Hogwarts Legacyis quite an impressive product despite a number of flaws. Its thick, appropriate atmosphere andfantastic translation of many iconicHarry Potterspellsmakes it a dream come true for fans of the Wizarding World, and it sets a solid foundation for a sequel to build upon.
And build upon it shall, asHogwarts Legacy 2is almost certain to release at some point in the coming years. While there are a lot of problems with the first game that its follow-up could remedy, such as the poor implementation of Unforgivable Curses and a notable lack of true RPG elements, some of its strengths may actually pose a challenge as well. For example,Hogwarts Legacy’s world is stunning, but a sequel sharing the same setting could feel like retreading old ground, ultimately feeling underwhelming or dull. There could be a similar issue with the sequel’s approach to spells.
Hogwarts Legacy 2’s Approach to Spells Could Be a Tightrope Act
Hogwarts Legacy 2 Needs New Spells
The firstHogwarts Legacyboasts a wide assortment of spells, including powerful and instantly recognizable ones like Avada Kedavra and more obscure selections like Glacius. This massive selection isn’t perfect—many spells are remarkably similar to one another, for example—but the breadth offered to players feeds into the game’s overall immersion and sense of fantasy fulfillment. In other words, having access to so many spells helps elevate the feeling of being knee-deep in the magical world ofHarry Potter.
But this catalog ofspells can’t remain unchanged inHogwarts Legacy 2. With spell-casting forming the backbone of both combat and puzzle scenarios in-game, it will be of paramount importance for the sequel to expand the player’s arsenal, giving them new tools with which to solve various problems. This is a little tricky, though, asHogwarts Legacy’s already-substantial assortment of spells could be difficult to expand further, and Avalanche Software may be tempted to cull a few of the less impactful spells to keep the selection from being too overwhelming, and to minimize overlap. Then, there’s the issue of where to look for new spells.
Harry Potter’s Lore Only Allows for So Many New Spells
Hogwarts Legacyalready features dozens of spells, including the Unforgivable Curses, which would perhaps have been the most substantial abilities to introduce in a sequel, from both a gameplay and narrative perspective. Another weighty spell is Expecto Patronum, which could very well appear inHogwarts Legacy 2, but its limited use case and connection to the Dementors means that it wouldn’t have a lot of flexibility from a mechanical perspective.
This speaks to a broader issue of theHarry Pottercanon potentially holdingHogwarts Legacy 2backwhen it comes to spells. The existingHarry Potterlore offers a finite number of spells to adapt, including several that were invented long after the events of the game, further restricting the franchise in this regard.
ThenextHogwarts Legacycould jump forward in time, thus opening the door to spells like Sectumsempra, which was invented by Severus Snape.
The most obvious way to work around this roadblock would be to simply invent new spells for the game. The firstHogwarts Legacyintroduced the concept of Ancient Magic, so it’s clear that Avalanche Software isn’t too concerned with amendingHarry Potterlore, but everyday, syndicated spells could be a bit trickier to manage. For example, if the player-character were to learn newly-invented spells in class, which is how they learn most of their spells in the first game, then it would raise questions about why such spells were never present in the later books and films. Thus, a deft hand, and possibly some clever reinvention, will be key to keeping spell-casting fresh and exciting inHogwarts Legacy 2.
Hogwarts Legacy
WHERE TO PLAY
Hogwarts Legacy is an immersive, open-world action RPG set in the world first introduced in the Harry Potter books. For the first time, experience Hogwarts in the 1800s. Your character is a student who holds the key to an ancient secret that threatens to tear the wizarding world apart. Now you can take control of the action and be at the center of your own adventure in the wizarding world. Your legacy is what you make of it.Explore an Open WorldThe wizarding world awaits you. Freely roam Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest, and the surrounding Overland area.Be the Witch or Wizard You Want to beLearn spells, brew potions, grow plants, and tend to magical beasts along your journey. Get sorted into your house, forge relationships, and master skills to become the witch or wizard you want to be Experience a New Wizarding World AdventureExperience the wizarding world in an unexplored era to uncover a hidden truth from its past. Battle against trolls, Dark Wizards, goblins, and more as you face a dangerous villain threatening the fate of the wizarding world.
