There's plenty to do and discover in the wide world of Hogwarts Legacy, but as players live out their Harry Potter dreams, there are some side quests that they absolutely should not skip out on. Whether it's providing engaging gameplay, deeper insight into characters' lives and backstories, or a worthwhile reward (or a combination of the three), these missions bring the wizarding world to life, and students should aim to squeeze them in between their other tasks.
Unfortunately, Hogwarts Legacy's best side quests are sprinkled few and far between. The game contains an abundance of missions, but a majority of them are simply generic fetch quests, which only require finding and retrieving something for an NPC and no meaningful gameplay otherwise. This problem is by no means unique to this game, as many other RPG titles suffer from this pitfall too. But whereas players should avoid Hogwarts Legacy's worst side quests, there are some that players will actually find are well worth their time.
10 The Unique Unicorn
One of the most gratifying aspects of Hogwarts Legacy is filling Vivariums with all sorts of magical beasts, and it doesn't get more magical than a unicorn. These horned mares are quite prevalent in the world of Harry Potter, with unicorn blood being a highly sought-after substance, and with unicorn hairs even being at the core of many witches' and wizards' wands. It's possible for players to tame and take care of their very own unicorn, Hazel, through "The Unique Unicorn" quest. It's on the shorter side, but the reward is exceptionally worth the detour.
9 The Plight Of The House-Elf
The story of "The Plight Of The House-Elf" is quite solemn, but it provides an important perspective concerning the mistreatment of house elves in the wizarding world. Deek will approach the student in the Room of Requirement and kindly ask them to find his missing friend, Tobbs. After finding the cave, battling numerous spiders, and reading some heartbreaking notes, the player will gain a new, albeit bleak light into the hardships of house elves. If players can handle this melancholy narrative, they'll also gain some insight into Deek's personal story.
8 Minding Your Own Business
Although it's exclusive to PS5 for now, one of Hogwarts Legacy's best quests is "Minding Your Own Business," which centers on a haunted Hogsmeade shop. It differs greatly from the game's other missions in that it's horror-inspired, taking players on a trip through the mind of a maddened poltergeist Fastidio. Between mind-melting illusions, creepy mannequins, and a spooky soundtrack, this mission is not for the faint of heart.
However, even those who aren't fans of horror may find that it's worth pushing through the jumpscares, as in the end, they'll get to own their very own shop in Hogsmeade. If not for its PS5 exclusivity, "Minding Your Own Business" might even be the best side quest in Hogwarts Legacy.
7 Poppy Sweeting's Quest Line
Poppy Sweeting's storyline also contains some themes of injustice and mistreatment, particularly concerning magical beasts, but they still make for some of Hogwarts Legacy's best side quests. Poppy is a kind and knowledgeable companion that's a joy to have along, regardless of circumstance, but it's through her story that students will be able to meet some of the wizarding world's most fascinating creatures. For example, players can help reunite a mother dragon with her stolen egg, or interact with the majestic centaurs that occupy the Highlands.
6 The Daedalian Keys
"The Daedalian Keys" can be one of Hogwarts Legacy's most time-consuming side quests, but it's also one of the most worthwhile, thanks to the handsome reward that awaits players at the end. This quest tasks the student with opening sixteen different cabinets - which are scattered all over Hogwarts - by way of frantic, flying Daedalian Keys. Since there's no map or technique to determine the location of the cabinets in-game, students will have to do quite a bit of exploring to obtain all the House Tokens. However, doing so will grant them the Relic House Uniform, one of the best cloaks in Hogwarts Legacy.
5 Flight Test
Although the game's various mounts provide the most immersive, magical experience, brooms are ultimately the most convenient way to travel across the map. Luckily, through Albie Weekes' "Flight Test" side quests, students can ensure they're the fastest witch or wizard in all the land (or air). The owner of Spintwitches will ask that the player undergo a number of timed trials to provide him with information about broomstick performance, and in exchange, he'll offer a variety of broom upgrades that are quite noticeable for their surprisingly inexpensive price.
4 The Man Behind The Moons
Not all the game's secrets will be immediately discoverable, thanks to pesky locks requiring the Alohamora spell. Although there's a way to skip Alohomora puzzle locks, those wanting to break them with the power of in-game magic will find that "The Man Behind The Moons" is one of Hogwarts Legacy's best side quests. Gladwyn Moon, the caretaker of Hogwarts, will ask that the student locate all Demiguise statues across Hogsmeade and Hogwarts, and as compensation, he'll teach them the Alohamora spell. If they collect thirteen or more statues, they'll gain access to the third tier of Alohamora: an invaluable tool that breaks open all locks.
3 In The Shadow Of The Study
Being one of the most complex characters in the game, Sebastian Sallow's quest line is worth completing through and through. But if players don't wish to spend all of their spare time with the Slytherin, they should finish at least three of his associated missions, as they are by far Hogwarts Legacy's most rewarding side quests. The first that the student will be able to take on is "In The Shadow Of The Study," wherein they'll explore a mysterious area hidden underneath Hogwarts alongside Sebastian and Ominis Gaunt.
In order to progress, one character must learn the Crucio curse, and the player can choose to take the initiative if they so please. Those who wish to embark on a more sinister journey can begin their dark wizard path here, but neither unlocking nor casting Crucio is required to complete this mission.
2 In The Shadow Of Time
"In The Shadow Of Time" furthers Sebastian Sallow's storyline, but it also offers an increasingly advantageous prize: the Imperio curse. The mind control spell is an even more powerful tool in combat, allowing players to take advantage of enemies and force them to switch sides during battle. Again, it's not necessary to use this twisted form of magic to succeed, but regardless of the player's moral choices, shocking progressions in Sebastian's relationships with his uncle and Ominis make this one of Hogwarts Legacy's most memorable quests.
1 In The Shadow Of The Relic
Hogwarts Legacy's best side quest is "In The Shadow Of The Relic," though. Not only is it one of the most tense exchanges in the entire game, putting Sebastian's darkest side on display, but it's also where players can learn Avada Kedavra, the wizarding world's most dangerous curse. This spell is a one-shot fatal blow to most enemies, making it a must-have for any dark witch or wizard - or anyone who wishes to breeze through the rest of Hogwarts Legacy with just a couple flicks of their wand.
Editor’s Note: Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling has been accused of transphobia by those in the LGBTQ+ community. Although not directly involved in the development of Hogwarts Legacy, Rowling does stand to earn royalties from the game. We would like to reiterate our for trans rights and that trans identities are valid. services are listed below for trans people impacted by discussions of transphobia.
In the USA:
- Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860
- The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
In Canada:
- Trans Lifeline: (877) 330-6366
- Youth Line: 1-800-268-9688
In the UK:
- Switchboard: 01273 204050
- Mermaids: 0808 801 0400
