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Hogwarts Legacy

If you are a Harry Potter fan this game is a slam dunk. It is the closest thing that I think you will ever see to a perfect Harry Potter game.
Hogwarts Legacy Game Cover
84%Game Brain Score
story, graphics
optimization, stability
91% User Score Based on 170,068 reviews
Critic Score 81%Based on 11 reviews

Platforms

Nintendo SwitchEpic GamesPlaystation 5Playstation 4Xbox Cloud GamingXboxSteam DeckWindowsPlayStationXbox Series X|SPCXbox Game PassCloudXbox OneNVIDIA GeForce NOWNintendo Switch 2
Hogwarts Legacy Game Cover

About

Hogwarts Legacy is a single player open world role playing game with a fantasy theme. It was developed by Avalanche Software and was released on February 9, 2023. It received positive reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

"Hogwarts Legacy PS5 Version" is an open-world action RPG set in the Harry Potter universe, allowing players to explore the magical school and its surroundings. The game features a unique story set in the 1800s, where players will attend classes, learn spells, and interact with characters from the books. By pre-ordering on the PlayStation Store, players can secure their copy and immerse themselves in a rich and detailed wizarding world. Please note that the game has not yet been rated by the ESRB.

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Game Brain Review

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).

98% Game Brain Team Score

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.


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

HOGWARTS LEGACY – A DEDICATON TO POTTERHEADS

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91%
Audience ScoreBased on 170,068 reviews
story17.6k positive mentions
optimization3.5k negative mentions

  • The graphics are stunning and effectively bring the magical world of Harry Potter to life, creating an immersive experience.
  • The gameplay offers engaging combat mechanics and spellcasting, allowing players to feel like true wizards while exploring Hogwarts.
  • The emotional impact of side quests, particularly those involving characters like Sebastian, resonates deeply with players, enhancing the overall experience.
  • The main story is criticized for its predictability and lack of depth, with many players finding it boring and padded with repetitive quests.
  • The game suffers from significant performance issues, including stuttering and crashes, particularly on lower-end systems, detracting from the overall experience.
  • Character development is shallow, with limited interaction options and minimal impact on gameplay, leaving players feeling disconnected from the narrative.
  • story
    49,265 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story in "Hogwarts Legacy" is generally described as engaging but often criticized for its predictability and lack of depth. While the main narrative revolves around a chosen one trope and ancient magic, many players found the side quests, particularly those involving characters like Sebastian, to be more compelling and emotionally resonant. Overall, the game offers a rich world to explore, but the linear storytelling and repetitive quest design detract from the overall experience, leaving some players feeling that the narrative could have been more impactful and nuanced.

    • “The story is engaging, thoughtfully crafted with layers of mystery and adventure that keep you hooked throughout your journey.”
    • “The story emphasizes that true magic lies not only in power but in the choices that shape your character and define your legacy.”
    • “The main story is surprisingly rich, mature, and filled with mystery, moral ambiguity, and ancient magic that ties perfectly into the lore without needing to rehash anything about the boy who lived.”
    • “The linear plot is severely padded, leading to disastrous pacing.”
    • “A fairly significant story progression is always accompanied by five useless, annoying fetch quests and filler missions, making the whole experience feel like a chore rather than a magical adventure.”
    • “The story is boring, characters are uninspired, and you can't even pause/skip cutscenes!”
  • graphics
    15,128 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "Hogwarts Legacy" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning detail and immersive quality, effectively bringing the magical world of Harry Potter to life. Many players noted the game's impressive visual fidelity, particularly in environments like Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, although some experienced performance issues, including stuttering and crashes, especially on lower-end systems. Overall, while the graphics are often described as breathtaking, the game's optimization remains a concern for many players, impacting their overall experience.

    • “The graphics are absolutely gorgeous, and the soundtrack makes you feel like you're in a Disney movie.”
    • “The graphics are stunning, and the world feels alive and rich in detail.”
    • “The graphics are beautiful, bringing the magical world to life with breathtaking detail.”
    • “The graphics are terrible; everything looks blurry.”
    • “The game frequently stutters in fps and even causes graphical artifacting on my screen when in the middle of combat, with a lot of effects going on, on medium graphics with ray tracing off.”
    • “The graphics seem a little odd sometimes, but it's fine.”
  • gameplay
    13,558 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Hogwarts Legacy" has received mixed reviews, with many players praising its engaging combat mechanics and spellcasting system, which offer a satisfying blend of action and strategy. However, numerous critiques highlight the repetitiveness of quests and gameplay loops, as well as a lack of depth in character interactions and choices, leading to a feeling of monotony over time. While the game excels in creating an immersive world filled with stunning visuals and nostalgic elements, some players feel that it ultimately falls short in delivering a compelling narrative and varied gameplay experience.

    • “The gameplay is fun and engaging, allowing players to explore Hogwarts, attend classes, and learn spells and potions.”
    • “The spellcasting mechanics are intuitive and satisfying, with a variety of spells that can be used creatively in combat.”
    • “The gameplay offers a fantastic blend of exploration, combat, and narrative-driven quests, allowing players to feel like true wizards.”
    • “While the world they build is beautiful, all of the gameplay systems are awful and boring.”
    • “Choosing the 'meaner' option doesn’t impact your gameplay whatsoever and the main story along with many of the other character quests feel more like you are experiencing the story yourself rather than taking that much part in it.”
    • “Overall, the game is pretty fun when it comes to exploring new areas on the map, trying out new spells, seeing new people and enemies, but quests become boring at times and gameplay is repetitive.”
  • optimization
    10,007 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of "Hogwarts Legacy" has been widely criticized, with many players reporting severe performance issues, including frequent stuttering, frame drops, and crashes, even on high-end systems. While some patches have improved stability, the game remains poorly optimized for PC, often requiring mods or extensive tweaking to achieve playable performance. Overall, the game's technical shortcomings significantly detract from the experience, leading many to recommend waiting for further updates before purchasing.

    • “For me, the performance was fine with DLSS and Intel’s Frame Generation, with no lags, good frame time, and 100 fps on an RTX 3060 with medium to high settings.”
    • “Amazing game, very optimized; on GTX 1650 can run smoothly at around 45 fps (which is enough for me to enjoy it) and still has amazing views.”
    • “The optimization is also quite good — I haven’t experienced any performance issues even with a mid-range setup.”
    • “The optimization is abysmal, horrible, and frankly embarrassing.”
    • “However, the developers make you fight harder against the optimization than against any in-game boss.”
    • “Very poorly optimized game was unplayable to me; had to delete and refund. Try better games, ignore this.”
  • music
    3,144 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in "Hogwarts Legacy" has received widespread acclaim for its enchanting and immersive qualities, effectively capturing the magical atmosphere of the Harry Potter universe. Many players noted the nostalgic elements reminiscent of the original film scores, while also appreciating the new compositions that enhance the gameplay experience. However, some critiques pointed out that certain tracks can become repetitive, and there are moments where the music may not align perfectly with the game's tone, leading to occasional immersion breaks. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's charm and appeal.

    • “The music perfectly captures the spirit of the wizarding world - at times it alludes to the film themes, building a nostalgic atmosphere, and at other times it is able to introduce a sense of mystery and magic.”
    • “The soundtrack is a beautiful accompaniment, enhancing the emotional depth of every scene.”
    • “The music, ambience, character personality, and an active, responsive environment make this game amazing.”
    • “Legacy is more like someone edited the movies down and played music over most of the dialogue.”
    • “The ost is fitting but far from the praise I’ve read online: a workmanlike effort, inspired by the films and that’s it.”
    • “The music is forgettable, which is a shame because the HP movie soundtrack is legendary.”
  • stability
    2,482 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of "Hogwarts Legacy" has been a significant point of contention among players, with many reporting a wide range of bugs and glitches that detract from the overall experience. Common issues include frequent crashes, graphical glitches, and performance drops, particularly in crowded areas or during intense gameplay moments. While some players have managed to enjoy the game with minimal issues, the consensus is that it remains a buggy experience, especially on PC, leading many to recommend waiting for further patches before diving in.

    • “It works well with high fps and max settings on 5070ti and seems to be bug free at this point.”
    • “The game runs great on my high end machine, but that's to be expected.”
    • “It's super polished and bug free which is an accomplishment these days.”
    • “Y'all should be ashamed at how much of a buggy mess this piece of shit is.”
    • “Hogwarts Legacy is a fucking disaster. The world looks nice, but everything else is broken. Quests are repetitive, boring, and full of glitches. NPCs teleport, fly through walls, or stand still like idiots. Combat is clunky, boring, and frustrating. Spellcasting is inconsistent. Crafting and upgrades barely work. Bugs, lag, crashes, and broken scripts ruin every session. Updates fix nothing. The devs add nothing real, just cosmetic bullshit. Every second is frustration, rage, and chaos. The game is a glitch-ridden, lag-choked, brain-melting shitshow. It is not magical; it is torture designed to make you scream, smash your PC, throw your controller, and hate everything. Hogwarts Legacy is a steaming pile of fuck. I fucking hate it and want it nuked, deleted, and burned forever.”
    • “The game is a buggy mess.”
  • grinding
    2,116 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of "Hogwarts Legacy" has received mixed feedback from players. Many find the game excessively grindy, particularly when pursuing 100% completion, as it involves repetitive tasks like collecting items, completing merlin trials, and managing inventory, which can feel tedious and time-consuming. However, some players appreciate the depth of exploration and the engaging combat mechanics, suggesting that while certain elements may be grindy, they still contribute to an overall enjoyable experience in the magical world.

    • “The gameplay is fun and engaging and not grindy.”
    • “You level up by doing quests, challenges, exploration, and puzzles, and do not get experience from combat (so no grinding experience), which is a breath of fresh air!”
    • “The quests aren't too tedious, combat is super fun, puzzles don't make my brain sizzle.”
    • “Adding insult to injury, the gear and loot system is utterly useless; gear stats barely matter, making the endless cycle of collecting and managing inventory feel like meaningless busywork tacked onto an already tedious open world.”
    • “The grind can get a bit tedious, but it’s worth it if you enjoy that kind of progression (which I do).”
    • “The sheer volume of collectibles can become tedious, stretching out the endgame in a way that feels more exhausting than rewarding.”
  • atmosphere
    1,912 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere in "Hogwarts Legacy" is widely praised for its magical and immersive qualities, effectively capturing the essence of the Harry Potter universe. Players commend the game's stunning visuals, detailed environments, and atmospheric sound design, which together create a nostalgic experience reminiscent of the films and books. While some critiques mention a lack of depth in gameplay and NPC interactions, the overall ambiance and attention to detail in world-building make it a captivating experience for fans and newcomers alike.

    • “From the moment you step into the castle, the atmosphere feels magical and immersive, with attention to detail that makes the world come alive.”
    • “The atmosphere is incredible; walking through Hogwarts and the surrounding areas really feels magical and alive.”
    • “The atmosphere, the attention to detail, and the feeling of finally walking through Hogwarts as your own witch or wizard are amazing.”
    • “Because the setting and the atmosphere are the only thing this game does exceptionally, whilst everything else is done subpar.”
    • “The castle, though beautifully designed, felt underutilized, with much of the school atmosphere lost in favor of an empty open world filled with repetitive dungeons.”
    • “The atmosphere is let down by the absence of student life and insufficient usage of the Hogwarts castle and similar iconic locations.”
  • replayability
    1,079 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The replayability of "Hogwarts Legacy" is a contentious topic among players, with many expressing disappointment over its limited scope. While some appreciate the ability to experience different house-specific quests, the overall consensus is that the game lacks significant variation in gameplay and story outcomes, leading to a low replay value. Players often cite the linear narrative and minimal impact of choices as key factors that diminish the incentive to replay the game after completing it once.

    • “The customization options and house-specific experiences add an extra layer of replayability that keeps me coming back for more.”
    • “The world is massive and filled with secrets, and the replay value is high with different houses to join and multiple ways to play.”
    • “The choices players make can affect certain outcomes, adding replayability and personal investment in the storyline.”
    • “Zero replayability: there are literally only three differences when playing in a different house: your dormitory, your house-specific color for certain clothing, and where you have to go in one of the intro quests (which made the achievements in the game so annoying).”
    • “The replayability is diminished by the fact that there is only one storyline.”
    • “The choices you make don't add much in terms of replay value; conversations feel robotic, and unfortunately, despite good voice acting, your character remains on the vanilla spectrum throughout the entire adventure.”
  • humor
    866 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in "Hogwarts Legacy" is widely appreciated, with players noting its whimsical charm and clever dialogue that captures the essence of the Harry Potter universe. Many find the side quests and NPC interactions particularly funny, often leading to unexpected comedic moments, while the game's various glitches and bugs add an unintentional layer of humor. Overall, the game balances lightheartedness with darker themes, creating a unique blend of comedy and adventure that resonates with both fans and newcomers alike.

    • “It captures the wonder, humor, and warmth of the wizarding world perfectly.”
    • “The way you can just slam enemies into the ground like puppets several times with your ancient magic will never not be funny to me.”
    • “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.”
    • “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 MMORPG - go and kill 8 mobs, take your 10 gold and +50 reputation.”
  • emotional
    776 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    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 wizarding world. While some players found the main storyline lacking in depth and emotional weight, they often highlighted the emotional impact of side quests, particularly those involving characters like Sebastian, which resonated deeply. Overall, the game successfully evokes feelings of wonder and connection to the Harry Potter universe, though it struggles with character development and emotional engagement in certain areas.

    • “I cried when I stepped into Hogwarts and got to role play in the home that I had known during my childhood imagination.”
    • “This game made me feel like a very happy kid again which is not something that can happen easily nowadays.”
    • “I shed a tear (or 12) when I woke up in the dormitory, as I was overcome with a powerful, raw, unadulterated childlike excitement at the prospect of being able to start a journey within the walls of Hogwarts.”
    • “This is not a game about being a student at Hogwarts; it's mostly about pursuing a boring story mostly outside of the iconic location.”
    • “Such a good damn shame that it's tarnished by such an utterly meaningless and whimsically boring story with totally forgettable, unironically melodramatic, weeb protagonists and antagonists.”
    • “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.”
  • character development
    387 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising the depth and emotional arcs of certain characters, particularly in side quests, while others criticize the overall lack of meaningful progression and interaction for the main character. Many players noted that while the graphics and character designs are visually appealing, the character development feels shallow and often fails to impact gameplay or narrative choices significantly. Overall, the game offers moments of strong character development, especially in specific storylines, but many feel it falls short of the potential for a more immersive RPG experience.

    • “The character development shines, particularly with companions like Sebastian Sallow, whose dark, emotional questline, and Natsai Onai, with her heartfelt story, add depth.”
    • “The character development is top-notch, and the relationships you build feel real and impactful.”
    • “The narrative is coherent, and the character development is notable, with various memorable NPCs and companions.”
    • “Character development, a key element of RPGs, is practically non-existent - you don't feel any increase in strength, and there are ridiculously few spells.”
    • “The main story is extremely boring, character development is non-existent for the most part, and the world feels completely empty.”
    • “The lack of meaningful character development and limited interaction options with your peers can make it difficult to form strong emotional connections with the cast.”
  • monetization
    335 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the absence of microtransactions and live-service elements, which they see as a refreshing change in the current gaming landscape. However, there are significant complaints about intrusive in-game advertisements for other products, which some players feel detracts from the overall experience and gives the impression of a cash grab. Overall, while the game is praised for its lack of aggressive monetization, the presence of ads has left a sour taste for many players.

    • “I am glad to see a big 'normal game' without battle passes, tons of microtransactions, and all that stuff that just focuses on fun and not on money.”
    • “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 a very high-budget game with no microtransactions and almost zero bugs.”
    • “This is a cash grab that plays off the popularity of the Harry Potter world and the nostalgia of people from around that time frame.”
    • “The most offensive thing is that I paid for the game, and you're advertising to me as if it's a free-to-play game.”
    • “In conclusion, the game is a poorly rushed cash grab to get nostalgia and intrigue from Potterheads to get quick money from desperate fans and be forgotten in about a week.”
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28h Median play time
42h Average play time
27h Main story
72h Completionist
10-60h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 1,187 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Hogwarts Legacy is a open world role playing game with fantasy theme.

Hogwarts Legacy is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Steam Deck and others.

The main story can be completed in around 27 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 72 hours to finish. On average players spend around 42 hours playing Hogwarts Legacy.

Hogwarts Legacy was released on February 9, 2023.

Hogwarts Legacy was developed by Avalanche Software.

Hogwarts Legacy has received positive reviews from players and positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its optimization.

Hogwarts Legacy is a single player game.

Similar games include Assassin's Creed Origins, FINAL FANTASY XVI, Avowed, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Forspoken and others.