Arcane season 2 will mark the end of Jinx and Vi's tale, but I think our next big villain has been hiding in plain sight since season 1

EntertainmentTVAnimation ShowsArcaneArcane season 2 will mark the end of Jinx and Vi’s tale, but I think our next big villain has been hiding in plain sight since season 1When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. EntertainmentTVAnimation ShowsArcaneArcane season 2 will mark the end of Jinx and Vi’s tale, but I think our next big villain has been hiding in plain sight since season 1When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Fortiche, Riot Games) Considering my brain was never capable of absorbing basic math, it’s alarming how much space there is for Arcane season 2 theories in that mushy sponge. As a die-hard League of Legends fan of 12 years, I’ve flown through both seasons with all manner of ‘what ifs’ – some disproven (Ireallythought Deckard would turn into Dr. Mundo), others still flying high. But there’s one conspiracy in particular that I’ve been peddling since the show’s debut in 2021 – and as we gear up for Arcane’s finale, evidence for it being correct has only piled up. Warning: This feature contains spoilers for both seasons of Arcane. What if I told you that Silco wasn’t therealbad guy of Arcane? Nor Ambessa (who can do no wrong), or even Piltover’s warmongering council? No: I think there are much bigger stakes to Arcane, and suspect that League’s most interesting villain – orsupposedvillain – has been sticking his beak in matters for longer than we realize. With the future of League’s animations set to move beyond Vi and Jinx, all signs currently point toward a trip to the hometown of Jericho Swain. Birds of a feather (Image credit: Riot Games) Rewind(Image credit: Netflix)The final Arcane season 2 trailer has totally sold me on a fan theory that suggests one character is finally locking in their signature ability Rewind (Image credit: Netflix)The final Arcane season 2 trailer has totally sold me on a fan theory that suggests one character is finally locking in their signature ability (Image credit: Netflix) The final Arcane season 2 trailer has totally sold me on a fan theory that suggests one character is finally locking in their signature ability If you go back and rewatch the first season of Arcane, you’ll notice that the city has a crow problem. The series makes a point of showing that dark birds are keeping a keen eye on Piltover and Zaun’s events – from the funeral of enforcer Marcus, to Jinx and Vi’s gutwrenching reunion. In particular, they have a heavy presence around Jinx. A crow watches the tragic villain as she revisits the arcade she spent her childhood – only for Jinx to blast the bird – and flock around the building where she ultimately kills Silco. Just moments later, when she lets go of Powder and fully assumes the title of Jinx, her makeshift throne is adorned with black feathers. But the parallel is most obvious during Jinx’s battle with Ekko, where she’s stylistically represented as a crow (or raven, it’s up for debate) against Ekko’s firelight. Fast-forward several years, and Swain has harnessed the power of a secret-eating demon to become ruler of Noxus. Now, he uses birds to snoop on everyone’s private affairs – including Jinx’s. “Faces, fading in the flames,” he tells her if they’re together in a League match, referencing the explosion that appeared to kill Vander and her childhood friends. “It was all her fault.” Sign up to the SFX Newsletter Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month! Nevermore (Image credit: Fortiche, Riot Games) Art for art’s sake(Image credit: Fortiche)One of Arcane season 2’s most heartbreaking scenes was somehow hand-drawn “entirely in charcoal” Art for art’s sake (Image credit: Fortiche)One of Arcane season 2’s most heartbreaking scenes was somehow hand-drawn “entirely in charcoal” (Image credit: Fortiche) One of Arcane season 2’s most heartbreaking scenes was somehow hand-drawn “entirely in charcoal” Given Swain’s entire personality revolves around knowingeverything, it makes sense for the Grand General of Noxus to be keeping tabs on Piltover’s most important individuals as the city shudders toward all-out revolution. But it’s also fitting that Arcane is ramping up to far bigger story beats, as season two’s second act sidesteps Jinx and Vi’s rivalry in favor of larger stakes – namely Noxus' growing influence in the city and the Black Rose’s kidnapping of Mel, along with the hexcore’s increasing instability. That last point is particularly interesting – it’s alluded to that Swain is taking brutal methods to prevent a catastrophe he’s foreseen,the same motive that fans think is behind Jayce’s darkest arc yet. The fly in this ointment is that we don’t know exactly when Arcane is set, and there’s a chance this is all taking place before Swain gets his demonic powers. In fact, I’d wager that