Hogwarts Legacy has officially opened the doors to the wizarding world, but with the sheer scope of the game, those who haven't been following the details in its lengthy development cycle may understandably feel overwhelmed. Instead of trying to navigate it in the dark, new or low-leveled players can benefit from learning more about its core gameplay mechanics and features. Such information is easy to miss, especially while entranced by Hogwarts Legacy's gorgeous map - whereas some of it is never brought up by the game at all - but it's all essential to know before a first playthrough of Hogwarts Legacy.
Although it's not necessarily gameplay related, it's important to note that Hogwarts Legacy spoilers are everywhere. In order to avoid an undesired explanation of the game's deepest secrets, players should approach all social media and online platforms with caution, at least until they're ready to start their personal foray into Hogwarts. Once they've made their way into the game, though (hopefully avoiding spoilers), it will be smooth sailing with this valuable knowledge at hand.
Linking A Harry Potter Fan Club Account Can Unlock Hogwarts Legacy Items
Before getting started in Hogwarts Legacy, players can link their Harry Potter Fan Club account to personalize their experience and receive some exclusive cosmetic items. Doing so can make the game feel even more immersive than it already is, as the results of a player's House and Wand online quizzes will automatically transfer to their in-game profiles (although they'll still be at liberty to change them if they please). Unfortunately, Patronuses won't be brought over to Hogwarts Legacy, but in its stead, they'll receive the House Fan-atic School Robes and the Beaked Skull Mask.
Hogwarts Legacy's Story Should Be Prioritized Over Exploration (At First)
One of the most tantalizing aspects of starting Hogwarts Legacy, especially for those familiar with the main Harry Potter series, is that it's fully explorable. However, players should actually hold off on exploration until they've made decent progress in the game's main quest line. Just like in countless other open-world RPGs, Hogwarts Legacy players can suffer from over-leveling, or becoming too powerful too quickly. This may sound like a good thing, but it has the potential to turn the game's main story - which is supposed to be the most exciting part - into an incredibly boring experience with enemies who are pushovers.
No matter how tempting it may be to examine every inch of Hogwarts right away, doing so will cause Hogwarts Legacy to fail in delivering its story effectively. It's a better idea to focus on the primary quests at hand, at least for the first few hours of the game.
A good way to gauge progress is to observe the change of the seasons. Once summer fades and autumn paints Hogwarts' campus orange, players will not only have a much better time exploring the school (thanks to the magical abilities they've unlocked), but over-leveling will be a much less prevalent issue.
House Choice Doesn't Drastically Affect Hogwarts Legacy Gameplay
In the books and films, a witch or wizard's House is absolutely crucial to their experience at Hogwarts, but this doesn't necessarily ring true in Hogwarts Legacy. Of course, it wouldn't be a Harry Potter prequel without these iconic factions, but players shouldn't lose sleep over which House they want to join, as it will have little to no impact on the majority of gameplay. There are some differences between Hogwarts Legacy's common rooms, and each House has some designated side quests - but other than that, it's a relatively low-impact choice (although it can't be changed without starting a new save).
Talent Points Are Limited In Hogwarts Legacy
One Hogwarts Legacy tip that players should be aware of is that Talent points are both limited in quantity and nonrefundable. In other words, it's highly inadvisable to purchase random perks without giving them some thought beforehand. It makes sense a fifth-year student wouldn't be able to master every magical skill, but it also means that players should try to pick a specific build or talent to focus on. From there, they should carefully choose which perks to obtain, as there's currently no way to reset perk points, unlike other RPGs.
Hogwarts Legacy's Character Customization Isn't Permanent
Thankfully, one in-game aspect that's easy to change is appearance. Everything about a character can be changed, except for facial structure - so unlike Hogwarts Legacy's most impactful choices, players shouldn't feel pressured to create their perfect witch or wizard right off the bat. It will cost them 20 Galleons in Madam Snelling’s Tress Emporium (which can be found in Hogsmeade), but after playing this small price, students will be free to switch up their hairstyle, hair color, complexion, and more.
Gear Transmogs Are Always Available In Hogwarts Legacy
Changing the appearance of gear is even more convenient. The transmog feature is available to students any time, and utilizing it won't deplete any resources, either. In fact, upon discovering a new article of clothing, it will permanently be added to their transmog collection. Thus, players won't need to hang on to any items purely for cosmetic purposes. If it doesn't have high stats or useful perks, it can be sold or destroyed with no stylistic consequence, since players can still use it to change their gear appearance in Hogwarts Legacy after the fact.
Inventory Management Is Crucial In Hogwarts Legacy
Being able to delete unwanted equipment without concern can be a relief, but at the same time, it's a necessary mechanic thanks to extremely limited inventory space. Players will start off with only twenty slots, which can fill up within mere minutes at the beginning of Hogwarts Legacy. It's possible to upgrade the inventory down the line, but until then, it's encouraged to scrap every item that isn't absolutely essential. It helps that equipment isn't unique; if one needs to destroy a beloved mask to make room for a new hat, there's still a chance that they'll find that mask again.
Hogwarts Legacy's Chests Offer Specific Types Of Loot
Chests are the universal sign for loot, and Hogwarts Legacy makes itself no exception - but in the wizarding world, different chests provide different rewards. There are five main types of chests that players can encounter, but the ones most worth unlocking are the eyeball chests or Disillusionment chests. These provide the student with 500 Galleons each, which adds up quite quickly, especially at the start of the game. Small, often ornate, Collection chests contain collectibles, and appropriately-themed House chests contain House-specific gear. There are also Small and Large chests, which drop more generic loot.
Disabling The HUD Can Make Hogwarts Legacy More Immersive
Any good RPG will allow players to completely immerse themselves in its fictional world, and there are actually quite a few settings that witches and wizards can use to help them truly soak in the magic of Hogwarts Legacy. By navigating to the User Interface Options tab at the bottom of the settings screen before beginning Hogwarts Legacy properly, they'll be greeted with an extensive list of customizable options. Not only can students explore Hogwarts without the obstruction of a mini-map, they can also disable damage numbers, the ancient magic meter, notifications for leveling up, and more.
Players Should Constantly Check Hogwarts Legacy's Challenges Tab
After completing a Field Guide Page collection or any other challenge in Hogwarts Legacy, it's only right that students are compensated for their efforts, and navigating the game's reward system is essential to doing so. At first, it may seem that the game is rather stingy with its prizes, but thankfully, this isn't the case. Rather, players are actually required to claim their rewards in the Challenges Tab before they're added to their inventory. It's easy to overlook this small, final step, so periodically checking this menu can ensure that Hogwarts Legacy's often grueling challenges always feel worthwhile.
Source: Harry Potter Fan Club, 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.
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