Hogwarts Legacy Review by a Part-Time Wizard

As someone who’s dreamed of exploring Hogwarts, I was beyond excited to dive into Hogwarts Legacy. An open-world RPG set in the Wizarding World? Sign me up. But does it actually live up to the hype, or is it just a flashy nostalgia trip with a few too many fetch quests?

If you’re wondering whether Hogwarts Legacy is worth your time (or Galleons), you’re in the right place. This review covers everything—exploration, combat, spellcasting, and, of course, whether you can truly live out your best wizarding life.

Spoiler: You can absolutely spend hours just brewing potions and flying around on a broom.

So, grab your wand, prepare for some morally questionable spell choices (we’ve all been tempted by the Dark Arts), and let’s break down whether Hogwarts Legacy is the magical adventure we’ve all been waiting for.

Hogwarts Legacy Story: A New Wizard, A Hidden Power

Unlike other Wizarding World stories, Hogwarts Legacy doesn’t have you playing as the Chosen One—or, well, not that Chosen One. Instead, you’re a fifth-year student arriving late to Hogwarts, which is already a mystery in itself. Turns out, you have a rare ability to see and manipulate Ancient Magic, a powerful force that hasn’t been fully understood in centuries. Naturally, this makes you very interesting to some very dangerous people.

The main story revolves around a Goblin rebellion led by Ranrok, who is less interested in fair wages and more interested in harnessing Ancient Magic for his own destructive plans. Alongside Professor Fig—your mentor in all things magical—you’ll unravel the secrets of this ancient power, all while balancing school life, side quests, and the occasional dragon encounter.

The plot has its highs and lows, with some truly exciting moments and a few predictable beats. It leans more into mystery and adventure than deep character development, but if you’ve ever wanted to uncover hidden Hogwarts secrets while fending off dark forces, it delivers. Plus, you get to make some morally questionable choices—because what’s a Wizarding World RPG without a little ethical dilemma?

Gameplay: Becoming the Ultimate Witch or Wizard

Hogwarts Legacy is an open-world action RPG that gives you plenty of freedom to explore, duel, and, of course, get lost in side quests instead of actually attending class. The gameplay is packed with spell-slinging combat, puzzle-solving, crafting, and a healthy dose of Hogwarts exploration. Let’s break it all down.

Spellcasting and Combat: Expelliarmus Never Gets Old

The combat in Hogwarts Legacy is surprisingly deep for a game set in a school. You’ll wield a mix of offensive and defensive spells, chaining them together in combos to juggle enemies, break shields, and counter attacks. It’s a mix of reflex-based dodging and strategic spell selection, making fights feel dynamic rather than just button-mashy.

• Basic Attacks & Spell Combos: Your standard wand attacks can be woven into a chain of spells, keeping battles fast-paced.
• Spell Types: Spells are categorized into Control (freezing enemies), Force (throwing them around), Damage (burning or blasting them), and Utility (things like Disillusionment for stealth).
• Parries & Counters: A well-timed Protego can deflect attacks, and a follow-up Stupefy can stun enemies for extra damage.
• Dark Magic: Yes, you can use the Unforgivable Curses. And yes, it will make you feel a little too powerful.

The combat is one of the game’s strongest aspects—it’s smooth, fun, and lets you mix and match spells to fit your playstyle. Whether you’re a defensive spellcaster or someone who just wants to spam Incendio and watch everything burn, there’s something for you.

Exploration: Hogwarts and Beyond

The open world is huge and packed with secrets. Obviously, Hogwarts itself is the star of the show, but there’s plenty more to discover.

Hogwarts: The Ultimate Playground

Every corridor, hidden passage, and moving staircase makes Hogwarts feel alive. You can wander the Great Hall, sneak into the Restricted Section of the library, or just admire the magical paintings. Exploration is encouraged, and the castle is filled with puzzles, side quests, and hidden rooms.