withSinged yet to become a Noxian war criminalin the war Swain lost his arm, the crows we’ve seen could even be Swain’s demon still acting independently (after all, one of its manifestations visited ol' Jericho on an Ionian battlefield far from the Bastion). But one thing that’s undeniable: as future League of Legends adaptations will move beyond Vi and Jinx, Noxus' massive role in Arcane sets it up as the likeliest destination we’ll be visiting next. That’s exciting for a few reasons. Besides Swain, there are all sorts of competing forces in the nation, which values strength and power above all else. In much the same way that Arcane has juggled the stories of a few core characters – think Jayce and Viktor, Heimer and Ekko, Caitlyn and Vi – Noxus has so many narratives that can be unspooled in a similar manner. We still know very little about the Black Rose or its leader, powerful sorcerer LeBlanc, and have no clue what Swain is planning. That’s to say nothing of the unimaginably powerful lich beneath Noxus, whose return has been teased for years, or the Noxian invasion of Ionia where Swain lost his arm. Noxus is also the center of boiling tensions with Demacia, its longstanding rival nation, and its fragile peace could very easily be shattered. With some luck, Arcane’s imminent finale will hopefully tee up what’s next for the world of Runeterra.Riot has already said it’s up for telling more stories in the universe, but what form that takes remains to be seen – who knows, maybe we’ll go full Lovecraftian if the Hexcore backfires? But if all roads do indeed lead to Noxus, I’ll be here to caw “I told you so”. Arcane season 2 showrunner teases “massive, massive repercussions” for Jayce, Vi, and Jinx as the League of Legends spin-off draws to its finale CATEGORIESNetflixStreaming Services CATEGORIES More about animation showsLeague of Legends co-creator responds to report that Arcane was a “financial miss,” says “people think we make things like Arcane to sell skins, when in reality we sell skins to make things like Arcane"Arcane writer shares where she wants to go with a new story in the League of Legends universeLatest26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest► More about animation showsLeague of Legends co-creator responds to report that Arcane was a “financial miss,” says “people think we make things like Arcane to sell skins, when in reality we sell skins to make things like Arcane"Arcane writer shares where she wants to go with a new story in the League of Legends universeLatest26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest► More about animation showsLeague of Legends co-creator responds to report that Arcane was a “financial miss,” says “people think we make things like Arcane to sell skins, when in reality we sell skins to make things like Arcane"Arcane writer shares where she wants to go with a new story in the League of Legends universe More about animation shows League of Legends co-creator responds to report that Arcane was a “financial miss,” says “people think we make things like Arcane to sell skins, when in reality we sell skins to make things like Arcane"Arcane writer shares where she wants to go with a new story in the League of Legends universe League of Legends co-creator responds to report that Arcane was a “financial miss,” says “people think we make things like Arcane to sell skins, when in reality we sell skins to make things like Arcane” League of Legends co-creator responds to report that Arcane was a “financial miss,” says “people think we make things like Arcane to sell skins, when in reality we sell skins to make things like Arcane” Arcane writer shares where she wants to go with a new story in the League of Legends universe Arcane writer shares where she wants to go with a new story in the League of Legends universe Latest26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest► Latest 26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time” 26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time” 26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time” See more latest► Most Popular"This is incredibly rare”: How Mouthwashing quietly became 2024’s breakout horror hitI’m no Grinch, but will someone please direct me to the good Christmas games?This canceled Netflix fantasy series was one of the best shows of 2024 – and deserves a second chancePatton Oswalt and Jordan Blum explain why comics are still the perfect medium for superhero stories - 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REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1 Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2 Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3 Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2 Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3 Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1 Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”