Everything We Know About Hogwarts Legacy - Release Date, Story, Gameplay

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Since its release official release in February, Hogwarts Legacy has been an immense success, letting both new and longtime fans of the Harry Potter series live out their most magical dreams in the wizarding world. However, not everyone has gotten a chance to begin their journey just yet, as Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 users are still waiting for the release of Hogwarts Legacy. Those wanting a refresher of the game's lifespan so far - or those still waiting on the game to make its way to their platform - can brush up on everything there is to know about the wizarding RPG while avoiding spoilers.

One of the most refreshing aspects of Hogwarts Legacy is that even though it's clearly based in the same world as the Harry Potter series, prior knowledge of the books and films isn't necessarily required to have an enjoyable experience. Even players with a minimal or even nonexistent understanding of Harry Potter's personal story, players can become engrossed with the game's characters, spells, and overarching world, since the story, side missions, and house-exclusive quests are in the hands of the player and the player alone.

Hogwarts Legacy's PS4, Xbox One, & Nintendo Switch Release Date

A Hogwarts Legacy student casting an orange spell at an enemy, sending sparks flying.

After two delays set it back from its original 2021 release date, the highly-anticipated RPG launched officially for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on February 10, 2023, with those who pre-ordered the title receiving early access and entering the wizarding world as early as February 7. However, the releases for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch have been hit with even further setbacks. The Nintendo Switch has seemingly remained on track since its launch of the game was pushed to July 25, but a recent delay for Hogwarts Legacy's PS4 and Xbox One versions has moved that release date by over a month, now slated for May 5.

Which Platforms Hogwarts Legacy Is Available On After Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, & PS4 Delays

Isidora Morganach faces the four Keepers after she refuses to stop her dangerous magic in Hogwarts Legacy

Although the process may not be immediate, Hogwarts Legacy will eventually be available on a wide variety of platforms. Currently, the game can be enjoyed from the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, and PC (including devices like the Steam Deck). Console players are able to download the game digitally through the systems' proprietary storefronts, or purchase a physical copy from a variety of retailers. Meanwhile, PC players have the choice of downloading the game on either Steam or the Epic Games Store. Delayed Hogwarts Legacy release dates for the PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch may be frustrating, but those platforms are expected to recieve digital and physical releases as well.

Hogwarts Legacy Story Details: Setting, Characters, Plot

Hogwarts Legacy's Professor Garlick on the left and Professor Fig on the right, both looking neutrally towards the player.

Hogwarts Legacy takes place in the 1890s, one hundred years before the Harry Potter novels, and this has allowed it some leeway when it comes to wizarding world canon. For the most part, Hogwarts Legacy's setting helps fill in the gaps on previously obscure lore, like information on wizarding schools other than Hogwarts, but other details are noticeably incongruous, such as the game's inclusion of the Elder Wand breaking Harry Potter canon.

But even though the characters use slightly different vernacular and dress in more dated fashion (in the player's eyes, at least), it's a breathtakingly accurate replica of the same Hogwarts explored in the books and movies. The game has an advantage over its predecessors, though, in that players can create their own main character using the Hogwarts Legacy character customization menu. This personalization system lacks in some features, but provides enough immersion to be satisfactory.

Of course, the player won't be alone, and they'll find themselves in the company of dozens of unique witches and wizards throughout their magical journey. Sadly, there aren't many interactions to be had with even the most important NPCs, which is a shame considering that some of Hogwarts Legacy's best characters have truly fascinating backstories. Even the game's companions - Natsai Onai, Sebastian Sallow, and Poppy Sweeting - fall victim to this lack of depth, as they can't accompany the protagonist as true followers. However, NPCs like Headmaster Black and Ominis Gaunt, who have ties to important Harry Potter characters, make up for this downfall somewhat.

Hogwarts Legacy's story isn't nearly as complex as the narrative featured in the books, although it does contain plenty of action to keep the player busy. A mysterious, ancient magic has reappeared and sparked a dangerous conflict, and it's up to the gifted fifth-year student players control to either save the wizarding world from harm, or to conversely conquer it for themselves. Along the way, they'll make a variety of different enemies: dark wizards from Victor Rookwood's gang, a full-fledged rebellion of hostile goblins, and even a massive ring of poachers who seek to harm the magical creatures that inhabit Hogwarts' surrounding countryside.

Hogwarts Legacy Gameplay, Combat, & Exploration Details

A female Hogwarts Legacy student looking out onto a snowy sunrise over Hogwarts in the distance.

Consequently, the protagonist gets into more altercations than they're able to avoid, and so a large part of Hogwarts Legacy gameplay revolves around combat. Unsurprisingly, a wand is the weapon of choice, and players have a total of 26 spells at their disposal, including the three Unforgivable Curses if players choose to unlock Avada Kedavra, Imperio, and Crucio. Regardless of the type of magic they use, spell slot loadouts are customizable, and it's possible to create up to four different combinations to make transitions between combat, exploration, and beast taming seamless.

Being an RPG, players will also be able to benefit from five different skill trees, each of which contain talents that can help Hogwarts Legacy players specialize in different playstyles. It is, however, impossible to unlock all perks for a single character, even at maximum level, so players will want to choose the best talents for their build carefully. The Room of Requirement, which acts as a base of operations, can be customized and decorated to suit a variety of tastes. Therein, it's possible to grow plants, brew potions, upgrade gear, and even take care of beasts in wondrous Vivariums.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, as the game contains much more for witches and wizards to enjoy than the basics outlined above. Whether it's through exploring the secrets of the castle, slaying enemies with deadly spell combinations, or completing side quests and puzzles, there's something for practically everyone to latch onto in Portkey Games' latest release. Hogwarts Legacy release dates for Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One may have delayed the start of the term for some students, but those who remain patient may eventually find that they'll be rewarded with a charming experience.

Source: Hogwarts Legacy/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.

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