When Can You Start Dating in Hogwarts Mystery? A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’ve been diligently attending classes, brewing potions, and mastering spells at Hogwarts, and you’re now wondering when you can finally explore the magical world of romance? The burning question on many young witches’ and wizards’ minds is: What year can you start dating in Hogwarts Mystery? The answer is straightforward: you can begin dating in Year 4 of Hogwarts Mystery. This unlocks the “First Date” side quest, introducing a whole new dimension to your Hogwarts experience. Now, let’s delve deeper into the world of dating within the game and explore everything you need to know.
Dating Unlocked in Year 4: What to Expect
The journey to romance in Hogwarts Mystery begins once you’ve completed enough of your core curriculum to advance to Year 4. This is when the “First Date” side quest becomes available. It’s not just about randomly choosing a character and going on a date; it’s a whole adventure in itself. This side quest not only marks your official entry into dating but also allows you to explore relationship dynamics within the magical world.
Once unlocked, you’ll be given a limited time—4 days and 20 hours—to complete the side quest. This time constraint adds a sense of urgency and excitement, pushing you to strategically manage your time. During this quest, you’ll have the opportunity to make pivotal decisions that influence your relationships and future dating options. Year 4 truly marks a turning point, shifting the focus from purely academic pursuits to personal connections.
Choosing Your Date: Who Are Your Options?
Once you’re ready to take the plunge into the dating world, the question arises: who will you choose? Hogwarts Mystery offers a selection of captivating characters, each with their own unique personality and story. During the “First Date” quest, you’ll be presented with six possible date choices:
- Merula Snyde: The ambitious and sometimes abrasive Slytherin with a complex past.
- Tulip Karasu: The witty and mischievous Ravenclaw, known for her creative schemes.
- Penny Haywood: The kind and cheerful Hufflepuff, renowned for her potions skills.
- Andre Egwu: The fashion-forward and artistic Ravenclaw with a flair for the dramatic.
- Talbott Winger: The elusive and enigmatic Ravenclaw, often found in his Animagus form as a bird.
- Barnaby Lee: The gentle and lovable Slytherin who has a deep connection to magical creatures.
These characters become the main pool for your future dates. Keep in mind that choices made during these early dating side quests may impact how your relationships develop further down the line, adding a layer of strategy to your romantic pursuits. It’s a good idea to understand the unique traits of each character before deciding on who to ask out for your first official date.
Relationship Progression Beyond the First Date
Dating in Hogwarts Mystery isn’t a one-time event. After the initial “First Date” quest, you will have the chance to pursue relationships further. The game has implemented a relationship level system. This allows you to build stronger bonds with your chosen romantic interest. You gain points by performing activities like meal dates, special dating quests and interactions, and through gameplay. As your relationship level increases, you’ll unlock new side quests and activities related to your significant other.
So, starting to date in Year 4 isn’t just about the first formal date; it’s about opening the door to a long-term relationship experience within the magical world of Hogwarts. The journey is rich with content, offering a mix of fun activities and character-driven storylines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dating in Hogwarts Mystery
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide additional valuable information for all those witches and wizards eager to navigate the romance options in Hogwarts Mystery:
1. Can I start dating before Year 4?
No, the dating feature, and specifically the “First Date” side quest, are only available to students who have reached Year 4 of Hogwarts Mystery. You will need to complete the initial chapters to unlock it.
2. Can I date Charlie Weasley in Hogwarts Mystery?
Unfortunately, Charlie Weasley is not a dating option in Hogwarts Mystery. This has led to some debate, as fans often interpret Charlie as being aromantic or asexual, a characteristic hinted at by J.K. Rowling, although not directly stated.
3. Are there any limitations on who I can date?
The main limitation is that you can only choose from the six options provided: Merula, Tulip, Penny, Andre, Talbott, and Barnaby. These are the main characters who are romanceable during the side quests like Celestial Ball, Valentine’s Day and others.
4. What happens if I don’t complete the “First Date” quest in time?
You have 4 days and 20 hours to complete the “First Date” quest. If you don’t finish it within the time limit, the quest may fail, but it is typically offered again at a later time.
5. Can I date more than one character at a time?
While you can build friendships with many characters in the game, you can only actively pursue a romantic relationship with one character at a time.
6. Is there a maximum relationship level?
Yes, for each character you develop a friendship with, there is a maximum of 10 friendship levels to achieve. Each level up grants you rewards and unlocks more content.
7. Are the dating choices the same for every side quest?
Yes, generally, the six options – Merula, Tulip, Penny, Andre, Talbott, and Barnaby – remain the primary choices for all dating-related side quests such as “Celestial Ball”, “Valentine’s Day”, “Festival Fun” and many others.
8. Can you get a girlfriend or boyfriend in Hogwarts Mystery?
Yes, you can get a girlfriend or boyfriend by progressing through the romance quests and building relationships with one of the six available characters. The game allows for same-sex relationships, giving you choices based on your own preferences.
9. Do my choices during dates affect the game’s story?
Yes, your choices during dating side quests can influence your relationship dynamics with that character, and it can also occasionally impact future quests and dialogues.
10. Can you date Bill Weasley in Hogwarts Mystery?
Bill Weasley is not a primary romance option, likely because he is known to end up with Fleur Delacour in the main Harry Potter story. Though he appears in the game, he isn’t typically available for dating.
11. Is Penny Haywood the best dating option?
Penny Haywood is a popular choice due to her kind and cheerful nature. But the “best” option depends on individual player preference. Each character has its own fan following for their unique personality and story.
12. Can I date Merula Snyde?
Yes, Merula Snyde is one of the six available romance options in the game, despite her antagonistic behavior at times. This makes her a very popular, albeit controversial choice for many players.
13. Does dating affect my ability to make friends in the game?
No, dating doesn’t interfere with your ability to make and maintain friendships with other characters. You can have strong platonic and romantic relationships running parallel within the game.
14. Can I choose who to date freely after the first date?
While you start the romantic journey with the “First Date” quest, you are generally free to develop and continue the relationship with that particular character. Once you choose who to date, you will mainly focus on that chosen character.
15. Does the game explore romance deeply?
Hogwarts Mystery offers a lighthearted approach to romance, focusing on developing relationships through side quests and special events. It is a player-driven narrative. The game does not delve into mature romantic themes in the game.
By understanding the mechanics and options available for dating in Hogwarts Mystery, you can make informed choices about who to pursue and how to progress your romantic journey through the wizarding world. Happy dating!