Windows Hogwarts Legacy Game

[Huntn]

On sale at Steam for another 5 days or so, 50% off, very positive reviews, decided to take a chance. So far, so good, I like the atmosphere. (Note, I read all the HP books and saw all the movies.) You find yourself as a fifth year student. Not sure what that means because instead of being a graduate and/or welcome back with skills, you are basically starting from scratch in the talents and spell casting department. The story may explain this eventually.

The story, it starts with a bang, a letter appears indicating your acceptance to Hogwarts, you meet Professor Fig in what looks like Diagon Alley, who will escort you to Hogwarts, and you are attacked soon after. A trip to Gringot’s (outstanding graphics) and it takes about 30-45 minutes, getting you up to speed with magic combat basics, to get to Hogwarts at the end of the sorting ceremony. Until that time there is no saving and the game is lineal. It is described as open world.

I’m not 100% on this but it seems like you must have a Warner Brothers gaming account and if you do this before starting the game, to completely link your account, step 2 (at the web site) is to go though a sorting house ceremony, before you are in the game. Because I read the link below, I had concerns about this so I skipped the sorting hat at the web site. I was thinking “linked” would pick my house in the game but this might not be the case, unverified.

In the game, based on a specific answer you give the sorting hat (link below) and based on unique house quests (see link below), I knew which house I wanted, and did not want to leave it to chance or my quiz answers.

Graphics, voice acting and facial animations are good, atmosphere is spot on. However, I was disappointed that after being sorted, leaving the Hogwarts dining room we teleported to the entrance to my chosen house, Hufflepuff. I’m looking forward to seeing how easy it is to actually walk around and explore Hogwarts. 🤔

More to come.

Links:

• 

  Hogwarts Legacy: What is the Best House in the Game?

  Hogwarts Legacy lets you choose between Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw, but which is the best House for you?

  www.denofgeek.com
• 

  Are there consequences for using the Unforgivable Curses in Hogwarts Legacy?

  Be who you want to be.

  progameguides.com
• 

  Hogwarts Legacy - All Spells And The Best Spells To Use

  Learn all the spells in Hogwarts Legacy and put them to good use.

  www.gamespot.com

 

[Plutonius]

I also joined Hufflepuff but, the way I'm playing, I should have been in Slytherin .

One interesting thing about the game is it's not really level dependent but is more on the rewards of finishing quest. You are not able to spend talent points until a fair ways into the main quest line and the new spells you get are learned from attending classes quest. Also, a fair ways into the main quest line you learn the lock picking spell.

One thing is that there is no morality filter on your character. If you want to learn and use dark magic, you can without penalty.

The map area is huge with teleportation flames located all around the map. You are not able to use a teleportation flame as a destination without having been there first. You can teleport to a teleportation flame from anywhere you can view the map. You eventually get a broom (which is upgradable) so you are able to fly.

 

[Huntn]

I also joined Hufflepuff but, the way I'm playing, I should have been in Slytherin .

One interesting thing about the game is it's not really level dependent but is more on the rewards of finishing quest. You are not able to spend talent points until a fair ways into the main quest line and the new spells you get are learned from attending classes quest. Also, a fair ways into the main quest line you learn the lock picking spell.

One thing is that there is no morality filter on your character. If you want to learn and use dark magic, you can without penalty.

The map area is huge with teleportation flames located all around the map. You are not able to use a teleportation flame as a destination without having been there first. You can teleport to a teleportation flame from anywhere you can view the map. You eventually get a broom (which is upgradable) so you are able to fly.

Can you walk the length and breath of Hogwarts If you want to?

So as far as you know, no penalty for killing bad people trying to hurt you? My tendency would be to learn the killing spell to save my life... I thought I read that using forbidden skills altered the story in some way, or had ramifications. No? There should be. This is so disappointing!

Are there consequences for using the Unforgivable Curses in Hogwarts Legacy?

Be who you want to be.

progameguides.com

Hogwarts Legacy - All Spells And The Best Spells To Use

Learn all the spells in Hogwarts Legacy and put them to good use.

www.gamespot.com

 

[bousozoku]

I've been attempting to play on breaks from other games, and on the Steam Deck.

