Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is an adaptation of the movie of the same name. The player takes on the role of Harry Potter as he embarks on his quest to find the Horcruxes, the source of Voldemort's immortality. In contrast to previous games based on the franchise, this title marks a departure from the traditional first-person perspective in favor of a third-person shooter experience. The levels recreate key moments from the movie.
Throughout his journey, Harry relies on his magic wand as his primary tool for combat, supplemented by various spells that serve both offensive and defensive purposes. These spells can be used to mow down enemy hordes or create cover, while also turning enemies against each other. The game features a classical cover system, allowing Harry to regenerate health by ducking behind cover. His AI companions, Hermione and Ron, fight alongside him, earning new or upgraded spells as they level up.
Between main missions, the player is tasked with completing various side quests in any order. These objectives are entirely separate from the movie plot and offer a different type of gameplay experience. Additionally, the game includes stealth sections where Harry must use an invisibility cloak to avoid detection. The cloak's power is limited, requiring Harry to recharge it by standing still.
The challenge mode offers a standalone experience, pitting players against enemy forces in timed missions with the goal of killing as many foes as possible.