Hogwarts is by far the best part of the world, but sometimes it can feel like the game likes sending you away — you’ll spend more time everywhere else rather than Hogwarts.It’s a bit frustrating. But if you’re not taking on side quests, you shouldn’t have a problem with this. It’s only the side quests that send you away. 

Hogsmeade & The Highlands

Outside of Hogwarts, you can visit Hogsmeade for shopping, potion-brewing, and side quests. Beyond that, the surrounding Highlands offer forests, caves, ruins, and enemy camps to explore. There’s plenty of incentive to stray off the main path.

Broom Flight & Mounts

Yes, you can fly, and yes, it’s amazing. Broom flight is smooth and makes travel much easier, while magical mounts (like Hippogriffs) add even more variety.

Classes and Learning Magic: Somewhat Optional Schooling

Even though you’re a student, classes aren’t rigidly scheduled. Instead, they’re integrated into the story and unlock new spells as you progress.

• Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions, Herbology, and more all make an appearance, with each class giving you useful skills.
• Assignments from professors work like side quests, often requiring you to experiment with spells or items before they’ll teach you new abilities.

It would’ve been nice if there were more depth to school life—like being able to attend regular classes or interact more with classmates—but what’s here works well enough to keep you engaged.

Gear and Customization: Dress Like a Proper Wizard (or a Fashion Disaster)

Gear in Hogwarts Legacy functions like in most RPGs—different robes, gloves, and hats give stat boosts. But don’t worry, the game lets you transmog your outfit, meaning you can wear the strongest gear without looking ridiculous.

• Outfits: From classic Hogwarts robes to extravagant wizard capes, you can dress however you want.
• Gear Stats: Some gear improves offense or defense, while others boost spell cooldowns or potion effectiveness.
• Upgrades & Crafting: The Room of Requirement lets you upgrade gear using magical creatures’ materials.

Side Quests & Activities: Getting Distracted Has Never Been More Fun

The world is packed with side quests, collectibles, and random things to do.

• Companion Quests: Befriend fellow students with their own storylines.
• Merlin Trials: Puzzles that test your magic and expand your inventory.
• Beast Care: Capture and care for magical creatures (because Fantastic Beasts fans need something too).
• Treasure Hunts: Hidden chests and puzzles reward exploration.

Side quests are varied and help flesh out the world, making Hogwarts feel alive. Some even have better storytelling than the main quest. For example, I loved the Sebastian storyline. 

The Room of Requirement: Your Personal Wizarding Lair

This customizable space acts as your personal base. You can decorate it, brew potions, grow plants, and even raise magical creatures. It’s a great place to manage your gear and stock up on supplies before heading out.

• Potions & Herbology: Brew potions and grow ingredients.
• Magical Creature Pens: Raise and collect materials from beasts.
• Customization: Change the look and layout of your space.

It’s a surprisingly fun and relaxing part of the game, giving you a break from all the action.

Graphics and Audio: A Feast for the Eyes and Ears

Okay, let’s talk eye candy. Hogwarts Legacy is absolutely gorgeous. Hogwarts itself is a masterpiece, with every hallway, common room, and moving staircase looking like it was pulled straight from the books. The open world beyond the castle is just as stunning—rolling hills, dark forests, and magical ruins that make you want to explore every nook and cranny. Plus, casting spells? Pure visual magic, with glowing effects that make every fight feel like a movie scene.

On the sound side, the soundtrack is chef’s kiss. It’s got that grand, sweeping feel you’d expect from the Wizarding World, with a nice mix of soft, ambient tracks that make wandering around Hogwarts feel cozy. The spell sounds are satisfying too, from fire crackles to the zap of a well-timed Expelliarmus. Voice acting is solid for the most part, though some NPCs can feel a bit wooden at times.

Overall, the graphics and audio pull you right into the world, making it feel as magical as you’d hope. Just don’t mind the occasional texture hiccup—it’s easy to forgive when everything else looks so darn good.