Are you as excited as we are for the release of Hogwarts Legacy? We think it will be the secret ingredient to changing the gaming industry and catalyse more creative and well-thought-out games.
Hogwarts Legacy is an upcoming open-world RPG that takes place in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. In this game, you’ll explore a brand new story set in the 1800s that follows events before Harry Potter. You’ll get to meet tons of new characters along the way as you fly on brooms, brew potions, and more! The first announcement for the PS5 adventure game was during the September 2020 PS5 showcase. Since then, we have seen more trailers for the game, with the latest one shown below:
Hogwarts Legacy was initially slated for release in 2021 but was then pushed back to the Holiday season of 2022. However, news recently confirmed that the game has now been delayed until February 2023. Whilst disappointing, it’s refreshing to see they will be releasing a finished game rather than rushing the release.
To get your Hogwarts Legacy fix, read about everything we know about it so far. We believe this game will be the secret ingredient to reignite the gaming industry.
As stated previously, Warner Bros. Games revealed the game would launch on February 10th on Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, and PC. Hogwarts Legacy will also release on the Nintendo Switch; but an exact date is unknown.
The game will begin with the player, a fifth-year student creating their own unique character in the Hogwarts Legacy story. You’re in command of ancient mystical power and you also hold the key to a “long-forgotten secret that threatens to break up the wizarding society.” You must assist in determining why this long-forgotten magic has suddenly reappeared, as well as the ones who are attempting to control it.
“There are familiar haunts, such as the Great Hall, clocktower, and hospital wing, but also entirely new places like the bustling kitchens,” says environmental lead, Boston Madsen. “I can honestly state that there are still parts of these hallways where I was a student during the creation of this game that I didn’t know about before.”
Hogwarts Legacy is set in the late 1800s, centuries before the world of Hogwarts that we know. So while it won’t be a direct adaptation of the books or movies, it will be “anchored in Wizarding World lore,” which means you won’t see Harry, Ron, Hermione or any of the other characters we already know. However, some of the ghosts from the original film series, such as Nearly Headless Nick, will appear around the grounds of Hogwarts.
According to Warner Bros. Games, you’ll also “embark on a dangerous journey to uncover a hidden truth of the wizarding world”, along with living the life of a Hogwarts student. In this new, never-before-seen narrative, written by Portkey Games and Avalanche, there’s a nefarious villain to be vanquished.
A new Hogwarts Legacy gameplay trailer debuted during the Gamescom Opening Night Live presentation, revealing the hazards and advantages of dark magic in the wizarding world. The trailer’s description notes that we’ll be given the option to become friends with Sebastian Sallow (A Slytherin house member) and choose whether or not to “embrace or reject the Dark Arts” as we discover his family mystery through his companion quest line.
Hogwarts Legacy gameplay features
Here’s a comprehensive 14-minute walkthrough of the new Hogwarts Legacy game, featuring insights into combat, classes, houses, and more.
The PlayStation State of Play walkthrough allowed viewers to see 14 minutes of Hogwarts Legacy gameplay. The video (which you can watch above) outlines many of the game’s systems and mechanics. Below, we’ll give critical highlights from the video.
This is an open-world RPG which will let you explore Hogwarts and the surrounding areas – including Hogsmeade and the Forbidden Forest – either on foot, by broom, and perhaps even by Hippogriff.
You’ll be able to select the Hogwarts house you’re sorted into at the beginning of the game and then enrol as a fifth-year student at Hogwarts, taking Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, and Potions courses. You’ll be able to explore Hogwarts between your studies, which – as you’d expect – includes its own set of secrets, enchantments, and other mysteries and challenges.
The Room of Requirement will become a common place to visit, where you can study and catch up on work outside the classroom. You’ll have space to grow plants, brew potions, and even collect magical beasts in vivariums that can be customised to your liking.
You’ll be working alongside Professor Figg to investigate a potential goblin rebellion and explore Hogsmeade and its surroundings. You’ll need to test your magical abilities to their limits to uncover all the mysteries that await you. On the outskirts of town, you’ll find puzzles and danger lurking around every corner. Be sure to stop by the shops and other local vendors to stock up on supplies, clothing, and other gear.
In combat, you’ll use a combination of spells and potions to take on your attackers. To counterattack, you’ll need to master the Shield Spell, Stunning Charms, and others. To chain together strong spell combinations and even Finishers, you’ll need to master dozens of spells that will help you develop your attack style. If that appeals to you, you may also summon plants for assistance in battle.
As an RPG, it has abilities, upgrades, and skills that help you progress as a character. You can increase your skills by investing skill points into them and get into the type of magic user you want to be. There’s also gear to be found, created, and purchased.
You won’t be making all of this progress alone, though, as Hogwarts Legacy also features a variety of student companions you’ll be able to encounter on your adventure.
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