When Can You Unleash the Killing Curse? A Deep Dive into Learning Avada Kedavra in Hogwarts Legacy
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The allure of the Unforgivable Curses is undeniable, and none is more coveted than the infamous Avada Kedavra, the Killing Curse. For players of Hogwarts Legacy, the question isn’t just if they can learn it, but when. The short answer? You can learn Avada Kedavra during the quest “In the Shadow of the Relic,” which is part of Sebastian Sallow’s quest line. While the game recommends you be at level 28 before starting this quest, it is not an absolute requirement. The true prerequisites are completing previous Sallow quests up to and including “In the Shadow of Hope” and the main story mission “Lodgok’s Loyalty.” Successfully navigating the choices within “In the Shadow of the Relic” will lead you to the option of learning this deadly spell.
The Path to Avada Kedavra
The journey to wielding Avada Kedavra is not a straightforward one. It requires a specific quest line, certain story progress, and crucial choices that will shape your interaction with the spell. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:
Required Quests and Levels
As mentioned, level 28 is a recommendation, not a strict gate. However, the preceding quests are vital:
- “In the Shadow of Hope”: You must complete this prior Sallow relationship quest.
- “Lodgok’s Loyalty”: A main story mission that must be finished to unlock further Sallow quest progression.
- “In the Shadow of the Relic”: The quest where you ultimately learn Avada Kedavra if you choose to. This is the 11th of 13 quests in Sebastian’s questline.
Making the Right Choices
During “In the Shadow of the Relic,” you’ll be presented with several critical choices. You must support Sebastian in his actions and express an interest in dark magic. If you criticize his choices or turn him in at any point prior to learning Avada Kedavra, you will lose the ability to learn the curse from him. You will also not be able to learn any other Unforgivable curses through this method if you fail this part.
Alternatives to Learning From Sebastian
If you decide to not learn the spell from Sebastian by turning him in or by not expressing interest in it, there’s still a way to use the curse. Players who purchased the Hogwarts Legacy Deluxe Edition or the Dark Arts Pack DLC can access Avada Kedavra in the Dark Arts Battle Arena. This does not involve teaching or learning and simply lets you use the spell in combat situations.
Understanding the Implications
Learning and using Avada Kedavra comes with its own weight. While the game does not impose direct consequences for using Unforgivable Curses like Avada Kedavra (aside from some character dialogue), the story implications are significant and should be considered.
- Sebastian’s Fate: Turning Sebastian in after his uncle’s death will remove him from the game entirely, preventing further interaction and potentially limiting the narrative experience you might have.
- Moral Grayness: Using Avada Kedavra might align with your desired narrative but does not necessarily make you a truly “evil” character, but it definitely takes you down a path of the darker arts. You can decide to lean into this narrative path or not.
- Combat Prowess: Avada Kedavra is undeniably one of the most powerful spells in the game and can be very effective against tougher enemies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Avada Kedavra
1. Can I learn Avada Kedavra at level 27?
While the game recommends level 28, it is not required. You can learn Avada Kedavra at any level as long as you have completed the necessary prerequisite quests and have progressed to “In the Shadow of the Relic.”
2. Do I need to be in Slytherin to learn Avada Kedavra?
No, your house affiliation does not affect your ability to learn Avada Kedavra. Any Hogwarts student can learn it from Sebastian, regardless of their chosen house.
3. Can you learn Avada Kedavra before turning Sebastian in?
Yes, but you must learn it before turning him in. Once you report him, he will be expelled, and you can no longer interact with him to learn the curses.
4. Can I still learn Avada Kedavra after saying no during the “In the Shadow of the Relic” quest?
Yes, you can still learn it even if you decline the initial proposal by Sebastian during this quest. If you change your mind and still wish to learn it from him, you can do so.
5. Why didn’t Sebastian teach me Avada Kedavra?
This is likely because you did not support his actions during his quests, or did not express enough interest in learning dark arts. It is vital that you encourage him and align with his choices to access the opportunity to learn the curse.
6. Should I tell Sebastian the truth?
Whether or not you tell Sebastian the truth does not affect the overall story or the ability to learn Avada Kedavra. Your choice here primarily impacts character dialogue and how Sebastian perceives you.
7. Should I turn in Sebastian or not?
If you want to learn all the Unforgivable Curses, or see the ending and post game content involving Sebastian, it’s best not to turn him in. Turning him in will expel him from Hogwarts and remove him from your game, cutting off further learning and interaction.
8. How late in Hogwarts Legacy do you get Avada Kedavra?
You learn Avada Kedavra relatively late in the game, after several main story and relationship quests have been completed. The quest “In the Shadow of the Relic” is the 11th of 13 total quests from Sebastian, highlighting its late game availability.
9. Can you get Avada Kedavra before the third trial?
No. You will not be able to learn Avada Kedavra until you have progressed through the main story beyond the third trial and have completed the necessary Sallow quests.
10. What happens if I turn Sebastian in?
Turning Sebastian in will result in his expulsion from Hogwarts and remove him from the game entirely. You will lose the opportunity to learn the Unforgivable Curses from him, and he will be taken into custody by the Ministry of Magic.
11. Is Avada Kedavra the same as Abracadabra?
No, they are not the same. Avada Kedavra is believed to have derived from an Aramaic phrase, while Abracadabra is another phrase in the tradition of magical sayings.
12. What is the highest level in Hogwarts Legacy?
The maximum level in Hogwarts Legacy is 40. Reaching the level cap requires a significant amount of game play.
13. Should I turn Sebastian in for killing his uncle?
Turning him in will remove the character from the game and cut off quest lines. This is your decision on what narrative or moral path you want to follow. However, it may be better to keep him around to experience the full game.
14. Does learning Avada Kedavra change the story?
Learning and using Avada Kedavra does not change the overall story, but can shape your narrative path in dialogue and game play. Character reactions will be noticeable when using the curse, but it doesn’t have any real impact.
15. Can I use Avada Kedavra on students?
No, the standard version of the game does not allow you to use Avada Kedavra on students. While it might be possible through mods or alternative methods, the base game restricts harming students.
In conclusion, while level 28 is the recommended level for the “In the Shadow of the Relic” quest, you can begin the quest at any level as long as the pre-requisite quests and missions have been completed. Accessing Avada Kedavra is a nuanced decision tied to both your character’s progression and narrative choices. Weigh your options carefully, and choose the path that best aligns with the witch or wizard you wish to become in Hogwarts Legacy.