The Harry Potter franchise is soon to deliver its most expansive game yet and here’s everything you need to know about Hogwarts Legacy’s release date, gameplay, and more.
Harry Potter is one of the most iconic films and literature franchises in the world with countless fans across the globe. Hogwarts Legacy is looking to be the most comprehensive Harry Potter game yet.
With the content-rich wizarding world to draw upon, the highly anticipated Hogwarts Legacy will immerse players into the Harry Potter universe like never before.
Here’s everything you need to know about Hogwarts Legacy including the release date, gameplay details, and more.
Hogwarts Legacy’s release date is officially confirmed as February 10, 2023, for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC players. The game was previously slated for a Holiday 2022 release, but the devs explained that they needed a little bit more time to polish their product.
Potterheads won’t have to wait too long for the release of Hogwarts Legacy, but it is important to note that the game will be available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC as of February 10, 2023, but not the Nintendo Switch.
The release date for the Nintendo Switch version of Hogwarts Legacy has yet to be revealed. Considering that the devs claimed it would be revealed soon, it will likely be some time after February 10.
Hogwarts Legacy pre-order bonuses
Fans can pre-order Hogwarts Legacy as of August 25, at 8 AM PT / 11 AM ET / 4 PM BST. You can pre-order the Deluxe Edition, Digital Deluxe Edition, or the Collector’s Edition. Here’s an overview of the pre-order bonuses depending on the version you choose.
| Pre-order bonus item | Hogwarts Legacy Deluxe Edition | Hogwarts Legacy Digital Deluxe Edition | Hogwarts Legacy Collector’s Edition |
| Thestral Mount | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dark Arts Cosmetic Set | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dark Arts Battle Arena | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Onyx Hippogriff Mount | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 72-Hour Early Access | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dark Arts Garrison Hat | X | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cross-gen Upgrade | X | ✓ | X |
| Steel Case | X | X | ✓ |
| Kelpie Robe | X | X | ✓ |
| Collector’s Edition Box | X | X | ✓ |
| Floating Wand with Book Base | X | X | ✓ |
Hogwarts Legacy gameplay details
Prior to the massive gameplay reveal trailer, developers Avalanche Software teased that the game would take place in the 1800s. According to the devs this was a conscious decision to prevent your wizarding story to be overshadowed by a certain modern-day wizarding hero.
As the protagonist, your character will be tasked with investigating a gobline-led rebellion. The goblins have allied with dark wizards and you’ll have to take on some dangerous foes along the way. Hogwarts Legacy will allow you to explore Hogwarts’ massive grounds as well as many surrounding areas.
Wizard character customization
Players will have the opportunity to fully customize their character for this grand adventure. Once you’ve created your character, you’ll arrive at Hogwarts as a new student. Naturally, this means the Sorting Hat will place you in one of the four Hogwarts houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.
Life as a Hogwarts student
Once you’ve been placed in a Hogwarts house, you’ll have access to your dorms and begin to attend classes. From Potions to Defense Against the Dark Arts you’ll attempt to hone your wizarding skills all while making new friends along the way.
As a student, you’ll be able to create bonds with classmates that could prove valuable in learning new skills later in the game.
Hogwarts Legacy RPG elements
As you attempt to tackle the dark secrets that await you outside of the castle, you’ll certainly grow as a wizard. You’ll be able to upgrade your talents and abilities with the experience points you’ve earned from completing challenges.
Players will also be able to upgrade their catalog of spells making them more effective and powerful as they progress through the game.
In Hogwarts Legacy, combat between wizards will include the use of offensive and defensive spells but that’s not all. Players can also brew powerful potions to give them an advantage when facing enemies.
Is Hogwarts Legacy on Xbox Game Pass?
At this moment, there is no indication that Hogwarts Legacy will appear on Xbox Game Pass. The game will be available to purchase on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.
There are sure to be graphical differences in the game between console generations. Xbox Game Pass members would love to see Hogwarts Legacy available on the service and the devs will likely address its availability as we get closer to the February 2023 release.
Hogwarts Legacy reveal trailer
Avalanche Software treated players to a gameplay trailer on March 17. The nearly 15-minute trailer showcased the most in-depth look at Hogwarts Legacy yet. The trailer unveils several key aspects of the game as it details the plot, combat elements, RPG elements, and of course a massive overview of the world you’ll be able to explore.
On August 23, the devs revealed yet another trailer for Gamescon 2022, revealing more of the story details and cinematics.
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Image Credits: Avalanche Software / Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment