| Hogwarts Legacy | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Release Date | Gameplay & Story | DLC & Pre-Order | Review |
| Release Date | |
|---|---|
| Febrauary 10, 2023 More Details | |
| Genre | |
| ARPG, Open-World | |
| Platforms | Price (MSRP) |
     |
$59.99 |
| Developer | Publisher |
| Avalanche Software | Warner Bros. Games |
| Number of Players | Age Rating |
| 1 | T |
| Time to Finish | Cross Platform Play |
| 27 - 70 Hours | No |
| Official Website | Official Website for Hogwarts Legacy |
Hogwarts Legacy Latest News
⚫︎ Hogwarts Legacy PC Mod Support Comes as Part of Free Update (Game8)
⚫︎ Hogwarts Legacy's Massive Success Helps Greenlight More Harry Potter Games in the Future (Game8)
Hogwarts Legacy Overview
Hogwarts Legacy is an open-world action role-playing game set in the Wizarding World, first introduced in the Harry Potter books. Developed by Avalanche Software and published by Warner Bros. Games under the Portkey Games label, the game was released in 2023. It allows players to experience life as a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry during the 1800s, a century before the events of the original series. Players embark on a journey to uncover an ancient secret that threatens to tear the wizarding world apart.
Avalanche Software began developing Hogwarts Legacy after being acquired by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment in January 2017. This acquisition marked a new chapter for the studio, as it transitioned from working on Disney-related projects to delving into the Wizarding World. The game was developed using Unreal Engine 4, allowing for detailed graphics and expansive environments. Notably, J.K.R was not directly involved in the game's development, though her literary works served as the foundation for the game's world.
The narrative was intentionally set in a period where no established characters from the Wizarding World franchise were present, providing players with a unique experience. The writing team focused on creating a diverse collection of characters to ensure players could find individuals to identify with positively. The development process emphasized making the game world closely resemble the original Harry Potter novels while introducing new locations for exploration.
| Digital Storefronts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam |
Epic |
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| PlayStation |
Xbox |
Switch |
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| Price | $59.99 | ||||
Hogwarts Legacy Gameplay
Hogwarts Legacy offers an open-world experience, allowing players to explore locations such as Hogwarts Castle, the Forbidden Forest, and Hogsmeade Village. Players assume the role of a customizable student at Hogwarts, attending classes, learning spells, brewing potions, and engaging in various extracurricular activities. The game features a dynamic day-night cycle and changing seasons, which influence gameplay and the environment. Combat is a significant aspect, with players utilizing a variety of spells and magical abilities to overcome adversaries, including dark wizards, goblins, and magical creatures. The game also incorporates role-playing elements, allowing players to make choices that affect their interactions within the world.
Hogwarts Legacy Characters
Protagonist
The protagonist of Hogwarts Legacy is a fully customizable student who joins Hogwarts in their fifth year, an unusual and rare occurrence at the school. What sets them apart from other students is their unique ability to perceive and wield Ancient Magic, a lost and powerful force that plays a central role in the game’s story. This connection grants them immense potential, but it also places them at the center of a dangerous conflict involving goblin rebels, dark wizards, and hidden magical forces.
Unlike most RPG protagonists, the player's personality is largely shaped by their choices. Dialogue options allow them to approach situations with kindness, neutrality, or even a more ruthless, ambitious demeanor.
Throughout the game, the protagonist undergoes significant growth and transformation. Initially, they are an outsider, unfamiliar with Hogwarts and its customs, but as they progress, they become an integral part of the school's community. They master spellcraft, uncover hidden truths about Ancient Magic, and face moral dilemmas—such as whether to use dark magic or resist its temptations.
By the end of the game, the protagonist must make a crucial choice regarding Ancient Magic. Do they lock it away forever to prevent its misuse, or do they harness its full potential, risking the consequences of wielding such immense power? This decision ultimately defines their legacy in the Wizarding World.
Ominis Gaunt
Ominis Gaunt is a Slytherin student and a descendant of the Gaunt family, one of the most infamous pure-blood wizarding lineages known for their obsession with blood purity. His lineage directly ties him to Salazar Slytherin and eventually to Lord Voldemort himself. However, unlike his family, Ominis does not share their extremist views and instead resents their dark traditions, particularly their practice of using the Cruciatus Curse on family members as a form of punishment and discipline.
One of Ominis' defining characteristics is that he is blind, he navigates the world using his wand, which emits pulses of magic to help him perceive his surroundings. This ability sets him apart from other characters and emphasizes his resilience and independence. Despite his disability, Ominis is a highly competent wizard, proving that his magical abilities are not hindered in any way.
His most important relationship in the game is with Sebastian Sallow, his childhood friend. Ominis is deeply opposed to Sebastian’s growing obsession with the Dark Arts and frequently warns both Sebastian and the protagonist about the dangers of using forbidden spells. Ominis' role in the story places him at the center of a moral conflict—he understands the power of dark magic but believes it leads only to suffering.
Although he is not a companion character like Sebastian, Ominis plays a crucial part in Sebastian’s companion questline. His arc highlights the struggle between legacy and personal choice, as he actively works to reject his family's dark past while still being surrounded by it.
Sebastian Sallow
Sebastian Sallow is one of the most morally complex characters in Hogwarts Legacy. A Slytherin student, he is charming, intelligent, and deeply driven by his desire to protect those he cares about. However, his greatest flaw is his willingness to cross ethical boundaries in pursuit of power, leading him down a dangerous path.
