Can You 100% Hogwarts Legacy Without the Unforgivable Curses?
The question on many aspiring witches and wizards’ minds is: can you achieve 100% completion in Hogwarts Legacy without resorting to the dark arts and learning the Unforgivable Curses? The short answer is a resounding yes. Despite their tempting power, the Unforgivable Curses—Crucio, Imperio, and Avada Kedavra—are entirely optional in Hogwarts Legacy. The game’s structure, achievements, and progression are designed to be completable without ever uttering these forbidden spells.
While the allure of wielding such potent magic might be strong, especially for those wanting a darker playthrough, understand that the main storyline, character progression, and trophy/achievement list are not dependent on learning the Unforgivable Curses. You can explore the castle, uncover its secrets, and achieve mastery in combat and spellcasting without embracing the dark arts.
The Truth About Spell Achievements and Unforgivable Curses
The game does have an achievement tied to learning all available spells. However, the game distinguishes between standard spells learned through classes and the special circumstances by which you may learn the Unforgivable Curses. The 27 core spells required for this achievement are all attainable without diving into the dark arts. These are the spells taught in classes and during main quests. The Unforgivable Curses are tied to specific side quests and narrative choices, making them an entirely separate aspect of the game.
Understanding Optional Content
It’s crucial to understand that the Unforgivable Curses are considered optional side content. They are not part of the core curriculum at Hogwarts nor are they required by the main plot line. This allows players to truly choose their path in the game without the restrictions of a set progression path.
The Role of Sebastian Sallow
The narrative thread that leads to the possibility of learning the Unforgivable Curses is primarily linked to Sebastian Sallow’s questline. Sebastian is a Slytherin student dealing with his own personal tragedies and is very interested in the dark arts. It is through his storyline that you will have to make the choice to learn the Unforgivable Curses or not. You are not obligated to pursue his questline, and even if you do, you will be given a chance to opt-out of learning each of the curses.
Choices and Consequences (Or Lack Thereof)
Although the game offers the choice of pursuing the dark arts, there are no significant consequences on the main story for choosing not to. The developers made it clear they wanted to allow the player to experiment and explore the dark arts without fundamentally altering the path of the story. In fact, whether you use the unforgivable curses or not, the main endings of the game remain the same. This freedom is important to allow players to make the choices they would like to make within the game.
Can you still learn Avada Kedavra after saying no?
One of the more controversial spells is Avada Kedavra, the Killing Curse. Many players are wondering if there is a point of no return on this spell. There are multiple points where you will be given the chance to say no, but even if you say no, you have another chance to learn the spell. You will be able to learn it in a later Sallow relationship quest where you tell Ominis Gaunt “We must not turn Sebastian in.” Then, by speaking to Sebastian in the Undercroft, he’ll teach you any Unforgivable Curses you’ve missed, including Avada Kedavra.
The “Evil” Playthrough and the Illusion of Morality
While you can learn and utilize the Unforgivable Curses, Hogwarts Legacy does not have a morality system. There are no character alignments or consequences for using the Unforgivable Curses on enemies within the game world. Essentially, there’s no version of the story where you’ll be recognised as inherently evil. This may disappoint some players who wish to play the role of a villain, but for others, this provides the opportunity to do what they wish and have it not affect their end game.
The Impact on Gameplay
The impact of dark arts usage is primarily limited to gameplay. Using all three unforgivable curses and progressing through the dark arts skill tree will make your character overpowered, but there is no story penalty or in-game punishment. This allows a player to feel like they are playing in the dark arts, but not to be punished by a story consequence.
Azkaban and the Unforgivable Curses
In the lore of Harry Potter, using the unforgivable curses will land you in Azkaban prison. However, in Hogwarts Legacy, there are no gameplay consequences for using these spells and, while you can visit Azkaban it is only a short and linear visit specific to a house quest line. It’s important to understand that the game’s story is separate from lore, meaning that you can use the curses as much as you would like to without fear of being captured.
The Bottom Line
You can absolutely 100% complete Hogwarts Legacy without learning or using the Unforgivable Curses. The game offers a rich, full experience regardless of your path. The decision to learn them is a personal one, adding a layer of player choice to an already expansive game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are the Unforgivable Curses required for any achievements in Hogwarts Legacy?
No, the achievement for learning all spells only requires the 27 standard spells, not the Unforgivable Curses.
2. Can I miss the chance to learn an Unforgivable Curse?
Yes, if you say no during the initial encounter but you can always learn them later by speaking to Sebastian Sallow.
3. Does using the Unforgivable Curses change the ending of Hogwarts Legacy?
No. There are 3 endings of the game, but your choices will not affect which you receive.
4. What if I don’t want to learn Crucio?
If you refuse to learn Crucio when it is first offered, you will be given another chance later by speaking to Sebastian Sallow.
5. Can you still be evil if you don’t learn the Unforgivable Curses?
No, you cannot be canoncially evil in Hogwarts Legacy even if you choose to learn the unforgivable curses, or not.
6. What happens if you don’t turn in Sebastian?
If you choose not to turn him in, Sebastian remains at Hogwarts and will still teach you the unforgivable curses, if you haven't learned them.
7. Can you get sent to Azkaban in Hogwarts Legacy for using Unforgivable Curses?
No, there is no game mechanic that sends you to Azkaban for using the Unforgivable Curses.
8. How do you get the “good” ending in Hogwarts Legacy?
The good ending is triggered when you choose "I intend to keep it contained here" when Professor Fig asks you about the ancient magic.
9. Will I miss content if I don’t use the Unforgivable Curses?
No. The Unforgivable Curses are an optional side component of the game, not core gameplay.
10. Is there any downside to using the dark arts?
The main downside is that it can make your character overpowered which may be undesirable for some players.
11. Can you stop Sebastian from using Avada Kedavra?
No, the story is set that Sebastian will use Avada Kedavra on his Uncle.
12. Can Avada Kedavra be blocked in the game?
No, not even your player can block the curse.
13. What is the purpose of the Dark Arts skill tree?
The Dark Arts skill tree enhances the potency of dark arts spells, but it is not required to complete the game.
14. Does choosing not to learn the Unforgivable Curses affect your overall power?
Not at all, there are plenty of ways to become a powerful wizard in Hogwarts Legacy without delving into the dark arts.
15. Does Sebastian always take the relic?
Yes, the game's narrative has him take the relic no matter what dialogue options you choose.