It’s been a long time coming, but we’ve just had our first proper look at the much-anticipated Hogwarts Legacy – the Harry Potter open world action RPG from Portkey Games and WB Games Avalanche. Thanks to a meaty PlayStation State of Play presentation we’ve now seen in depth what players can expect from this huge title, and while you can see the whole thing in the full 4K gameplay reveal below we’ve broken down some of the key information here as well:
A Dangerous Mystery
It’s the late 1800s, and you’re a brand-new student beginning their attendance at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry incredibly late as a fifth year. The events that led up to this are still shrouded in mystery but you’re mysteriously able to sense and wield ancient magic, an ability that will see you play a key role in unravelling the secrets behind a potential goblin revolution and all manner of dangers threatening the safety of Hogwarts and the rest of the Wizarding World.
Life at Hogwarts
On entering the fabled school your uniquely created Hogwarts student will be sorted into one of the four houses, giving you a dormitory to live in and a common room to meet and interact with your new housemates. School life means attending classes like Charms and Defence Against the Dark Arts.
You’ll be free to explore Hogwarts between classes, discovering its secrets including deep dungeons and iconic locations that you’ve never been able to explore before. Side assignments will also help you catch up to the rest of your fifth year students and hone your abilities.
Spells and Combat
Combat will play a vital role in this action RPG, against both other wizards and witches as well as all manner of fantastic beasts. You’ll use familiar spells like Accio, Incendio and Descendo, mixing and matching them to exploit enemy weaknesses. You’ll also be able to wield the mysterious ancient magic unique to your character, and take different approaches such as stealth should you choose.
Avalanche also promises multiple difficulty levels to suit players who just want to experience the story or make every swish and flick of their wand truly matter.
Talents and Abilities
Players will have access to deep skill trees to fully customise their character’s playstyle, upgrading their spells, affinity for plants and potions and more by earning XP throughout the world. Magical gear can be discovered, crafted or bought and later upgraded and customised to change its traits and appearance.
Potions, Herbology and Beasts
As you attend classes and gain experience in the world you’ll become more and more adept at brewing potions to boost your magical power, growing magical plants to use as assists in battle and interacting with magical beasts, You’ll also want to master broom flight if you’re keen to move about Hogwarts and its surroundings with ease.
Companions
Depending on your house affinities and how you play the game, different students may become your friends. These unique companions can accompany you on adventures and come with their own stories to tell and abilities to teach your character. You’ll meet them across Hogwarts, in classes, common rooms, gathering areas or just wandering the castle’s halls.
The Room of Requirement
As it is in the books and films, Hogwarts’ Room of Requirement is a magical space that senses your needs and provides for them. Here, that means it becomes a space for you to further catch up to your studies by sowing and harvesting plants, brewing potions and upgrading your gear.
You’ll also have access to Vivariums, freely customisable spaces where you’ll be able to house and rehabilitate rescued magical beasts.
Beyond the Castle Walls
A huge feature for Hogwarts Legacy is the ability to explore the vast world beyond the walls of the school itself. You’ll visit Hogsmeade to interact with its citizens, shop for new gear and unearth even more secrets. Out in the wilder world you’ll across dangerous dungeons, puzzles and more with dynamic seasons and weather making the gorgeous landscapes feel alive.
Hogwarts Legacy releases Holiday 2022.
The game is available to pre-order at Amazon at the below links:
