New gameplay footage for Harry Potter video game, which offers open-world exploration of Hogwarts and the locations outside the castle grounds, will provide a new type of adventure in the Wizarding World. While most of the cast known from the books and movies won't be present, it appears players will have a chance to meet and build relationships with a new collection of important NPCs.

Currently, little is known about the primary story in Hogwarts Legacy, but the PlayStation State of Play did reveal that players will create their own unique character and be sorted into one of the four Hogwarts houses. They will also be starting school as a fifth-year student, who appears to have a special type of old magic that is no longer commonplace. Players will also get to attend classes and explore locations in Hogwarts Legacy that the movies skipped. The gameplay footage gave a few glimpses at new NPCs, including the professors for Potions, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Charms, and Herbology.

Related: How J.K. Rowling's Controversies Affect The New Harry Potter Game

While most of the encounters with NPCs in the game will be new, there are a few older Harry Potter characters in Hogwarts Legacy's story. The first is Nearly Headless Nick, who is seen talking about the Headless Hunt as he floats next to the main character while they walk across the grounds. Nearly Headless Nick is known for his flamboyant presence in the Harry Potter novels, as well as an unforgettable introduction in the film, Happy Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, where he flips his ghostly head off his neck in front of eleven-year-old Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

Hogwarts Legacy Expands Locations Like House Common Rooms

Hogwarts Legacy Includes Familiar Characters Professor Binns History of Magic

The second cameo is likely less obvious to those looking for references to characters like Dumbledore, McGonagall, or Hagrid. After the scene with Nearly Headless Nick, the Hogwarts Legacy State of Play gameplay video shows an elderly ghost floating through a sunlit classroom. While not as prevalent in Harry, Ron, and Hermoine's adventures, Professor Binns does teach History of Magic while they are in school. It is possible he may play a bigger role in Hogwarts Legacy, or that more will be learned about how he became a ghost in Hogwarts castle, as well as a long-term teacher.

One of the most exciting reveals in the State of Play wasn't a character cameo, however. Gameplay footage showcased Hogwarts Legacy's changes to house common rooms, with many aspects differing from both previous video games and movie recreations. The more detailed decorations and layouts seem to mimic what is described in the Harry Potter books, and it is possible secrets and mysteries will be hidden around each Hogwarts Legacy location for players to discover. While it is possible additional character and location reveals for Hogwarts Legacy will come in future months, it is likely much of the content will be left a secret to surprise players when the game releases later in 2022.

Next: Everything We Learned In Hogwarts Legacy's Gameplay Preview

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.

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