Can You Fall in Love in Hogwarts Mystery? A Comprehensive Guide to Romance
The question of whether you can truly fall in love within the enchanting world of Hogwarts Mystery is a common one among players. The short answer is: sort of. While the game doesn’t offer a full-fledged romance system akin to titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, it does incorporate elements of dating through specific side quests. This article will delve into the nuances of romance in Hogwarts Mystery, exploring its mechanics, available partners, and limitations. Let’s journey into the magical world of courtship at Hogwarts.
Dating in Hogwarts Mystery: A Side Quest Affair
Unlike some RPGs where romance is woven into the main narrative, in Hogwarts Mystery, romantic pursuits are primarily confined to side quests. These quests, initiated after reaching Year 3, allow players to explore dating with a select group of characters. Once you reach Year 3 and journey to Hogsmeade with Andre Egwu, the possibility of romance begins to open. If you have an Empathy level of 16 or higher, you can ask Andre for help finding a date.
These dating side quests usually revolve around specific events like the “Celestial Ball,” the “First Date,” “Valentine’s Day,” and the “Festival Fun” quest. The focus isn’t on a long-term relationship, but rather on experiencing these special moments with your chosen partner. The game presents six potential date choices, each with their own unique personality and storyline.
Who Can You Date? Your Potential Suitors
The game offers a limited yet diverse roster of characters whom you can pursue romantically. These include:
- Merula Snyde: Known for her ambition and somewhat abrasive personality, Merula presents a challenging yet intriguing romantic option.
- Penny Haywood: The kind and cheerful potions expert, Penny is a popular choice for those seeking a sweet and wholesome relationship.
- Andre Egwu: The fashionable Ravenclaw, Andre offers a witty and stylish option for those interested in exploring the social dynamics of dating at Hogwarts.
- Talbott Winger: The quiet and reserved animagus, Talbott’s mysterious nature draws many players to his storyline.
- Barnaby Lee: The gentle and somewhat naive Hufflepuff, Barnaby is a popular choice among those seeking a sweet and earnest romance.
- Tulip Karasu: The mischievous and cunning Tulip offers a less conventional, but often exciting, romantic path.
Each of these characters becomes a viable romantic option during these dating-focused side quests. The choice is up to the player, and while your decisions will affect the narrative of the quest, they do not affect any other aspects of the game.
Limitations of Romance in Hogwarts Mystery
Despite the dating mechanic, it’s important to recognize the limitations. The romantic paths in Hogwarts Mystery are not as deep or complex as in other RPGs. Here are some key points to consider:
- No Open-Ended Relationships: Unlike some games where romantic relationships develop alongside the main story, those in Hogwarts Mystery remain largely confined to the specific side quests. Once these quests are completed, there’s typically no ongoing storyline with your chosen partner.
- Limited Interaction: The game does not allow for extensive, open interactions with your chosen romantic partner outside the specific side quests.
- No Deep Relationship Progression: You will not witness significant long-term relationship development as you do in other RPGs. While your relationship might advance within the quests, it won’t persist in other areas of the game.
- No Romantic Options in Hogwarts Legacy: If you’re a fan of the Hogwarts universe, it is worth noting that the console game, Hogwarts Legacy, does not feature any romance options at all.
While the inclusion of dating side quests provides a lighthearted and enjoyable experience, it doesn’t offer the deep romantic engagements that players might expect from other role-playing games.
FAQs About Romance in Hogwarts Mystery
To further clarify the subject of romance in Hogwarts Mystery, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
1. Can you get a boyfriend in Hogwarts Mystery?
Yes, you can choose to have a boyfriend by selecting either Andre, Talbott, or Barnaby during the available dating side quests.
2. Can you get a girlfriend in Hogwarts Mystery?
Absolutely. You can pursue a relationship with Merula, Penny, or Tulip during the dating side quests.
3. Can you date Bill Weasley in Hogwarts Mystery?
No, Bill is not available as a dating option in Hogwarts Mystery. Many players have expressed disappointment about this.
4. What happens after the dating side quests in Hogwarts Mystery?
After completing a dating side quest, the relationship does not progress much further. There are no long-term or continuous romantic storylines. However, you will have the memories of your special quests together.
5. Can you date more than one character in Hogwarts Mystery?
While you can participate in the dating quests more than once, you will be limited to one dating partner per quest. Once a side quest is done, it will be recorded who you selected to be your date. You cannot have multiple active dating relationships.
6. Can you kiss in Hogwarts Mystery?
No, the game does not show characters kissing. The romantic interactions are generally lighthearted and suitable for all ages.
7. Is there any romance in Hogwarts Legacy?
No, Hogwarts Legacy does not feature any romance options. The game developers made a conscious decision to exclude romance from this particular title.
8. Can you date McNully in Hogwarts Mystery?
No, McNully is not available as a romantic option in Hogwarts Mystery.
9. Can you fall in love in Hogwarts Legacy?
No, as previously noted, the console game, Hogwarts Legacy, does not have a romance system.
10. What is the max relationship level in Hogwarts Mystery?
For each friend (not just romantic interests), there are 10 levels to reach. You level up friendships by engaging in activities.
11. What happens if you date Penny in Hogwarts Mystery?
If you choose Penny as your date, your quest storyline will follow your journey with her. This will include going to Madam Puddifoot’s together, keeping your date a secret, and even facing an interruption by Gilderoy Lockhart.
12. Is Merula attracted to Jacob?
There are hints throughout the game that Merula has a crush on Jacob, the main character’s sibling. However, it is never truly confirmed.
13. What happens if you date Barnaby in Hogwarts Mystery?
Many players favor Barnaby as a date, and when you chose him, your storyline will follow the charming and genuine moments you share with this gentle character.
14. Is there a relationship between Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson?
In the books, Pansy Parkinson has a schoolgirl crush on Draco. They attend the Yule Ball together but share no deep romantic feelings.
15. Can you keep Sebastian from killing his uncle?
No, you cannot prevent Sebastian from killing his uncle in Hogwarts Legacy. Your choices in this quest will affect whether you report him to the authorities, but it won’t alter this major story event.
Conclusion: Romantic Journeys in Hogwarts Mystery
In summary, while you can’t “fall in love” in Hogwarts Mystery in a deeply complex, story-driven way, the game does offer the chance to experience the lighter side of romance through specific side quests. These quests allow you to explore dating with a selection of characters, adding a fun and enjoyable dimension to your magical journey. Though limited in depth and scope, these dating mechanics give players a taste of young love and courtship within the enchanting world of Hogwarts. Remember that true romance as found in titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 is simply not the focus of Hogwarts Mystery. Instead, the game provides a delightful and engaging experience centered on magic and friendships, with the added charm of limited romantic exploration.