Watch: Fortiche Studio Delivers Final 2025 'League of Legends' Cinematic for Riot Games
At the 2025 League of Legends World Championship in Chengdu, Riot Games and French animation studio Fortiche premiered Twilight’s End, the cinematic concluding this year’s LoL narrative. This story arc, spanning four cinematics since January 2025, focused on characters LeBlanc, Vladimir, and Xin Zhao.
Story and Setting of Twilight’s End
The cinematic centers on the decisive battle for control over the Darkin Glaive. It begins with a fierce fight inside the Spirit Temple, which manifests in Ionia during the spirit blossom bloom.
- Xin Zhao and temple guardian Yunara defend the temple to stop Atakhan, an ally of LeBlanc, from capturing the ancient glaive hosting the Darkin Zaahen.
- Amid the conflict, Xin Zhao touches the glaive and is transported to Zaahen’s prison realm.
- To prevent the apocalyptic future shown in Beginning of the End—where LeBlanc and Atakhan conquer and Demacia is destroyed—Xin Zhao asks Zaahen to inhabit his body.
Visual Style and Creative Approach
Fortiche explored fresh visual styles inspired by Ionia’s magic and mysticism to craft the cinematic’s distinct atmosphere.
“For this production, Fortiche explored new visual codes shaped by Ionia’s magic and mysticism.”
Previous Cinematics in the Story Arc
- Welcome to Noxus
- Dark Gambit
- Beginning of the End
- Twilight’s End
Each part expands the story around LeBlanc, Vladimir, and Xin Zhao, culminating with the climactic battle in Twilight’s End.
Summary
Author's summary: Fortiche’s latest cinematic closes the 2025 LoL saga with a magical, intense battle highlighting Xin Zhao’s sacrifice to prevent a dark future for Demacia.