Is It Necessary to Watch Harry Potter Before Playing the Game?

Hogwarts Legacy has been released for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. Fans of the books have been attracted to the game like moths to a flame for months already. But this begs the question; Do you really need to watch or read the Harry Potter movies and books before playing the game?

Also Read: Seven Things You Wish You Knew Before Playing Hogwarts Legacy

The Short Answer

The short answer is no, you don’t need to watch any Harry Potter movies or read any Harry Potter books before you can play Hogwarts Legacy. The reason for this is that the events of the video game take place a century before Harry Potter and his friends started making waves. So, even if you haven’t heard of Harry Potter until now, you can still play the game.

However, if you’re a fan of the books and movies, you’ll love Hogwarts Legacy. Meeting the Sorting Hat, wandering the corridors of Hogwarts, and making strides in your potion and spell classes are all novel experiences. It’s one thing to read about it; It’s another thing to live it (Albeit virtually).

Reasons to Play Hogwarts Legacy 

Hogwarts Legacy blew its competitors out of the water, and certainly, it’s game-of-the-year material. Have a look at the top reasons why you should consider playing the game below.

An Immersive World Awaits

Visually, games are more realistic now than ever! Hogwarts Legacy is an open-world game with an intricate level-up system and tons of beasts and side characters to explore and meet. In fact, there are also Easter eggs from the movies and books to discover as you progress in the game. 

Avalanche Software has created a detailed world of witches and wizards that comes with a map and a world clock. So, if you feel like flying over the lake surrounding the Hogwarts castle at midnight, that’s also a viable option. Uncover the secrets of the grand stairway or sneak into the Slytherin quarters, the choice is yours. 

Enthralling Story and Lore

Many fans wouldn’t mind playing as The Boy Who Lived himself, but the game’s story takes a twist for the better. For one, the events of Hogwarts Legacy take place a century before the events of the books unfold. So, Voldemort hasn’t been born yet. Instead, you have to calm the unrest and hostility between the goblins and the wizards. 

But the hallmark is the list of side characters that you meet on your way to beating Ranrok, the main villain of the game. Below is a breakdown of the house companions you should relate to. 

• Poppy: Poppy needs your help to expose the threat of poachers to magical beasts in the world.
• Natsai: Natsai tells you about Matabeleland in Africa. You’ll also learn about another wizarding school and how the magic world isn’t limited to Hogwarts alone.
• Sebastian: Sebastian is a rich source of Dark Art spells. Learn from him to gain a killer edge in combat. Heck, you can even learn the Avada Kedavra spell from him. 

Characters in Hogwarts Legacy Are Customisable

In the beginning, you’ll be given the chance to pick from a list of 30 characters. Afterwards, you can customise your Hogwarts Legacy characters, making your campaign more memorable. Uncover secrets and win battles together while looking cool. But there are some character features that you won’t be able to change, such as your face shape, dormitory assignment, voice, skin, and build. But everything, including your hairstyle, complexion, eye colour, and eyebrow shape can be changed for 20 Galleons. Heck, you can even add freckles to your face. Visit a barbershop or beautician in Hogsmeade to change your character’s physical features.

Combat Is Fun; It’s Better Than We Expected

Combat is every bit as fun as we imagined it to be. Especially on next-gen consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X, which can render even the most detailed particle effects. Just make sure your TV supports 4K, and you’re in for a treat. Also, combat is silky smooth, requiring a simple press of a button to execute spells.

Furthermore, the variety of enemies in Hogwarts Legacy does the book justice. You’ll fight spiders, goblins, trolls, wizards, and ancient guardians and automatons. Combat encourages players to experiment with spells and potions to defeat opponents. In the case of goblins, they’re resistant to magic but not to blunt trauma. So, it’s up to you to adapt. 

A Breakdown of the Harry Potter Books and Movies

Harry Potter is a book about a protagonist of the same name who was orphaned in a wizard war. Since Harry’s parents are dead, his guardian, Professor Dumbledore, leaves him with his aunt and uncle. Unfortunately, his upbringing is rough, to say the least, because he’s unloved and mistreated by relatives, including his cousin. 

However, Harry Potter’s life changes for the better when he receives a letter from the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, one of the magic schools in his world. At Hogwarts, Harry realises he’s special, even up to celebrity status among the folks of the magic world. Together with his best mates, Ron and Hermione, Harry uncovers secret after secret on his journey to vanquishing evil. The main villain throughout Harry’s adventures is Voldemort, a pseudo-immortal villain who wants to kill all Muggles in the world. Muggles are the equivalent of non-magic users. Harry Potter will battle trolls, a three-headed dog, and murderous goblins. 

Our Final Say

Hogwarts Legacy is a sweet and sleek experience that’s available across a variety of consoles and PCs. It’s a great game regardless of any background knowledge you have. So, you’re welcome to play the game no matter how new to the books or movies you are. But fans who have watched the movies will enjoy this video game the most. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is the Game Before or After Harry Potter?

The events of Hogwarts Legacy occur a century before Harry Potter. For reference, Dumbledore was born in 1881, while Grindelwald was born in 1883. If we’re being specific about the timeline, Hogwarts Legacy is set in 1890. Ultimately, you might not notice the absence of characters like Hermione, Draco, Professor Snape, and Dobby because the game is so good.

Can You Be Evil in Hogwarts Legacy?

No, you can’t be evil in Hogwarts Legacy because Avalanche Software didn’t develop the protagonist to be a villain. In fact, you complete missions in the game with the hope that you’ll save the world. On the bright side, you can make different quest choices to get the ending that you want. Also, there are different skills to learn on your way to crushing the enemies. 

Who Is the Main Villain in Hogwarts Legacy?

The main villain in Hogwarts Legacy is Ranrok. He’s the leader of a goblin rebellion that didn’t go the way his race planned. Currently, Ranrok is obsessed with a secret power that’s supposedly hidden beneath Hogwarts. Make no mistake; Ranrok is a worthy adversary. Not only is he adept at wandless and non-verbal magic, he’s also a charismatic leader. Some of his crimes include genocide, terrorism, theft, and child engagement.