Back To Hogwarts 2022 has given fans another look into the Hogwarts Legacy, focusing on how the world of the game will take inspiration from all the creative facets of the Harry Potter franchise. Despite recently receiving a delay into February 2023, the excitement around Hogwarts Legacy continues to be strong. Developer Avalanche Software took the opportunity to keep the excitement going and showcase more of the world players will get to explore. Though the preview did not show off anything new from a gameplay perspective, the expansive looks into areas of this beloved franchise that fans have always wanted to explore is a great boon.
The surprisingly dark-looking Hogwarts Legacy takes players to Hogwarts back in the late 1800s with an express focus on the Dark Arts of the Wizarding World. As their custom character, players late to the school, and seem to be able to wield ancient magic. However, evil forces are also looking to gain control of this ancient magic, and it will be up to the player to stop them. Throughout the game, players will get to explore the Hogwarts they have come to know, slightly different given the time setting, while also exploring new areas that have only been hinted at before.
Hogwarts Legacy is gearing up to be the Hogwarts experience fans have wanted since the franchise began. Back to Hogwarts, a showcase which premiered on the tours of all Hogwarts Legacy House common rooms and a further discussion about how all areas of the Harry Potter franchise have inspired the game. The showcase also wrapped up by announcing that players with a Harry Potter Fan Club can link it with their WB Games for exclusive in-game rewards that will help show off house loyalty.
Hogwarts Legacy Lets Players Explore The Unseen
One key feature the developers have made abundantly clear throughout this showcase and previous ones is the exploration players are afforded. Players will have locations they have always wanted to explore, like the Dark Forest or Great Hall, but also those niche spots that have only been briefly acknowledged in the books. This makes Hogwarts Legacy look like an absolutely massive game for fans to explore. Some already known gameplay was also shown off and featured more of the tricks and puzzles sprinkled throughout the castle, all done to faithfully depict Hogwarts as a living castle filled with secrets. The four House common rooms took center stage for most of this showcase and introduced players to familiar and new locations. Of course, the more well-known Gryffindor and Slytherin Houses' common rooms are filled with movie familiarity and novelties from the books. At the same time, the lesser-seen Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff common rooms give the average fan perhaps their first in-depth look.
Each Hogwarts Legacy adapts Harry Potter canon.
In another tower sits the Ravenclaw common room, accessed by solving a riddle. The Ravenclaw common room is elegantly decorated to showcase the House's love of arts and knowledge, giving the perfect feeling for young wizards or witches pursuing wisdom. Lastly, past the kitchens sits the rarely seen Hufflepuff common room. This room is filled with nature, reminiscent of a cabin settled in a peaceful forest, with a skylight allowing the sun to leak in and brighten the room. The love and dedication put into these rooms alone should excite fans about what can be expected for other in-game areas.
Other news about locations that was announced was a brief example of how everything and anything Harry Potter was used for inspiration. The castle ruins from Universal's Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure ride were used as inspiration for a location players can visit in-game. Avalanche Software is making Hogwarts Legacy's map more than just Hogwarts, showing players the studio's dedication to this beloved franchise while still putting a bit of originality into the game.
Hogwarts Legacy Caters To Aspiring Witches & Wizards
To close out the showcase, Avalanche Software revealed that players with a Harry Potter Fan Club could connect it to their WB Games for exclusive rewards. Said rewards are the Beaked Skull Mask and House Fan-atic Robes that can be equipped to give characters some more personal style. Players who connect their s will also be able to seemingly predetermine the House they are sorted into and what wand they will have.
The Back To Hogwarts showcase is another sneak peek into the much-anticipated Hogwarts Legacy. One that could ease some fans' minds about how authentic and loyal this game plans to be to the franchise. With Hogwarts Legacy potentially having classes skipped by the books and films, Avalanche Software seems to be doing its full diligence in creating a new world for players to explore while also bringing touches of nostalgia that fans of the series might want. Players having the option of connecting to their Harry Potter Fan Club and getting to put themselves into Hogwarts is another considerable boon. Hogwarts Legacy is shaping up to be the game that Harry Potter fans have always wanted when it comes to being able to make their own adventure in this magical world.
Source: Wizarding World/YouTube
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