Arcane‘s series finale was full of heavy action and emotional moments, but Vi’s heartbreaking conclusion perfectly demonstrated just how brutal the show is. Netflix’s hit video game adaptation has become famous for its bleak themes and tragic stories, but Arcane season 2’s ending really upped the ante and provided some of the most excruciating scenes yet. The finale undoubtedly delivered, as Piltover and Zaun put their differences aside to face off against Ambessa’s Noxian army and Viktor’s glorious revolution, which provided some of the most engaging action yet. However, the final battle didn’t come without major casualties.

The late introduction of the show’s complex multiverse leaves some legends’ fates unknown, but Arcane season 2 alluded to several major character deaths, one of which makes Vi’s ending incredibly hard to take. Despite suffering plenty of tragedy throughout both seasons, Vi’s pain didn’t ease up in the finale as she seemingly lost two of the most important people in her life. Although things are seemingly heading in the right direction in the aftermath of the war, Vi doesn’t quite get the happy ending she deserves, proving just how cruel the series can be.

Vi’s Arcane Season 2 Ending Felt Bittersweet

Jinx’s Supposed Death Adds Some Tragedy To Vi’s Happy Ending With Caitlyn

While Vi and Caitlyn’s romance got a strong payoff in Arcane‘s second season, it still wasn’t enough to cement a truly happy ending for one of the show’s most important characters. Being one of the main protagonists seemed to suggest Vi would be in line for a relatively peaceful conclusion to her story, but despite patching things up with Caitlyn, Vi lost her sister Jinx in the finale. The siblings were at the forefront of Arcane‘s story, as their rocky relationship and contrasting personalities were a big reason many of the series’ major events even happened.

Still, the duo seemed to get back on the same page in the latter stages of season 2, indicating there may actually be a way back for their relationship. Unfortunately, during their fight against Warwick, Vi’s emotions got the better of her as she tried to save her father figure, but with Vander no longer inside the beast, Warwick began attacking her once again. This forced Jinx to sacrifice herself, seemingly dying alongside Warwick in the process, leaving Vi distraught at losing two of the most important people in her life for good.

Getting to finally be with Caitlyn and watching the war between Zaun and Piltover end may be a comforting consolation, but Vi losing both Jinx and Warwick is a brutal full-circle moment.

Although there are some theories that Jinx may still be alive with Arcane‘s ending dropping a few hints that she survived the explosion, Vi still believes her sister is gone. Getting to finally be with Caitlyn and watching the war between Zaun and Piltover end may be a comforting consolation, but Vi losing both Jinx and Warwick is a brutal full-circle moment. She essentially lost them in season 1 due to their huge transformations, and history repeating itself makes her conclusion incredibly bittersweet, especially as she’ll have to carry the guilt of their demise all over again.

Vi Deserved A More Heroic Conclusion To Her Story

She Didn’t Get A Huge Role In Arcane’s Final Battle Compared To Other Prolific Characters

Custom image by Yailin Chacon

Alongside losing Jinx and Vander/ Warwick, Vi also played a relatively small role in the final battle, meaning she lacked the heroic ending that her arc deserved. Whereas other characters became increasingly unhinged and developed extreme philosophies throughout the series, Vi stayed true to herself and always tried to protect those she loved. Her strength was mixed with an equal amount of vulnerability, but Vi still attempted to maintain a level of peace between Arcane‘s two main cities while protecting her loved ones, yet she had one of the smallest roles in the war out of all the main characters.

Her defensive position was crucial to the overall battle strategy, but it didn’t feel as significant as being on the front lines. It wasn’t until she tried to save Jinx and helped battle Warwick that she really got to step up, but it was Jinx who made the memorable sacrifice, with Vi’s hesitation arguably contributing to her sister’s supposed death. Considering she was a major part of the story throughout, Vi should have been more involved in trying to defend the hex-gates, and while fighting Warwick could’ve made up for this, Jinx’s Arcane death denied Vi a heroic conclusion.

In comparison, Ekko was arguably the sole reason Piltover survived the finale, while Jayce sacrificed himself to try and help Viktor see a better path to peace. Additionally, Mel was one of the most pivotal fighters against Ambessa’s army, and Caitlyn assisted Mel in taking down their enemy, giving them all bigger roles than Vi. As a result, it’s hard not to feel like Vi drew the short straw when it came to the show’s climax, especially given how selfless she was throughout Arcane.

Why Vi’s Arcane Season 2 Ending Still Works

Vi’s Role In The Finale Proves How Brutal Arcane’s Storytelling Is

Despite how tragic Vi’s ending is, the conclusion to her story still works as it represents Arcane‘s remorseless identity. Even though she had her violent moments throughout the series, Vi is arguably one of the most morally good characters in the League of Legends adaptation, but this wasn’t enough to guarantee a wholesome ending. Arcane may have some uplifting moments, like Ekko and Jinx’s relationship in the timebomb episode or Vi and Caitlyn finally getting together, but the overall tone is dark and gloomy, making Vi’s ending a perfect reflection of the show’s true nature.

Arcane co-creator, Christian Linke, confirmed more League of Legends adaptations are in the works, which will focus on Noxus, Ionia, and Demacia.

Her pain and suffering from previous episodes positioned her for a cheery and heroic conclusion, but Arcane highlighted that not everyone gets the ending they deserve. Jinx and Vi’s narrative was heartbreaking from start to finish, making Jinx’s sacrifice a fitting send-off to their arc, even when more sinister characters like Singed got the resolution they were hoping for. Her relationship with Caitlyn alongside following Vander’s footsteps to create peace proved Vi’s story wasn’t all bad, but the bittersweet nature of her ending sums up her entire journey, proving Arcane doesn’t play favorites.