Arcane Season 2 - Discover the Easter Eggs in Act 1!

The second season of Arcane arrived with mixed reviews and packed with emotional moments, though there were some criticisms regarding the pacing of the series. However, for League of Legends fans, this series always has something to offer.

This season brought a flood of references and Easter eggs that connect the game’s universe directly to the show. If you blinked, you might have missed some amazing details.

So, get ready to dive into the hidden references of Arcane and explore the Easter eggs you may not have noticed!

The Countless Teemo Easter Eggs

Teemo, the most loved and hated Yordle in League of Legends, appears subtly but consistently. Isha, a child from Zaun, wears Teemo’s hat. Additionally, Sevika’s slot machine arm displays Teemo’s famous mushrooms, and there’s a large drawing of him in Jinx’s hideout.

Does this mean anything? Well, I don’t think so. Teemo is an obvious choice for Easter eggs because he’s iconic in the game. These little appearances are a gift to long-time fans, adding a bit of lightness and nostalgia amidst the dark narrative.

Janna Appears!

In Episode 2, we see an image of Janna painted on the wall as Viktor passes by a group of Zaunites who worship her. In Episode 3, Jinx mentions Janna in bedtime stories, referring to her as a savior for those who struggle to breathe. Interestingly, Janna’s image is carved into the gate that separates Zaun from the toxins known as The Gray.

Why is this significant? Janna’s presence reinforces the mysticism in Zaun and the faith of its residents in divine figures, praying for Janna to bring fresh air to Zaun. It would be great to see a more concrete appearance of Janna, as the series has made several religious references in these three episodes.

Jungle Creatures in Arcane

It was a surprise to many to see League of Legends jungle monsters mentioned by Heimerdinger in Arcane. In Act I, Heimerdinger mentions, “The Rubrivira came out of the jungle,” a reference to the red buff. Additionally, we see Singed experimenting with two-headed wolves, also creatures present in the game.

Why is it interesting? It’s intriguing to know that the ecosystem of Summoner’s Rift exists in the world of Arcane. This implies that jungle monsters, as well as Dragons and Baron Nashor, are part of this universe.

The "Appearance" of Jarvan IV

Jarvan IV appears briefly in Arcane through banners and even in some trailers – though he’s only part of a stage play.

Why is it relevant? This Easter egg plays with fans’ expectations, adding a touch of humor and showing that the series is willing to make subtle references without compromising the main narrative. But who knows, maybe Demacia will make an appearance?

Caitlyn and Kindred

At the start of the second season, we see Caitlyn using the Kiramman family key to access the ventilation system plans created by her mother to help Zaunites breathe better.

But what’s even more attention-grabbing is the superimposition of Kindred’s Wolf image over Caitlyn’s face, right after the memorial attack. The Black Wolf represents Kindred’s darker side, the representation of death in Runeterra. This image marks the beginning of Caitlyn’s transformation, which we see during Act 1. In Episode 3, we see Caitlyn using the same vents to oppress the Zaunites, reversing their original purpose and showing how she becomes the true monster.

What does this mean for the series? This transition of Caitlyn is a clear symbol of how much she has changed, abandoning her innocence and adopting a more ruthless approach, similar to those she once sought to protect. It’s a development that makes it clear the character is willing to take extreme measures, which will likely deeply impact her relationships, especially with Vi.

Heimerdinger’s Turrets

Here we see the creation Heimer is most famous for in the game, his turrets! Of course, here they aren’t the killing machines we see in Summoner’s Rift, since he’s surrounded by children, but it’s still the same technology.

Why is it important? It’s hard to say how important this will be for the narrative. Heimer could use his turrets to defend his new home, just as he uses them in his gameplay to protect an area, or they might just be a small nod for us players.

The Hextech Rifle

In the first episode, Caitlyn finally appears wielding the Hextech Rifle, a weapon created after an upgrade by Jayce. Cait now has her iconic weapon.

Why is it surprising? It’s a fanservice moment, but also a hint of how Hextech technology is evolving and becoming increasingly deadly, following Ambessa’s plans.

Chemtech Items

During the attack on the memorial, two League of Legends items make an appearance: the Chempunk Chainsword and the Turbo Chemtank. Renni, the chemical baroness who lost her son in the first season, uses the Chainsword to attack Jayce, a direct reference to the offensive item in the game. Meanwhile, the Zaunite terrorists use the Turbo Chemtank.

What does this mean? Narratively, not much. However, it shows that we can expect more items to be adapted into the series! They’re subtle details, but they enrich the experience for those who know the items and their stories well.

Honorable Mentions

Not exactly Easter eggs, we see the appearance of the Leviathan, the powerful Noxian warship strongly associated with Swain, hinting at his possible appearance.

We also see the Black Rose for the first time, a Noxian political cult that controls society from the shadows.

The second season of Arcane was filled with details that attentive fans likely loved discovering. These Easter eggs are a testament to the creators’ care and respect for the original League of Legends material.

Now, the question remains: what else did they hide that we haven’t yet uncovered? And what surprises await us in the third season? Whatever happens, one thing is certain: Arcane continues to be one of the most carefully crafted and detail-rich adaptations we’ve ever seen.