So far, it's been a beautiful, mixed bag. I should find some time to concentrate on it.

 

[Plutonius]

Can you walk the length and breath of Hogwarts If you want to?

So as far as you know, no penalty for killing bad people trying to hurt you? My tendency would be to learn the killing spell to save my life... I thought I read that using forbidden skills altered the story in some way, or had ramifications. No? There should be. This is so disappointing!

Are there consequences for using the Unforgivable Curses in Hogwarts Legacy?

Be who you want to be.

progameguides.com

Hogwarts Legacy - All Spells And The Best Spells To Use

Learn all the spells in Hogwarts Legacy and put them to good use.

www.gamespot.com

Yep but it would take forever. The bottom part of the map is separated from top part by a mountain range you can't fly over. There is a long tunnel that goes under the mountain but you have to be high enough level to survive it.

It was reported that they removed the ramifications for certain spells / actions before the game was released. You are chastised for learning / using the unforgivable spells but that is the only effect I can see.

The only other complaint I had besides the lack of ramifications is spell casting. The game appears to be originally designed for consoles so the spell hotkeys are in groups of four (you are limited to assigning four spells). Later in the game, you can spend talent points to get additional spell groups (you have a maximum of four groups). In the middle of combat, you sometimes have to pause to remap your spells. Later in the game when you maxed out your spell groups, you select the spell group and then the spell on your keyboard. On top of moving, dodging, and casting shields, combat can be very challenging.(but fun).

 

[Huntn]

Yep but it would take forever. The bottom part of the map is separated from top part by a mountain range you can't fly over. There is a long tunnel that goes under the mountain but you have to be high enough level to survive it.

It was reported that they removed the ramifications for certain spells / actions before the game was released. You are chastised for learning / using the unforgivable spells but that is the only effect I can see.

The only other complaint I had besides the lack of ramifications is spell casting. The game appears to be originally designed for consoles so the spell hotkeys are in groups of four (you are limited to assigning four spells). Later in the game, you can spend talent points to get additional spell groups (you have a maximum of four groups). In the middle of combat, you sometimes have to pause to remap your spells. Later in the game when you maxed out your spell groups, you select the spell group and then the spell on your keyboard. On top of moving, dodging, and casting shields, combat can be very challenging.(but fun).

Thanks! I hate pausing a game to make combat selections, it breaks immersion and feels artificial. I’ll see how it goes.

I’m not there yet, but if I sense someone is trying to kill or abduct me, my tendency might be to greviously harm them. Well maybe if I’m confident, I’ll just beat them into submission. 🙃 The only thing I’ve fought so far is stone knights while heading to Hogwarts. Note, the basic attack spell eventually causes stone to break into rubble, so would’nt that kill an animal or a human?

 

[Huntn]

Spell casting starts simple enough, but they add more and more, including multiple spell sets to cycle through. Still figuring the best way to do this. My Nostrum has a 4 selection circular button where I programmed spell set switching to make it more fluid. As I said I hate having to pause the game to make these changes. I'm happy have have programmable devices, both Nostrum and a Razer mouse, to handle off of this.

 

[Plutonius]

Spell casting starts simple enough, but they add more and more, including multiple spell sets to cycle through. Still figuring the best way to do this. My Nostrum has a 4 selection circular button where I programmed spell set switching to make it more fluid. As I said I hate having to pause the game to make these changes. I'm happy have have programmable devices, both Nostrum and a Razer mouse, to handle off of this.

At level 15 (or 22), you can add your 4th spell group (each group holds four spell presets) for a total of 16 spells that can be preset (note - You have to be pretty far through on the main quest line before you unlock your trait points so you are limited to four presets for awhile).

The four presets should handle the initial combat okay and you should be able to get additional spell groups before you need to add the additional presets you need in combat.

The only way to cast the spells is through the presets. You will also get utility spells (light etc.), taming spells, and building spells (room of requirement) so you will need to swap presets out of combat. Otherwise, your presets will usually be set to combat spells.

I find combat to be very fun but it's not trivial. The spells are color coded and it's recommended to have your combat spell presets loaded with one of each colors. The spells have cooldowns so you need to cycle through spell combos while moving, dodging, selecting preset groups, and using your shield magic (hardcoded not requiring a preset).

