When Is Hogwarts Legacy Set?

When exactly Hogwarts Legacy is set in the world of Harry Potter canon isn't immediately obvious or easy to gauge. The fifth-year student is thrown into the wizarding world without much context, and the situation ends up being similar for the player, who may find themselves confused as to when the game's events are actually taking place.

In Hogwarts Legacy, players have the freedom to tackle their schoolwork, enemies, and the mysteries they encounter in any manner of their choosing. Whether they stick to being a hero or stray from the light, becoming a dark witch or wizard, the student ultimately shapes their own story in the Harry Potter-inspired RPG. As magical as the world is, though, it still isn't free from the constraints of time, and Hogwarts Legacy's setting and timeframe are important to consider.

Hogwarts Legacy Is Set In The 1890s

Hogwarts Legacy newspaper talking about Ranrok's goblin rebellion.

Hogwarts Legacy is set during the 1890s, approximately one hundred years before the events of Harry Potter take place. While the exact timeframe is never explicitly mentioned by any students, staff, or other characters, a newspaper showcased in the Hogwarts Legacy State Of Play Gameplay Trailer (as seen on YouTube) displays the date as September 1, 1890. Interestingly, the newspaper shown during the introductory sequence of the final game only reads September 1, with the year being struck from the record. As such, the previously speculated 1890-1891 school year cannot be confirmed, but the official Hogwarts Legacy website makes it clear the game does indeed take place during the 1800s.

Hogwarts Legacy's 1890s Timeframe Could Hint At A Sequel

Two Pensieve Guardians walking towards the camera with their swords raised in Hogwarts Legacy.

It's unclear why Avalanche Software ultimately decided to make Hogwarts Legacy's setting more vague, but it could potentially indicate a sequel. Starting the student as a fifth-year means that a trilogy could follow their story up until their final year at Hogwarts. Regardless of the validity of that theory, Hogwarts Legacy's massive success entails at least some follow-up, and such a venture could actually be starting development soon, as Avalanche is seemingly making a new game already. By having Hogwarts Legacy be set in the 1890s, and not in any specific year, this leaves the door wide open for future opportunities.

After all, the 1890s were eventful in Harry Potter history, and delving into that time period could make for some exciting gameplay. Most notably, Albus Dumbledore began his first year at Hogwarts in 1892, attending up until 1899 when he graduated. Since he'd be leaving the school before the turn of the century, this would give Avalanche total freedom to explore the future Headmaster's developmental years at length (although one detail in Hogwarts Legacy reveals a morbid truth about Dumbledore's death).

It's still uncertain whether a sequel will venture into such territory, but the events of the game have already fleshed out wizarding world history to a considerable degree. Though Hogwarts Legacy takes place in the 1890s, an entire century before Harry Potter takes place, it still manages to captivate with its ancient magic mysteries, goblin rebellion, and other timeless secrets scattered throughout the magical world.

Source: Hogwarts Legacy/YouTube, Hogwarts Legacy

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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