Hogwarts Legacy is an action role-playing game set in the wizarding world first introduced in the Harry Potter books. The game takes place in the late 1800s, before the events of the original series, and players take on the role of a newly-enrolled student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The gameplay revolves around the player's experiences at school as they choose their own house, attend classes, learn spells, discover hidden secrets, face dangerous creatures, and explore the vast magical world. The game features an open-world structure, allowing players to explore various locations in and around the school, including Hogsmeade village, Forbidden Forest, and more.
Combat is fast-paced and based on casting and combining different spells, with players able to choose their playstyle and upgrade their skills. There's a variety of spells, each with its own strengths and weaknesses, used in different ways to defeat enemies and overcome obstacles. The combat system aims to be intuitive and accessible, with quick casting and dodging capabilities.
Players can also customize their character with various magical artifacts, such as wands and robes, which provide an extra edge in battles. Additional features include mini-games, crafting options, and customization possibilities to create a unique character and equipment.
The game includes a dynamic day-night cycle and weather system, adding depth to the gameplay experience.
Pre-orders of the Nintendo Switch version included exclusive content, such as an early access to the shop Cassandra Mason sells in Hogsmeade. Later, this quest was added to other platforms via a free update.
The PlayStation 5 version includes additional content, including a Felix Felicis potion recipe, which reveals gear chests on the mini-map for one in-game day.