). Singed’s chilling presence adds depth to Arcane, showcasing the horrifying consequences of unchecked ambition and scientific recklessness in the depths of Zaun.

#4: Warwick

Warwick, the monstrous Uncaged Wrath of Zaun, is heavily hinted at in Arcane but not fully revealed—yet his presence looms large over the story. Warwick’s origin ties directly to Zaun’s dark underbelly, as well as Singed, the twisted scientist responsible for his creation. Once a man, Warwick was transformed into a terrifying beast through brutal experiments, becoming a creature fueled by rage and the scent of blood.

In Arcane, subtle clues suggest that Vander, Zaun’s beloved protector and Vi and Jinx’s father figure, is the one who becomes Warwick. After Vander’s presumed death in the first act, Singed drags his body away, foreshadowing a grim fate. Later scenes show a shadowy, clawed figure suspended in Singed’s lab, accompanied by unsettling sound cues reminiscent of Warwick’s in-game howls.

Warwick symbolizes the tragic consequences of Zaun’s obsession with unchecked progress and experimentation. His transformation from protector to predator mirrors the undercity’s descent into chaos. While he doesn’t take center stage in Arcane—yet—Warwick’s teased presence adds an ominous undertone, and fans eagerly anticipate his full reveal in future seasons. His lore perfectly ties into Zaun’s themes of survival, sacrifice, and the blurred line between man and monster.

#3: Ambessa Medarda

Ambessa Medarda is a powerful and intimidating figure introduced in Arcane, though she has yet to appear in the League of Legends champion roster. As Mel Medarda’s mother, Ambessa is a high-ranking warlord from Noxus, a nation defined by its ruthless military strength and political cunning. Her presence in Piltover highlights the stark contrast between the city’s technological ambitions and Noxus’ brutal pragmatism.

Ambessa’s character is a masterclass in dominance and control. She exudes authority through her calm demeanor, sharp intellect, and sheer physical presence. Her interactions with Mel reveal a strained yet significant maternal relationship, as Ambessa criticizes Mel’s softer methods while emphasizing the importance of strength and sacrifice. She embodies Noxian ideals, where power and conquest are the ultimate goals, making her a perfect representation of her homeland.

Though not a playable champion, Ambessa Medarda’s role in Arcane is pivotal, hinting at Noxus’ growing influence and its potential clash with Piltover. Her character adds depth to the story’s political landscape and opens the door for more Noxian champions to make an appearance in future arcs. Ambessa’s calculated nature and imposing leadership make her a standout figure in the series.

#2: Orianna

Orianna, known as the Lady of Clockwork, is one of Arcane’s most subtle connections to League of Legends lore. While she does not explicitly appear in the series, her story is deeply tied to the themes of Piltover and Zaun—technological progress, sacrifice, and the cost of innovation. Orianna’s lore revolves around tragedy and transformation, making her an intriguing champion who could easily tie into the future of Arcane.

In League of Legends, Orianna was once a human girl whose body gradually broke down, leading her father, a brilliant inventor, to replace her parts with mechanical components. Over time, Orianna became entirely mechanical, her humanity replaced by gears and clockwork. Her story reflects Piltover’s obsession with blending science and innovation, as well as Zaun’s darker consequences of unchecked experimentation.

Arcane showcases a city driven by technology, where the line between human and machine becomes increasingly blurred. Characters like Viktor and Singed set the stage for Orianna’s potential introduction in the series. Her story could serve as a haunting cautionary tale of what happens when progress comes at the cost of identity. While Orianna remains unseen for now, her lore and mechanical nature make her a perfect fit for Arcane’s evolving narrative.

#1: Honorable Mentions

While Arcane focuses on a select group of champions from Piltover and Zaun, the series subtly hints at other iconic League of Legends champions who have yet to make their full appearance. These references are small, but they give fans hope for the expansion of Runeterra’s lore in future seasons, spin-off shows, or games.

• Kindred: A mask resembling Kindred’s iconic lamb design is worn by an unnamed background character, serving as a subtle nod to the eternal hunters.
• Teemo: The lovable (and mischievous) Yordle gets a shoutout through books written about his adventures, hinting that Teemo’s legend is well-known even within Piltover and Zaun.
• Swain: In the final episode, a three-eyed raven appears ominously, a clear reference to Swain’s connection with ravens and his Noxian influence.
• Jhin: A mysterious extra character, given more spotlight than typical background figures, shares unsettling similarities to Jhin. While it’s unclear if this is Jhin himself or a teaser of his origin story, the reference to the Virtuoso’s persona is hard to miss.
• LeBlanc and the Black Rose: The presence of a shape-shifting female mage affiliated with the Black Rose hints at Noxus’ secretive order. While the character’s identity remains unnamed, her abilities and mysterious nature strongly suggest she could be LeBlanc, or at the very least, a member of her powerful order.

These subtle teases serve as exciting Easter eggs for fans while laying the groundwork for future stories within the Arcane universe. While they haven’t yet stepped into the spotlight, these references hint at a wider Runeterra waiting to be explored, making the potential for future appearances all the more thrilling.

Conclusion

Arcane masterfully brings the world of Piltover and Zaun to life, featuring some of the most beloved League of Legends champions. From iconic characters like Jinx and Vi to subtle nods at champions like Swain and LeBlanc, the series expertly weaves their lore into a rich and emotional story. Each champion shines with their unique personalities, struggles, and connections to the evolving world around them.

With Arcane’s massive success and the promise of future seasons, there’s still so much potential to explore more champions and regions of Runeterra. Whether you’re a League of Legends veteran or someone discovering this universe for the first time, Arcane proves just how deep and immersive the lore can be. As Riot continues to expand its storytelling, fans can eagerly anticipate seeing even more champions make their way into this incredible series.