Should You Betray Sebastian in Hogwarts Legacy? A Deep Dive into Choices and Consequences
The burning question on every Hogwarts Legacy player’s mind: Should you betray Sebastian Sallow? The answer, as with most things in life and especially video games, is a resounding “it depends.” It depends on the type of character you’re role-playing, the experience you’re seeking, and your tolerance for consequences. While there isn’t a singular “right” answer, this guide breaks down the pros and cons of turning Sebastian in, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your gameplay preferences.
Essentially, betraying Sebastian comes down to a moral choice that impacts your gameplay experience. Are you prioritizing a “good” playthrough, aiming for the most righteous path, or are you more interested in exploring the darker side of magic, consequences be damned? Understanding the implications of your actions is crucial.
The Case for Turning Sebastian In
If you are going for a morally upright character who adheres strictly to the rules and values of Hogwarts, turning Sebastian in is the logical choice. He has committed serious offenses, including the use of Unforgivable Curses and, ultimately, murder.
Upholding the Law and Morality
From a purely legal and ethical standpoint, Sebastian’s actions cannot be excused. He violated Hogwarts rules and, more importantly, broke the law by using Unforgivable Curses. His actions had tragic results. Turning him in aligns with a character dedicated to justice and order. This may appeal to role-players who appreciate clear moral boundaries in the game and want their characters to be heroes in the purest sense.
Avoiding Complicity
By not reporting Sebastian, your character becomes complicit in his crimes, at least to a degree. This could weigh heavily on a character with a strong sense of justice. Turning him in allows your character to maintain a clear conscience and avoid any moral compromises.
The Case Against Turning Sebastian In
Turning Sebastian in may seem like the obvious “good” choice, but there are compelling reasons to consider sparing him. These reasons often revolve around gameplay benefits and the opportunity to explore the complexities of morality.
Preserving Access to Unforgivable Curses
This is perhaps the most compelling reason for many players. If you’re interested in learning and using the Unforgivable Curses – Avada Kedavra, Crucio, and Imperio – turning Sebastian in cuts off your access to them. These curses, while morally questionable, offer unique combat advantages and can significantly alter your play style. Once Sebastian is gone, the only way to learn these spells is to start a new game.
Maintaining a Friendship
While the game doesn’t offer romantic options, Sebastian is one of the more engaging and well-developed characters. Turning him in permanently ends your interactions with him, losing a potential ally and someone whose story adds depth to the game. Some players may simply enjoy his company and the unique perspective he brings to the story. It’s worth noting that while turning him in severes ties, it doesn’t drastically alter the game’s ending.
Exploring Moral Gray Areas
The Hogwarts Legacy narrative presents a complex moral landscape. Sebastian’s actions are driven by a desire to help his sister, Anne, and his descent into dark magic is a gradual one. Choosing not to turn him in allows you to explore these moral gray areas and grapple with the complexities of his situation. It forces you to consider the consequences of your own actions and the potential for redemption. This allows you to learn alongside Sebastian and come to better understanding.
Limited Consequences for Not Turning Him In
Ultimately, the choice to turn Sebastian in has limited impact on the main storyline of Hogwarts Legacy. The main story will progress regardless of your choice. While turning him in impacts the epilogue and removes him from the game, it doesn’t fundamentally alter the overall narrative arc.
The Impact on Gameplay
The decision to turn Sebastian in is impactful on your gameplay experience. Turning him in removes him from the game entirely. Whereas not turning him in allows you to continue learning from him, even if it may be morally questionable.
Learning and Using Unforgivable Curses
If you choose not to turn Sebastian in, you have the opportunity to continue practicing and mastering the Unforgivable Curses. This can drastically change your combat style and offer new strategic options. However, using these curses comes with a moral cost.
Relationship and Story
Turning Sebastian in will completely remove him from the game, and ends the relationship and story arc with him. Continuing with Sebastian’s story offers unique insights into the darker side of magic and the struggles of a character grappling with difficult choices. However, it also means supporting someone who has committed terrible acts.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, there is no right or wrong answer when deciding whether to betray Sebastian in Hogwarts Legacy. The choice depends on your character’s moral compass, your gameplay preferences, and your willingness to accept the consequences of your actions. If you prioritize a strictly “good” playthrough and value upholding the law, turning Sebastian in is the appropriate choice. However, if you’re interested in exploring the darker side of magic, learning the Unforgivable Curses, and grappling with complex moral issues, then sparing him may be more rewarding. Consider what kind of story you want to tell with your character and make the decision that best reflects their values and motivations.
To delve deeper into the educational aspects of gaming, explore the work of the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. Their research highlights the power of games in fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making – skills that are directly applicable to choices like the one presented in Hogwarts Legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide further clarity on the matter:
1. Can I learn Avada Kedavra after turning Sebastian in?
No. If you turn Sebastian in, he will be expelled from Hogwarts, and you will not be able to learn Avada Kedavra or any other Unforgivable Curse from him.
2. Does turning Sebastian in affect the main story?
Not significantly. The core narrative of Hogwarts Legacy remains largely unchanged. However, he won’t be present in the epilogue.
3. What happens if I choose not to turn Sebastian in?
He remains at Hogwarts, and you can continue interacting with him and potentially learn more about dark magic.
4. Is Sebastian Sallow evil?
He is a complex character. While he makes questionable choices and ultimately commits murder, his motivations are rooted in trying to help his sister. He is not inherently evil, but his actions have evil consequences.
5. Can I stop Sebastian from killing his uncle?
No. The showdown between Sebastian and his uncle, Solomon, is a fixed event in the game’s narrative.
6. What are the consequences of learning the Unforgivable Curses?
There are no explicit in-game consequences for learning or using Unforgivable Curses, but your choices will impact your character’s moral alignment and potentially your role-playing experience.
7. Does my House choice affect the decision to turn Sebastian in?
No. Your House choice does not influence the consequences of turning Sebastian in or not.
8. Can I romance Sebastian in Hogwarts Legacy?
No. Hogwarts Legacy does not feature any romance options.
9. Is there a “good” or “bad” ending based on my choice about Sebastian?
There are multiple endings available that depend on the dialogue choices that you make throughout the game. However, the ultimate decision to tell on Sebastian or not does not impact the game ending.
10. Will turning Sebastian in make other characters dislike me?
Not overtly. Other characters will likely not react differently to your decision to turn in Sebastian or not.
11. If I don’t turn Sebastian in, will he eventually go to Azkaban?
Potentially. While the game doesn’t explicitly show this, it is implied that his actions could eventually lead to him facing legal repercussions, including imprisonment in Azkaban.
12. Can I change my mind after deciding whether to turn Sebastian in?
No. Once you make the decision, it is permanent and cannot be reversed.
13. Does turning Sebastian in affect my ability to complete the game?
No. Turning Sebastian in does not block you from completing the main story or any side quests (besides those directly related to him).
14. Can I still use Unforgivable Curses if I learn them and then turn Sebastian in?
Yes. Once you have learned the Unforgivable Curses, you can continue to use them even if you later choose to turn Sebastian in.
15. How does the choice to turn Sebastian in relate to the themes explored by GamesLearningSociety.org?
The dilemma of whether to turn Sebastian in highlights the ethical decision-making processes that games can simulate. This choice reflects the complex moral landscape of the game and mirrors the critical thinking and problem-solving skills emphasized by organizations like the Games Learning Society. The choice to tell on Sebastian or not will not impact the game ending. You have to carefully weight the pros and cons, and the potential consequences of your actions.