Hogwarts Legacy

83%
Game Brain Score Based on 105,281 reviews
  • story
  • graphics
  • gameplay
Hogwarts Legacy Game Cover
Hogwarts Legacy is filled with so many mechanics that nothing feels arbitrary, with so much joy to be found within its story and spell books.
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"Hogwarts Legacy" is an open-world action RPG set in the Wizarding World. Players will experience life as a Hogwarts student in the late 1800s, attending classes, learning spells, and forming relationships. The game features a rich and dynamic world with immersive environments and characters, offering a unique and engaging experience for fans of the Harry Potter series.

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Cloud
  • Epic Games
  • NVIDIA GeForce NOW
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Game Brain Reviews

HOGWARTS LEGACY – A DEDICATON TO POTTERHEADS

In the beginning of the game, you have to take the sorting test – surprise, surprise – to which house you belong to: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Slytherin. This feature is absolutely inevitable, and every Potter-Fan would cast Avada Kedavra when this part would’ve been left out. Fortunately, when you’re not satisfied with the result of the Sorting Hat you can choose anew (but never underestimate the Hat’s choice, folk!)

You can create your avatar as you like. You have many options in style and outfits and when you are a girly girl like me, you can spend hours on choosing the perfect look for your student – honestly, who doesn’t want to leave a lasting impression on his first day of Hogwarts?! And if you need a little more diversity while the story proceeds, you can change the appearance whenever you like (of course you need some quid to pay the barber, or you have to find new outfits when you are on a quest).

Hogwarts Legacy is an open world game – my first open world game. And I can tell even for a newbie like me it is not too overwhelming (even though there are lots of little villages and underground areas) and the different areas were unlocked step by step, so it is easy to follow. And you’ll love the surroundings of the castle, so it feels like you are in a magical version of Scotland, even unicorns are a part of. By day the forests and mountains are looking very inviting, and you’d like to take a hike and discover hidden places. But at night the atmosphere changes and you really want to turn on the light in your room and cry out for your mommy, because it could be very spooky. It is lovely that Hogwarts and its surroundings were changing throughout the year (especially winter is sooooo charming and you just want to jump into this game and be a part of it).

To me the most striking part of this game is the music. It really provides the typical Hogwarts atmosphere you need. It makes you feel very nostalgic, and you can just take a stroll in the castle and listen to the music.

While playing you get in touch with a variety of characters. When you’ve read the books, some are very familiar (Phineas Nigellus Black or Peeves – finally he gets the attention he deserves) and every time you come across of a familiar name your heart makes a little squeak of joy. With different characters comes different kind of enemies too. And there are a lot. Gobblins, Trolls, wolfs and spiders are just a few of them. Sometimes it can be pretty hard to defeat one but when you’re just a glimpse away from throwing your gamepad into the monitor, you finally win saved from getting a new computer. There are also lots of enjoyable characters like hippogriffs, dragons, unicorns, and the sweet little mooncalfs whose eyes are bigger than any Japanese comic artist can draw.

What I really like about the game is, that you need different abilities (and I mean you as a gamer, not your virtual avatar). Sometimes you need motor skills e.g. in fights or in a broom race (riding a broom is by far the most fun activity in this game). Then you need knowledge (there is this girl who challenge your Potterfan-knowledge, I loved this little quiz so much) and from time to time you need logic (merlin trials – which are a nice little feature) and spatial thinking (there are side quests where you have to move blocks - believe me, it sucks).

Although you have many possibilities to use your time in this game, one big thing is missing – and all Chudley Cannons fans know exactly what I mean – Quidditch. I mean, what was Warner Bros. even thinking?? It is the coolest sport in the (magical) world and by far more entertaining than football (c’mon don’t bitch around, you know I am right). It has also a very important part in the books, so why in Merlin’s Beard do they skip the chance to have the best feature a game can have? Shame on you, Warner Bros.

Even though you have a very complex story, sometimes it is a bit too hard to follow up. This is because some main and side quests are way too long and you have to deal with annoying things like take care of the magical creatures (to some it might be fun, to me it was just unnecessarily time consuming). Another point is, that the quests are getting repetitive. For example, the Merlin Trials. The first were entertaining and sometimes hard to solve, but once you get the pattern it isn’t that challenging anymore.

Sometimes you get the feeling the game developer tried too hard to appear very tolerant and inclusive. Don’t get me wrong - it is really great that there are so many different characters everyone can identify with or relate to (POC, handicapped people etc.). But you get the impression that Warner Bros. is pushing this because of J.K. Rowling’s diversity scandal.

Nevertheless, Hogwarts Legacy is an absolute dedication to every Harry Potter fan. It is very detailed and lovely made (landscapes, castles, appearances of the characters) and you can feel that the developers put a lot of effort into this. You don’t have to be a Harry Potter hardcore-fan to like this game- you don’t even have to be a Harry Potter fan at all. But when you not only have watched the movies and read the books multiple times in different languages, but are so deep into the lore, that you are awaiting your Hogwarts letter every year anew (c’mon guys, we’ve all been there) – then you get the dedication with all the hints and references to the Harry Potter universe, which are sometimes hidden and another time obviously placed in the game. I am dearly awaiting a sequel, perhaps where you follow the story of Dumbledore and the Order of the Phoenix fighting against Voldemort’s reign of terror. Until then I will play Hogwarts’s Legacy over and over again (with different houses and see how the story will change).

Verdict 98%

Hogwarts Legacy is the game every Potterhead dreamt of since the good old Harry Potter Games series in 2005. And it was worth the wait. Although it does not take place in the time when Harry and his friends attended school, it creates the same warm and cozy atmosphere only Rowling’s magical world can provide. You get in touch with familiar places like the castle itself or the wonderful and charming little village Hogsmeade. But you can also discover new areas, for example deep into the Forbidden Forest and caves in mountains far away from Hogwarts.

  • atmospheric music
  • detailed landscapes and level design
  • references to the Harry Potter universe
  • no quidditch
- Lizzie from Game Brain

Reviews

83%
Audience ScoreBased on 105,281 reviews
story10,500 positive mentions
optimization2,158 negative mentions
  • story29,130 mentions

    The story in "Hogwarts Legacy" has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating its immersive world and engaging side quests, particularly those involving characters like Sebastian. However, the main storyline is often criticized for being predictable, linear, and lacking depth, with many quests feeling repetitive and uninspired. While the game successfully captures the magical atmosphere of the Harry Potter universe, some players feel that it falls short in delivering a compelling narrative that resonates beyond its familiar setting.

    • “Even side quests have impacts on other side quests, making the world they created seem more connected.”
    • “The storyline is engaging and captivating, drawing players deep into the magical universe with its compelling narrative.”
    • “The story is well put together, the game dynamics are awesome!”
    • “The story is bland, the characters are very forgettable, and quests are mainly fetch/kill quests.”
    • “The main quest is mediocre, but the side quests were amazing.”
    • “The main story is lackluster and fails to hit emotional moments, but the 'main' side quest that continues throughout the game are wonderful moments.”
  • graphics9,204 mentions

    The graphics in "Hogwarts Legacy" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning detail and immersive environments, effectively bringing the magical world to life. However, many players have reported significant performance issues, including stuttering, frame rate drops, and graphical glitches, particularly on lower-end systems or after recent updates. While the visuals are often described as breathtaking, the game's optimization remains a concern, leading to mixed experiences depending on hardware capabilities.

    • “All in all this was a very good experience, a game with a very nice atmosphere, beautiful graphics, astonishing facial renderings and interesting story.”
    • “As a lover of the Harry Potter saga, I was amazed by how the graphics and scenarios were so meticulously crafted; such a masterpiece should get more love from players.”
    • “The graphics are stunning, bringing the magical world to life in breathtaking detail.”
    • “I've set the graphics to low and am using FSR 2 performance, and yet it is a headache playing it.”
    • “The game occasionally suffers from technical issues, such as frame rate drops and graphical glitches.”
    • “Despite the crashes, this version is much better than the PS5, for which you are running under 30 frames per second to even get close to graphics that do these very intricate environments justice.”
  • gameplay7,717 mentions

    The gameplay of "Hogwarts Legacy" has received mixed reviews, with many players praising its engaging combat mechanics and spellcasting system, which allow for creative combinations and fluid interactions. However, criticisms often highlight the repetitive nature of quests and activities, a lack of depth in RPG elements, and a feeling of disconnect between the narrative and gameplay choices, particularly regarding moral consequences. Overall, while the game offers a visually stunning and immersive experience, it may not satisfy those seeking a more complex and varied gameplay experience.