Enemy caster's shields at normal difficulty and above are color coded. Only the equivalent colored spell will bring down the shield and you do very little damage until the shield is down.

 

[Huntn]

At level 15 (or 22), you can add your 4th spell group (each group holds four spell presets) for a total of 16 spells that can be preset (note - You have to be pretty far through on the main quest line before you unlock your trait points so you are limited to four presets for awhile).

The four presets should handle the initial combat okay and you should be able to get additional spell groups before you need to add the additional presets you need in combat.

The only way to cast the spells is through the presets. You will also get utility spells (light etc.), taming spells, and building spells (room of requirement) so you will need to swap presets out of combat. Otherwise, your presets will usually be set to combat spells.

I find combat to be very fun but it's not trivial. The spells are color coded and it's recommended to have your combat spell presets loaded with one of each colors. The spells have cooldowns so you need to cycle through spell combos while moving, dodging, selecting preset groups, and using your shield magic (hardcoded not requiring a preset).

Enemy caster's shields at normal difficulty and above are color coded. Only the equivalent colored spell will bring down the shield and you do very little damage until the shield is down.

Magic combat can feel/is fast and furious, requiring a bit of muscle memory. I have a manual save from the forbidden section of Hogwart’s library, with 8 opponents, 2,2, the 4. I’ve run it about 5 times, good, practise. I don’t know how players would manage it without programmable devices. First big lower level fight (level 8-9) good to learn.

Side comment about the forbidden Kill Spell- Why not? It certainly seems like I’m killing things with my damage spells. I’ve not yet been offered the chance to learn it.

About Combat- At first it was difficult, which is eased a bit after I saw patterns in enemies anttacks and got comfortable after establishing muscle memory for spell casting. I really like that looking at, in the general direction of a target, designates it. There is also a lock on button.

Dueling Club- When you start lessons at Hogwarts as part of dueling club, the first round 1v1 is not too hard, but the second level is 1 or 2 (yes pick a partner) v3. This was difficult for me at first getting my butt handed to me multiple times. 🙃

better image on the way
​

Forbidden Section of Hogwart’s Library Combat Strategy

• 8 Stone Knight defenders that come to life sequentially.
• 1st 2 opponents- close half the distance and use Z (Ancient Magic Throw) on each one. Closer does more damage. Note, Z is dependent on having something to grab and throw. Z appears on your screen when it is available. Leviosa (lift) or Accio (pull) + Basic (LMB, damage) and Incendio (fire) spells to follow if necessary.
• 2nd two opponents activate- same.
• Now 4 defenders activate.
• Blue Health Shard: Sometimes after a statue is destroyed, a blue shard appears which heals you and fills your Ancient Magic meter allowing the super attack.
• Sprint and Dodge while using serpentine- to avoid projectiles you may not see coming. Always be moving. A red or an orange circle appears around you with inbound attacks. Orange is a blockable attack using Protecto. Red is not blockable, use dodge. When you get comfortable, wait for an attack before you block or dodge as described below.
• Blue Circle appears on ground, get out of it, opponent leaps and land there/on you, if you are still there.
• Orange Attack- Q (Protecto)- hold for orange attack. If it works Stupefy stuns them, blast with Basic or Fire.
  • Q does not seem to protect against a leap attack, blue circle appears on floor.
• Red Attack- Cont (Dodge)- Use to avoid an unblockable Red attacks.
• X- Ancient Magic unloads strong attack X appears over targeted enemy when your ancient magic meter is full. It’s a one shot kill at this level.
• Leviosa (lift) or Accio (pull) + Basic (LMB, damage) and Incendio (fire) spells when Z or X not available.

 

[Plutonius]

When you finally unlock your talent points, you will want to spend a bunch in the spell talent tree. Nothing better then using accio to pull a group to you and then incendio to hit them all with an aoe fire attack. Be sure to also max out your stealth talents in the stealth talent tree.

You will get various new spells as you complete quest.. You can get the unforgettable curses a long way into the main quest line and the killing spell is near the end of the main quest line.

Unlike most games, you gain experience through completing challenges. You can gain quite a bit by completely exploring hogwarts castle and hogsmede while spamming the revelio spell.

