"The 2nd Law" has had a lasting impact on Muse's career, marking a new chapter in their musical evolution. The album's success helped to establish the band as one of the leading rock acts of the 2010s, and paved the way for their subsequent releases, including "Drones" (2015) and "Simulation Theory" (2018). The album's themes of disorder and chaos also resonated with fans, who have interpreted the music as a reflection of their own experiences and emotions.

The title "The 2nd Law" refers to the second law of thermodynamics, which describes the inevitable increase in entropy in a closed system. This concept served as a metaphor for the band's own creative process, as they sought to challenge themselves and push the boundaries of their music. In an interview, lead vocalist Matt Bellamy explained that the album was inspired by the idea of "the disorder of the universe" and the struggle to maintain order in a chaotic world.

"The 2nd Law" received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising the band's bold experimentation and willingness to take risks. The album holds a Metacritic score of 66/100, indicating "generally favorable reviews". Reviewers praised the album's production quality, musical diversity, and Bellamy's vocal performance.