How to watch
Arcane Watch Order in the correct order
How to watch Arcane in order, the animated series based on League of Legends
Last updated: July 12 2026
Written by: ChronoAlice
Arcane is one of the most visually stunning and emotionally powerful animated series ever made — a remarkable achievement that works brilliantly whether or not you've played a single game of League of Legends. With two seasons, here's how to watch it all.
Produced by Riot Games and French animation studio Fortiche, Arcane premiered on Netflix in November 2021 to near-universal critical acclaim. Set in the world of League of Legends, the series explores the fractured relationship between the twin cities of Piltover — a gleaming hub of technological progress — and Zaun, the oppressed undercity beneath it. The story centers on sisters Vi and Jinx (born Powder), following their bond through tragedy, war, and transformation. Season 2 premiered in 2024 and concluded the story on an enormous scale.
🕐 Release Order
Arcane is a two-season series with a clear narrative through-line. Watch in release order — Season 1 followed immediately by Season 2.
- Arcane Season 1 (2021) — Acts 1, 2, and 3 (9 episodes)
- Arcane Season 2 (2024) — Acts 1, 2, and 3 (9 episodes)
Each season is structured into three acts, released in three-episode batches. The full story across 18 episodes is a complete, self-contained saga.
📖 Story Chronology
Arcane tells its story in a largely linear fashion with a time jump between Season 1 Acts 1–2 and Act 3. The chronological order is identical to the release order.
- Season 1 Acts 1–2 (2021) — Vi and Powder's childhood in Zaun
- Season 1 Act 3 (2021) — Years later: Vi and Jinx on opposing sides
- Season 2 (2024) — The war between Piltover and Zaun reaches its conclusion
Which Order Should You Choose?
Watch Arcane in release order — there is no other order to consider, and no prior knowledge of League of Legends is required or useful. The show explains everything it needs to through masterful visual storytelling. Season 1 is one of the finest pieces of animation ever committed to screen, and Season 2 dramatically expands the world's scope. If you can only watch one animated series this year, make it Arcane.
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