I think that you will enjoy flying once you get broom training. The race challenges are pretty fun.

You can change the difficulty at any time if an area is too tough.

 

[Huntn]

​

After attending Spell Combo practise round 2 I got it down decently enough. I’m using a Razer gaming mouse with 12 buttons on the side. Thank goodness you don’t have to move the mouse in the shape of each spell you use to create it, (what you kind of did to learn it, although that was just pushing buttons too ), just push buttons in combat. 😄 My buttons are programmed so:

• 1= Pull (Accio)
• 2= Fire (Incendio)
• 3= Lift (Leviosa)
• 4= Expell (disarm enemy)

This advance spell combo practise session 2 at Crossed Wands teaches:

1. 1,2,3 (Pull, Fire Lift)
2. 3,BBB,1,2 (Lift, Basic, Basic, Basic, Pull, Fire)
3. 1,B,2,BBB,3,BBB,1,BB, 2,3,BBBB (Pull, B, Fire, BBB, Lift, BBB, Pull, BB, Fire, Lift, BBBB)

With this key arrangement, the Basic damage spell is Left Mouse Button, so you are simply rotating through 1,2,3, using LMB in between them to allow for cool down, 4 to knock weapons out of enemy hands and Z to throw objects (existing in the environment) that do not have to be designated per say, just look in their general direction, and Z appears on your screen, hit the Z key and item is chucked. And there is always X the devistating damage spell, that is available after your magic meter is full. Note, I’ve not yet noticed an indicator that indicates how full my magic meter is.

Currently at L13, I’ve said it before, these spells seem to kill things, and I have not yet learned any of the Forbidden Spells.

Quick tip, if you are out and about exploring the country side, it’s worth your while to look at the potion list. I went West of Hogwarts and found lots of wolves and these nests of orange eggs. Kill wolves for their hides, gather these eggs so when you get to potions class, you can brew some buffs that make you less susceptible to damage. The name of the buff eludes me, I’ll add a link…

 

[Huntn]

Regarding Hogwarts, it’s big, beautiful, and complex, thank goodness there is a line that helps you navigate to your next selected objective, or you might go mad. 😝

 

[Plutonius]

Moonstones are very important for buying crafting stuff.

While running around outside, spam revelio and then use depulso / acacia to mine all the moonstone deposits you find.

In most cases, my preference is to have the disillusionment (invisibility) spell in my spell preset rather than the disarm spell.

 

[Huntn]

Moonstones are very important for buying crafting stuff.

While running around outside, spam revelio and then use depulso / acacia to mine all the moonstone deposits you find.

In most cases, my preference is to have the disillusionment (invisibility) spell in my spell preset rather than the disarm spell.

I’ve been collecting tons of those. Your basic spell blasts them and sends the shards to you inventory.

 

[Huntn]

At L13 I tried CrossWands challenge 3, it’s 2 V 4 and I just can’t get though it yet. I’m part of the 2, my partner does not seem to be all that effective and at times, I’ve got 3 opponents shooting spells at me.

​

At L14, I just fought my way though the Jackdaw Quest fighting both large spiders and animated stone statutes, I’ve never had so much fun with magic combat. This is the first game where magic is my one and only combat ability, and it is plentiful, I actually feel powerful using it.

There are some visual and audio clues as to incoming attacks, but as a general rule frequent, almost constant dodging goes along way to make up for your lack of situational awareness, projectiles and weapon thrusts coming at you from various directions. You want to have the Protego key (Q, protection force field) mapped somewhere else for easy access while you are constantly moving (W,S,A,D). It’s best feature is when an attack bounces off this blue orb, if you are holding it, a Stupify spell bounces back at the attacker. 😄

Note, I did not refer to this while working my way though the cave. The puzzles are not difficult:

Jackdaw's Rest - Hogwarts Legacy Guide - IGN

Jackdaw’s Rest is the fifteenth main quest within Hogwarts Legacy; where you venture into the Forbidden Forest with Richard Jackdaw’s ghost in

www.ign.com

 

[Plutonius]

I found the puzzles to be pretty interesting.

One thing I didn't think of until later is moving a box (with accio) next to a tall wall you need to climb and then casting levitate on the crate before climbing.

