Those familiar with the Harry Potter books and films might have expected Hogwarts Legacy to be full of quirks and secrets - but they may not have anticipated the abundance of intricate, detailed references to the main series itself. In essence, the entire game is a reference to its predecessors, but a few hard-to-find secrets provide a subtle nod to its most memorable moments. So although finding them won't necessarily reward players with any legendary loot or gear, it's worth taking a slight detour around the castle (and Hogsmeade) to find Hogwarts Legacy's best Easter eggs.
Since the game takes place one hundred years before the start of the movies and books, paying direct homage to Harry Potter and his friends would be chronologically impossible, but creative retconning allows for some meaningful references to shine though nonetheless. For example, Ominis Gaunt's connection to Voldemort in Hogwarts Legacy is a nod to the dark wizard's future reign of terror. Other familial ties are a bit more obvious, as is the case with Professor and Garreth Weasley, who are both clearly ancestors of the Weasley family from Harry Potter. However, the best Easter eggs in Hogwarts Legacy will require a bit more sleuthing around the map.
Hermoine's Polyjuice Potion Is An Easter Egg In Hogwarts Legacy
If players travel to the second-floor ladies' room near Professor Fig's classroom, they'll be met with what looks like a normal restroom - that is, until they examine the environment closer. In the last stall, they'll find that the space has been transformed into a miniature brewing station with stacks of books, notes, and a cauldron bubbling with a thick, green liquid.
This is a reference to the Polyjuice Potion that Hermione brewed for herself, Ron, and Harry during Chamber of Secrets. It isn't included in Hogwarts Legacy's list of brewable potions, but that's probably for the best, lest students wish to risk an unfortunate feline transformation like Hermione's.
Hogwarts Legacy's PS5 Quest References Ron's Bravery
Those who own the PS5 version of Hogwarts Legacy and have access to the exclusive "Haunted Hogsmeade" quest also have the unique opportunity to find a Harry Potter Easter egg therein. As demonstrated in a YouTube video by Shirrako, students will eventually stumble across a life-sized wizarding chess board much like the one that Harry, Ron, and Hermione had to use in Sorcerer's Stone.
Additionally, the poltergeist Fastidio will proudly proclaim that he's moving a knight to H3 - a subtle nod to Ron's act of loyalty and sacrifice that most players will miss in Hogwarts Legacy.
Fred & George Can Be Spotted As A Hogwarts Legacy Easter Egg
Zonko's is the joke shop of choice for students in Hogwarts Legacy, but in particular, two identical NPCs have a chance of appearing and looking through its windows. If players aren't too busy collecting Field Guide Pages in Hogsmeade, they may realize that they look suspiciously similar to Fred and George Weasley.
While it's possible that this could be a glitch or a case of repetitive character models, this Hogwarts Legacy Easter egg seems intentional, considering the redheaded twins would buy out the space to run Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes one hundred years later. They're even wearing rugged, secondhand jumpers, which the family is known for in Harry Potter.
Hogwarts Legacy References Sirius Black's Jail Cell
The Black family is notorious in the wizarding world, and players will have the displeasure of interacting with one such Headmaster Phineas Black throughout the game - but Sirius Black, a more likable member of the family, is also referenced through an Easter egg in Hogwarts Legacy. Upon going through Professor Ronen's office and proceeding up the winding tower, players will stumble across a single, mysteriously locked cell (which they can quickly bypass by disabling Hogwarts Legacy's Alohomora puzzle lock mini-game).
A Field Guide Page found inside describes that the Dark Tower Cell was previously used to lock up a troll, but it simultaneously poses a question as to what its future purpose may be. Harry Potter lore buffs will recognize this as the place in which Sirius Black was temporarily imprisoned during the Prisoner of Azkaban movie, when he was discovered on school grounds by Professor Snape.
Hogwarts Legacy Hints At The Chamber Of Secrets
Although the Chamber of Secrets sadly isn't reachable in-game, the protagonist can still get a taste of the infamous underground lair through a Hogwarts Legacy Easter egg. By entering the ladies' restrooms near the Slytherin common room, players will come across some familiar sinks. If they look close enough, they'll see a snake symbol carved into one of the faucets.
The nearby Field Guide Page acknowledges the snake etching, stating that nobody knows what it means (yet). So while the reasons for why Hogwarts Legacy excludes the Chamber of Secrets are fair, those who were looking forward to meeting the Basilisk and exploring this iconic Harry Potter location can at least find some comfort in finding its canonical entrance.
Players Can Find A Deathday Party In Hogwarts Legacy
Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, colloquially known as Nearly Headless Nick, is known to throw deathday parties for himself and his ghostly associates from time to time. Amazingly, players have the opportunity to stumble across one such banquet themselves. They'll need to locate a locked metal gate in the depths of the Slytherin Dungeon, but after successfully picking the lock, they'll be able to proceed into this unforgettable Hogwarts Legacy Easter egg.
The deathday party is surprisingly lively, filled with dozens of ghosts who are chatting, dancing, and even mocking each other in one particularly humorous conversation. Nearly Headless Nick can also be seen floating around the room, ensuring his guests are enjoying themselves. Hogwarts Legacy's protagonist, as the game's creepiest character, fits right into this gloomy celebration.
Secrets Of The Darkest Arts Is Hogwarts Legacy's Best Easter Egg
Hogwarts Legacy's best Easter egg, though, is hiding in plain sight in the Restricted Section of the Library. As players sneak through this forbidden area with Sebastian Sallow, they may encounter a strange, floating book. Sebastian will comment on it, revealing its title to be Secrets Of The Darkest Arts and subsequently expressing his admiration for the topic. However, some players might not realize the unequivocal significance of this specific book.
In Harry Potter, this is the same text that Tom Riddle read to learn about Horcruxes during his time at Hogwarts. In other words, it was the sole catalyst behind Lord Voldemort's rise to power and his borderline immortality. However, Sebastian and the student can casually walk right past the Secrets Of The Darkest Arts book in Hogwarts Legacy without so much as batting an eye. The inclusion of Avada Kedvra already has some odd Horcrux implications, but this chilling Easter egg takes it a step further.
Hogwarts Legacy contains countless references to Harry Potter, but some are more obvious than others. In fact, the most meaningful homages will require a sharp eye, a deep knowledge of wizarding world lore, or a combination of both. But with the information at hand, players shouldn't hesitate to seek out Hogwarts Legacy's best Easter eggs, as well as explore the magical world to discover some of their own.
Source: Shirrako/YouTube
Editor’s Note: Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling has been accused of transphobia by those in the LGBTQ+ community. Although not directly involved in the development of Hogwarts Legacy, Rowling does stand to earn royalties from the game. We would like to reiterate our support for trans rights and that trans identities are valid. Support services are listed below for trans people impacted by discussions of transphobia.
In the USA:
- Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860
- The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
In Canada:
- Trans Lifeline: (877) 330-6366
- Youth Line: 1-800-268-9688
In the UK:
- Switchboard: 01273 204050
- Mermaids: 0808 801 0400