    • “The combat mechanics are engaging and intuitive, allowing for a satisfying blend of exploration, spellcasting, and combat that keeps things fresh and exciting throughout.”
    • “The gameplay is fun and engaging, with a lot of freedom and choice, allowing players to explore the vast magical world, complete quests, and customize their characters with spells and special abilities.”
    • “With its stunning graphics, deep gameplay mechanics, captivating story, and moral choices, the game offers an enchanting experience that will appeal to both fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.”
    • “There's a bit of stuff thrown in just for the politics' sake, which is also cheap, and most of the dungeons and other gameplay features are unnecessarily repetitive.”
    • “No major threats, and with no enticement to interact with the game's mechanics beyond popping a few balloons you might come across in the air, it's just holding down a key or joystick and waiting.”
    • “The gameplay is extremely repetitive and bland, with missions that feel like a chore and a lack of meaningful choices or consequences.”
  • optimization6,302 mentions

    The optimization of "Hogwarts Legacy" has received significant criticism from users, with many reporting severe performance issues such as stuttering, frame drops, and long loading times, even on high-end systems. While some players have managed to achieve stable performance through various tweaks and mods, the general consensus is that the game is poorly optimized for PC, leading to an inconsistent and frustrating experience. Despite these issues, many players still find the game enjoyable and are hopeful for future patches to improve performance.

    • “The performance of this version is much better than the previously mentioned PS5 version.”
    • “The game runs smoothly, but crashes every five minutes.”
    • “The optimization of this game has been talked about since launch, and any quick Google search will prove that it's still happening now.”
    • “The game does have some stuttering issues, unfortunately, which can lead to missing important dialogue as your screen and audio freeze for several seconds at a time.”
    • “You wait 2 minutes for the game to load up (as it has to compile shaders every single time you start the game), play for a bit, experience microstuttering, sections where you have to wait for the game's world to load up (even on a NVMe Gen 4 SSD - the game really needs DirectStorage support) followed by a crash.”
    • “The freezing and stuttering is debilitating and I spent 45 minutes trying to find out why.”
  • music1,878 mentions

    The music in "Hogwarts Legacy" has received widespread acclaim for its enchanting and immersive qualities, effectively capturing the essence of the Harry Potter universe. Many players noted the nostalgic feel of the soundtrack, which blends familiar themes from the films with original compositions, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the game. However, some critiques mention that the music can become repetitive during extended gameplay, particularly in certain areas, detracting from the experience. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's magical ambiance.

    • “The soundtrack is impeccable and the scenery is very detailed.”
    • “The music is gorgeous, the world is beautiful.”
    • “The music is fantastic and creates a wonderful ambiance.”
    • “The open world is very bland and boring, the towns are confusing and a mess to walk around (and the music gets on your/my nerves after a few visits).”
    • “There were instances where the music was so out of place that it was distracting.”
    • “The music feels like it was ripped straight from Danny Elfman's beautiful score.”
  • stability1,608 mentions

    The stability of "Hogwarts Legacy" has received mixed feedback from players, with many reporting a range of glitches and bugs, particularly on PC. While some users have experienced minimal issues, such as minor graphical glitches and occasional frame rate drops, others have faced significant problems, including crashes, freezing, and game-breaking bugs. Overall, while the game is enjoyable and visually appealing, its stability remains a concern, prompting many players to recommend waiting for further patches to address these issues.

    • “I would highly recommend this game; it runs so smooth, there's no glitches, no lag, and it is just a beautiful in-game experience as well as the surroundings are just breathtaking.”
    • “The game runs great on my system; I know a lot of people have performance issues, but for some reason, the PC gods have graced my older system.”
    • “In conclusion, it’s always nice to buy a game that delivers as promised, is well tested and bug free; but even better when it’s done with the highest quality and effort to bring a fictional world to life.”
    • “Also buggy as hell, the amount of times I was running along and the floor just vanished and sent me falling into an endless void till I reloaded the game, I ran into a house and then the door wouldn't open to let me out until I reloaded the game, I defeated an enemy and he just shot a spell that was infinite and just went through me without doing damage and if I left the area, he was just following in front of me still using that spell.”
    • “This game is a buggy mess, even now a year after its release.”
    • “The game is still visually buggy.”
  • grinding1,199 mentions

    The grinding aspect of "Hogwarts Legacy" has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it tedious and repetitive, particularly regarding side quests and collectible tasks like the Merlin trials. While some enjoy the extensive content and the opportunity to explore, others feel that the numerous fetch quests and crafting requirements detract from the overall experience, leading to burnout. Overall, players suggest that while the game offers a rich world to explore, it often feels like a grind, especially for completionists.

    • “I like the way you level up with exploring and not grinding enemies.”
    • “The gameplay is fun and engaging and not grindy.”
    • “You level up by doing quests, challenges, exploration, and puzzles, and do not get exp from combat (so no grinding exp), which is a breath of fresh air!”
    • “Moreover, the game is filled with boring and uninteresting tasks, which can make it feel tedious at times.”
    • “Once the story is completed, the end game becomes tedious and hollow.”
    • “Many of the exploration tasks (Merlin's trials in particular) feel very grindy since it's the same handful of puzzles repeated a dozen times.”
  • atmosphere983 mentions

    The atmosphere in "Hogwarts Legacy" is widely praised for its stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and faithful recreation of the Harry Potter universe, making players feel like true students at Hogwarts. Many reviewers highlight the enchanting music and attention to detail that enhance the overall experience, although some note that the world can feel empty or repetitive at times. Overall, the game's atmosphere is considered its strongest aspect, captivating both fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.

    • “The atmosphere and setting are absolutely stunning.”
    • “The game managed to capture the essence of the wizarding world, and I was particularly delighted to see a diverse array of characters, which added a refreshing touch to the immersive atmosphere.”
    • “The atmosphere is amazing, and it pulls me in every time I start up the game.”
    • “Unfortunately, the atmosphere of Hogwarts is not nearly as well-developed as it should be.”
    • “The game world feels empty and lifeless, lacking the vibrant and enchanting atmosphere that fans of the series expect.”
    • “The atmosphere could be darker (though I think it's on purpose to reach a younger public) and more frightening, especially in tombs and caves.”
  • replayability634 mentions

    The replayability of the game is a contentious topic among players, with many expressing disappointment over its limited scope. While some appreciate the unique quests tied to different houses, most reviews indicate that the overall experience remains largely the same across playthroughs, leading to a consensus that the game lacks significant replay value. Players often cite the linear narrative and minimal impact of choices as key factors contributing to this sentiment, suggesting that while the game is enjoyable for a single playthrough, it may not hold players' interest for multiple runs.

    • “The inclusion of a branching narrative and moral choices adds depth to the story, offering replay value as players can explore different paths.”
    • “The choices players make throughout the game impact their journey and relationships with other characters, adding a layer of replayability.”
    • “The different quests depending on your house adds more replayability.”
    • “I enjoyed the game, but definitely wouldn't say it has a replayable quality.”
    • “Once you have completed the game and done with the story, there isn't much replayability; you play it once and then it's done.”
    • “The game has zero replay value which makes it overpriced.”
  • humor534 mentions

    The humor in "Hogwarts Legacy" is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting the game's quirky NPC interactions, funny spell effects, and amusing glitches that enhance the overall experience. Many reviewers appreciate the lighthearted moments, such as humorous dialogue, unexpected combat outcomes, and the playful animations of characters and creatures, which contribute to a whimsical atmosphere reminiscent of the Harry Potter universe. Overall, the game successfully blends comedic elements with its magical setting, making for an entertaining adventure that keeps players laughing throughout their journey.

