Top 10 Moments in Arcane Act I

A child’s voice floats through the smoke in the aftermath of a bloody civil war. This scene was a powerful way to start the series. As Powder sings, her sister Vi leads her through the carnage of the Undercity’s failed uprising against Piltover, the City of “Progress”. Meanwhile, Vander is still fighting Piltover’s soldiers. Besides Powder’s singing, no words are spoken - but the characters’ expressions say it all. The shock and grief on Vi’s face as she sees the bodies of her parents is heartbreaking. It’s an emotional moment that does a brilliant job introducing the sisters, Vander, and Fortiche Production’s expressive animation style. It also confirmed the sibling relationship that League fans had long suspected.

With this flashback, “Arcane” introduced us to magic … and a very mysterious mage. As a young Jayce and his mother slog through the snow, all seems lost. Famous for its frigid weather, the Freljord is unforgiving. However, Jayce’s cries for help are answered in a miraculous fashion. The sorcerer who emerges from the snowstorm saves them with a dazzling display of rune magic. Jayce and his mother are transported to safety - creating a formative memory that drives Jayce’s future research. As for the mage’s identity, many fans think it may have been Ryze - despite the pale skin. But as of writing, we’re still awaiting confirmation.

“Arcane” does a great job of balancing character moments with political machinations and worldbuilding. And Jayce’s trial really hammered home the conflict between science and magic that underpins Piltover’s place in Runeterra. Thanks to Vi’s heist - and Powder’s mishap - Jayce’s unauthorized experiments with magic are brought to the attention of the Council. At first, Jayce follows Heimerdinger’s advice, offering humble apologies. But when pushed, he digs his heels in, voicing his belief that together, magic and science can really help people. It’s this idealism that makes him such an endearing character - and it’s his faith in his own abilities that makes you want to see him succeed.

The hand-painted aesthetic of “Arcane’s” animation creates haunting character moments. But with this early scene in episode one, Fortiche showed that they can also pull off thrilling action sequences. A heist in Piltover leaves Vi’s quartet of thieves with an impressive haul. But Deckard and his thugs want a piece of the pie. What follows is a visceral street brawl where even our protagonists take their fair share of blows. The movements are so fluid, you’d swear it’s rotoscoped. What’s more, each of the quartet’s fighting styles match their characters. And a striking slow-motion sequence makes sure we don’t miss any of the action.

Vi might defeat Deckard in the brawl, but he isn’t down for long. Thanks to a dose of Shimmer, Deckard levels up into a monstrous mutant. After Vander gives himself up to the Enforcers, Silco sics Deckard on them. We were so sure that Shohreh Aghdashloo’s distinct voice would be gracing future episodes, but a splash of blood and Enforcer Grayson is slaughtered. Benzo doesn’t fare any better. When he stepped forward, we all knew what was coming. Nonetheless, his demise is brutal. These were the first major character deaths, and they foreshadowed the bloodshed to come.

Is this a partnership for the ages or what? After the Council dresses him down and his patrons desert him, Jayce contemplates giving up. But Viktor, the Dean’s Assistant, has taken notice of him. Together, they merge their minds to fulfil Jayce’s lifelong dream. And the combination is magic - literally. Thanks to Viktor’s input - and craftiness - the two are able to stabilize Jayce’s Hex Crystal. Watching the delighted duo float around the room together, it’s impossible not to smile. We wish we believed they’d stay besties forever … buuut we kinda doubt it ...

We saw Vi give ‘em the old one two in the first episode's street brawl. But it was in episode three that we really watched her unleash. To rescue Vander from Silco, she needs to buy Mylo and Claggor some time. So she dons Vander’s gauntlets and lets loose on Silco’s goons. It’s another well-choreographed and amazingly animated action sequence that puts you right in the thick of things. As Vi’s fists lash out, henchman after henchman falls. The scene shows off both her prowess and dedication to her companions. Unfortunately, of course, Deckard just isn’t having it...

Talk about a gut punch. We all came to episode three eager for more. We all left looking haggard and shocked like we’d been dragged through the streets. Mylo had freed Vander. Claggor had punched a hole through the wall. All they had to do was clamber out. But poor Powder, desperate to help, loaded up a wind-up toy with Hex Crystals. And for once, her bomb worked. In fact, it worked so well that Mylo and Claggor were crushed to death beneath the debris, and Vi and Vander were trapped. It’s a tragic turn that had us holding our heads as we watched.

We know! The Act I finale is taking all our top spots! But how could it not?! We got a glimpse of Vander fighting in episode one, but after his failed uprising, he hung up his gauntlets. He remains a legend in Zaun, and when he has to save Vi, we learn why. Picking up makeshift metal knuckles, he goes to town on Deckard. Only, it’s not enough. So in desperation, Vander downs a vial of Shimmer to return to the fray. There’s a heart-wrenching moment when he almost loses himself before coming back to his senses and rescuing Vi. Sadly, the act proves to be his last. Although, with all the Warwick vibes, we’ll have to wait and see to know for sure ...

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

The Heist Goes Wrong
Powder Blows Up the Lab

The Chase
Vi Outsmarts Piltover’s Enforcers

Silco's Origins Revealed
Hellbent on War, He's Kind of the Magneto to Vander's Professor X

The Enforcers Find Their Quarry
All They Had to Do Was Open a Window

Powder’s Breakdown
Mia Sinclair Jenness' Voice Acting Is Phenomenal

Vi and Powder start the series as sisters clinging to each other as the world falls down around them. But episode three sees them torn apart. Despite the best intentions, Powder keeps jinxing all their missions. And when she realizes what her Hex Crystal bomb has done, you can see her beginning to break. But it’s Vi’s angry reaction, understandable as it is, that pushes Powder over the edge. Sadly, the opportunistic Silco is there to capitalize on Vi’s absence ... This character shift into dark territory really felt earned. It’s a tragic turn that ends a gripping and rollercoaster first act.