Sebastian’s story arc revolves around his sister, Anne Sallow, who suffers from a mysterious curse inflicted by goblin magic. Desperate to cure her, Sebastian turns to the Dark Arts, believing that forbidden spells hold the key to saving her. His obsession with uncovering lost knowledge and wielding Unforgivable Curses becomes one of the most intense character arcs in the game.
Throughout his companion questline, the protagonist must decide how much they are willing to indulge Sebastian’s descent into dark magic. Do they support his decisions, or do they try to pull him back before it’s too late?
By the end of his story, Sebastian’s journey reaches a tragic climax. Depending on the choices made, Sebastian can either remain at Hogwarts or be expelled and turned over to the authorities.
Natsai Onai
Natsai Onai, commonly called Natty, is a Gryffindor student known for her strong sense of justice and determination. Originally from Uagadou, the prestigious wizarding school in Africa, she transferred to Hogwarts after her mother, Professor Onai, took a teaching position at the school. Despite her change in environment, Natty retains a deep connection to her roots, often referencing Uagadou’s different approaches to magic—such as non-verbal spellcasting and wandless magic.
Natty’s personal story revolves around her desire to fight against oppression. She becomes deeply involved in uncovering Victor Rookwood’s dark wizard network, often taking risks to expose their crimes. As a result, she places herself in danger multiple times, showing both her bravery and her recklessness.
One of her most defining moments in the game is when she is captured by Rookwood’s men, forcing the protagonist to mount a rescue mission. This experience does not deter her but instead strengthens her resolve, reinforcing her role as a courageous figure willing to fight for what’s right.
Her companion quests emphasize investigative work and stealth, allowing players to experience a different style of gameplay compared to Sebastian’s action-driven quests. Through her story, players witness her struggles with balancing her boldness and the very real risks that come with challenging dangerous enemies.
Poppy Sweeting
Poppy Sweeting is a Hufflepuff student with an unmatched compassion for magical creatures. Unlike many witches and wizards, who see beasts as lesser beings, Poppy believes in forming deep, meaningful connections with them. Her knowledge of magical creatures makes her one of the most wholesome and endearing characters in the game.
Poppy’s story centers around her fight against poachers, who capture and abuse magical creatures for profit. Through her companion questline, the protagonist assists her in freeing captured creatures, confronting illegal operations, and learning about different magical beings, such as the Golden Snidget. Her storyline is one of hope, kindness, and perseverance, proving that courage comes in many forms.
Professor Fig
Professor Eleazar Fig serves as the protagonist’s mentor and guide throughout their journey at Hogwarts. Unlike most professors, Fig takes a personal interest in the player’s ability to wield Ancient Magic, believing they are the key to unraveling the mystery surrounding it.
His backstory is tragic—his wife, Miriam Fig, was a skilled researcher who died while investigating Ancient Magic’s secrets. Fig continues her work, hoping to uncover the truth behind her discoveries. This personal loss makes him deeply invested in the protagonist’s success, treating them as both a student and a trusted ally.
Throughout the main story, Professor Fig provides wisdom, assistance, and moral guidance, often warning the protagonist about the dangers of unchecked power. His final moments in the game are particularly emotional, as the way he dies is determined by the protagonist’s actions and the battle against Ranrok. His journey is one of sacrifice, knowledge, and the enduring power of mentorship.
Hogwarts Legacy Reviews
A Magical Time
Game8 rated Hogwarts Legacy a 74/100, praising its stunning visuals as the ultimate Harry Potter fan experience but criticizing its linear narrative and underdeveloped characters, which fail to establish strong emotional connections or compelling threats. They described the game as more of a whimsical Hogwarts-themed ride rather than a deeply engaging RPG. In contrast, IGN gave it a 9/10, calling it the Harry Potter RPG they had always wanted, with a captivating open-world, memorable new characters, and nuanced combat that kept them invested for hours. However, they acknowledged technical issues, a lackluster main story, and limited enemy variety as drawbacks.
On Metacritic, the game holds a generally favorable score of 84, with critics agreeing that it delivers a grand adventure filled with freedom, exploration, and a rich sense of travel. The world’s sights and sounds make it a dream come true for Harry Potter fans, with an intriguing mystery to unravel alongside an abundance of side content and roleplaying opportunities. Player reception on Steam is Very Positive, with players admiring the beautifully crafted world but noting that some side quests feel tedious or uninspired.
Hogwarts Legacy Announcement Trailer
Hogwarts Legacy Launch Trailer
Hogwarts Legacy Trivia
⚫︎ Players on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 were treated to an exclusive quest, The Haunted Hogsmeade Shop, which starts off as a seemingly simple business venture but quickly descends into pure horror. Many players compared the quest to a psychological horror game, making it one of Hogwarts Legacy’s most surprising and unsettling moments.
⚫︎ While Hogwarts is filled with hidden passages and mystical chambers, one of the most intriguing secrets lies in the Undercroft, a secret room used by the Gaunt Family, which Ominis shares to Sebastian. This secluded hideout, which players gain access to during Sebastian’s questline, is a nod to the hidden corners of Hogwarts that were never fully explored in the books or films.
⚫︎ Early in development, Hogwarts Legacy was rumored to feature a morality system that would track the player's ethical choices, especially when using Dark Arts. However, the system was ultimately scrapped, allowing players to wield Unforgivable Curses without facing major in-game repercussions. So despite being forbidden spells, players can learn and use Avada Kedavra, Crucio, and Imperio freely in Hogwarts Legacy without facing any punishment.
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