Jackdaw's Rest quest completion unlocks your talent points. Have you spent your talent points yet ?

 

[Huntn]

I found the puzzles to be pretty interesting.

One thing I didn't think of until later is moving a box (with accio) next to a tall wall you need to climb and then casting levitate on the crate before climbing.

Jackdaw's Rest quest completion unlocks your talent points. Have you spent your talent points yet ?

Yes I did, I was looking for some sample builds regarding talents, but have yet to find anything specific. There are so many ways to go and I’m really aggravated by the reports there is no means to respec. Even though I planned on not using forbidden spells, in the Dark Arts talent tree, of the 10 initial talent points, 3 went there because of the curse status that increases damage against opponents. One went to plants that increased the effectiveness of the Edurus Potion, and the other 6 spread around.

To make the best build, you have to see what your desired destination is, and for the initial 10 points, I violated this standard just going with what felt best at this point. 😐 I have the save recorded, so I could go back and redo. Any suggestions?

I did find this though:

Hogwarts Legacy: Best and Most Powerful Character Builds

Hogwarts Legacy's Talent system lets you create some surprisingly powerful builds that let you enjoy the game in new ways.

www.denofgeek.com

Last night, I got introduced to the Requirements Room, and although I like it, the idea of a private luxury suite as compared to a House Commons room seems a bit silly, nothing like that in the movies or books. I’m a bit indignant, I can’t conjure up a king size bed there. But wait, who bothers to sleep?

One other thing that bugs me a little. I’m in a House but due to story construction and I guess being a Fifth year, I spend all of my time running around the landscape, spend relatively little time in class, and zero time building up any house allegiance, getting to know my other Hufflepuffs in the Common room. Sure there were a few conversations when I first got into the Common room, but I really feel like an outsider.

The counter point is from a practical gaming standpoint, I can admit that I prefer the freedom instead of being locked down in classes which would not serve the story premise, and there are enough classroom sessions. 🙃

 

[Huntn]

When you finally unlock your talent points, you will want to spend a bunch in the spell talent tree. Nothing better then using accio to pull a group to you and then incendio to hit them all with an aoe fire attack. Be sure to also max out your stealth talents in the stealth talent tree.

You will get various new spells as you complete quest.. You can get the unforgettable curses a long way into the main quest line and the killing spell is near the end of the main quest line.

Unlike most games, you gain experience through completing challenges. You can gain quite a bit by completely exploring hogwarts castle and hogsmede while spamming the revelio spell.

I think that you will enjoy flying once you get broom training. The race challenges are pretty fun.

You can change the difficulty at any time if an area is too tough.

I got a chance to use my spells, new spells like Configo (long range fire) with the new talents attached, which is a significant game changer. The only challenge is spell blocks limited to 4 keys with sets of 4 and thinking about changing sets in the middle of combat, not real practical, which makes you have to prioritize. Right now it seems like Pull, Lift, Fire, and Disarm (expell) are vital, unless you get so many spells you organize sets into a starter combat, and finisher combat set.

An interesting aspect is talents that place curses on individual targets, followed by AOE spells that effect all those who are cursed. This gives you incentive to spread the love around instead of just focusing on taking one target down at a time.

Another observation is that as spells get ingrained in memory/muscle memory, magical combat gets much easier, as long as your remember to keep moving and dodging. I love how depending on your orientation, your character will throw behind the back spells.

 

[Huntn]

Lol I just figured out that my mouse wheel cycles through spell sets... 🥰

 

[Huntn]

Here's how it goes with this game, I've been playing 3 hrs, it's 11pm, and I tell myself I need to go to bed, but there is this little quest close by in the Forbidden forest. I also told someone their loved one had perished, by my hand, (details with held to avoid spoilers) and they cried inconsolably for 30 sec. I finish up at 12:40 am...

 

[Plutonius]

Here's how it goes with this game, I've been playing 3 hrs, it's 11pm, and I tell myself I need to go to bed, but there is this little quest close by in the Forbidden forest. I also told someone their loved one had perished, by my hand, (details with held to avoid spoilers) and they cried inconsolably for 30 sec. I finish up at 12:40 am...