    • “Battles can be hilarious (cue sending enemies flying into each other or off cliffs while on fire).”
    • “The random interactions always crack me up, from watching a howler belittle another student for misbehaving in some silly way, to watching one of the suits of armor beat the life out of another just for humming, there are plenty of goofy, funny interactions you will come across where you will just stop and watch, just for the humor of it.”
    • “The humor of the game is delightful as well--I laughed out loud quite a lot, at some of the puzzle solutions and NPC quests (I don't want to spoil anything, but I found some of the side quests even more fun than the main quests).”
    • “This game is so buggy it is not funny.”
    • “And it's not funny like Fable, where there is a sense of sarcasm or irony about.”
    • “It's so not funny to do all the game activities for 100% compared to other games - here, side quests are just bad, something like from MMORPGs - go and kill 8 mobs, take your 10 gold and +50 reputation.”
  • emotional443 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Hogwarts Legacy" elicits a wide range of responses from players, with many expressing nostalgia and joy at being immersed in the Harry Potter universe, often leading to tears of happiness. However, some players criticize the main storyline for lacking depth and emotional weight, feeling disconnected from the characters despite a few standout side quests that resonate deeply. Overall, while the game successfully evokes strong feelings of nostalgia and wonder for long-time fans, it struggles to maintain consistent emotional engagement throughout its narrative.

    • “The story is captivating and I shan't lie, I cried at the end of the main storyline.”
    • “I can barely put into words how magical this game is to me... it quite literally made me cry after the opening credits rolled.”
    • “This game made me cry the first time I played just because of how beautiful it is, and to top it off it has a great story too.”
    • “Don't buy this, I wasted a lot of money on this game and I'm disappointed at how bad it is. I enjoyed the side quests and decorating more than the actual boring storyline.”
    • “Boring story and dialogue with a complete lack of character development, very few dialogue options nearly always forcing you to be super nice and friendly.”
    • “I love the combat and exploration in the game but as much as I'd like to say it's perfect, Hogwarts Legacy has some glaring issues... my biggest disappointment being the absolutely boring story.”
  • character development230 mentions

    Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising the depth and engagement found in side quests and certain character arcs, particularly those involving Sebastian. However, many critics highlight a lack of meaningful development for the main character and a general absence of emotional depth across the narrative, leading to a feeling of superficiality in character interactions and choices. Overall, while the character design and graphics are often lauded, the character development is seen as a missed opportunity, with many players expressing a desire for more nuanced storytelling and character growth.

    • “The character development, voice acting, and level of immersion is next level.”
    • “What truly sets Hogwarts Legacy apart, however, is the depth of the storytelling and character development.”
    • “The attention to detail in both the game's graphics and character development is impressive, making players feel like they are truly a part of the Hogwarts community.”
    • “The main story is extremely boring, character development is non-existent for the most part, and the world feels completely empty.”
    • “Character development is so poor... Professor Fig has a backstory we have no idea about.”
    • “There's just not enough diversity in character development or story to warrant a second go.”
  • monetization180 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing relief at the absence of microtransactions, live service elements, and aggressive monetization strategies commonly found in modern titles. While some view the game as a cash grab aimed at Harry Potter fans, others appreciate it as a genuine effort with substantial content and no intrusive in-game purchases. Overall, the consensus leans towards a positive reception regarding its monetization practices, highlighting a refreshing return to a more traditional gaming experience without predatory tactics.

    • “There are no microtransactions in the game, which is a huge win.”
    • “The fact that I can enjoy a game with no microtransactions and hundreds of hours of free content in 2023 is a breath of fresh air.”
    • “It's refreshing to see a game that is finished with no microtransactions, that clearly had developers who cared and execs that aren't pushy for a mess of a release.”
    • “This game had so much potential but at its current state it's nothing more than cash grab bullcrap for mindless Harry Potter fans who'll defend it with tooth and nails.”
    • “It could not be more obvious that this game is a cash grab aimed at Harry Potter fans.”
    • “This game is just a cash grab just like the new movies of HP.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

81% average critic score

Buy Hogwarts Legacy

Play time

28hMedian play time
42hAverage play time
26hMain story
68hCompletionist
10-56hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 758 analyzed playthroughs

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