Sounds familiar .

For me, the worst case for one more turn is when I'm playing Civilization.

 

[Huntn]

Sounds familiar .

For me, the worst case for one more turn is when I'm playing Civilization.

I’m now using 3 spell sets, I’ve got short range 1st set, long range second set, and mostly utility 3rd Set. I’m actually getting to a point where muscle memory is almost there, I still have to glance at the visible spell set that’s up to keep my bearings.

 

[Plutonius]

I’m now using 3 spell sets, I’ve got short range 1st set, long range second set, and mostly utility 3rd Set. I’m actually getting to a point where muscle memory is almost there, I still have to glance at the visible spell set that’s up to keep my bearings.

I have a basic 2 button mouse so I use the keyboard.

The main problem that I have is using the shield, moving, and casting simultaneously (they all use the keyboard).

Sometimes it works really well but other times it falls apart. When it falls apart, I usually leave the battle, stealth, and correct my issues before returning. In the cases where I can't break from battle, I usually die .

In my opinion, troll battles are usually the worst.

 

[Huntn]

I have a basic 2 button mouse so I use the keyboard.

The main problem that I have is using the shield, moving, and casting simultaneously (they all use the keyboard).

Sometimes it works really well but other times it falls apart. When it falls apart, I usually leave the battle, stealth, and correct my issues before returning. In the cases where I can't break from battle, I usually die .

In my opinion, troll battles are usually the worst.

For myself, the game would not be playable without the Razor Mouse. With a spell set of 1,2,3,4, sitting above movement keys WSAD, no way could I handle this effectively. In addition, it makes a big difference that my Nostromo is also programmable.

On the side of my mouse are 12 keys:
1 2 3
4 Blank Blank
Cap Left Right
Q Z X

• 123- spells
• 4- spell
• CAP, Left, Right- for locking a target but I really don’t use this.The game is generous enough with keeping a target highlighted, I’ve not had to designate them. Plan on moving TAB here.
• Q- Protect Spell
• Z- Ancient Magic Throw
• X- Ancient Magic Activate (Nuke)

On my Nostromo :

• CTRL (Dodge/Swift) is located where Caps key normally is.
• TAB- located where C is on keyboard- Potions and throwable items to select and deploy. However I think I’m going to move this to where CAP is on the side of my mouse.
• Heal (G)- located on the 4 point Wheel

Speaking of Trolls, there is a quest to put down a troll that was someone’s pet, I was level 16 or so and the quest level was something like 25? Anyway I tried it and noticed that my spells were relatively weak against it, that it would take too much effort in a prolonged fight to prevail. What will be interesting to see is if my spells strengthen as I level, or if the spells are static in strength only increasing by virtue of acquired new talents, I’m thinking the former because some of my attacks like the basic damage attack seems more powerful now.

 

[Plutonius]

Speaking of Trolls, there is a quest to put down a troll that was someone’s pet, I was level 16 or so and the quest level was something like 25? Anyway I tried it and noticed that my spells were relatively weak against it, that it would take too much effort in a prolonged fight to prevail. What will be interesting to see is if my spells strengthen as I level, or if the spells are static in strength only increasing by virtue of acquired new talents, I’m thinking the former because some of my attacks like the basic damage attack seems more powerful now.

Trolls seem to be naturally magic resistant (you do less damage) and have a lot of health.

That troll is relatively easy since the encounter is outside and you can disengage without too many issues. Since the troll will be at range, it will throw rocks which your shield can defend against.

Outdoors, I rarely fight anything head on. I like to attack from stealth and then disengage / re-stealth if I don't kill the enemy in the initial sequence. I then repeat until the enemy is dead. Fighting trolls, this is a safe strategy but it takes a long time to kill them.

Later on in the game, you will learn how to make a magic loom in your room of requirement. You can make gear enchants on the loom which will really buff you. Blue quality gear can use level 1 enchants, purple quality gear can use level 2 enchants, and orange quality gear can use level 3 enchants. I believe that some quest give enchant recipes but most of the enchant recipes are found in chest. I currently have a level 2 enchant that magnifies magical damage on all of my gear (it stacks) and I do much better damage. This enchant is a random chest drop from the bandit camps.