Do Moral Choices Matter in Hogwarts Legacy?
The short answer is: not really, not in any significant, game-altering way. While Hogwarts Legacy presents numerous opportunities for players to make choices that appear to carry moral weight, these choices ultimately have minimal impact on the game’s overall narrative, world, and ending. This lack of a traditional morality system has been a point of discussion among players, and it’s crucial to understand the extent to which your actions matter, or rather, don’t matter, in the grand scheme of Hogwarts Legacy.
The Illusion of Choice
Throughout Hogwarts Legacy, players are presented with scenarios where their wizarding ethics are seemingly put to the test. You might choose to lie to Professor Weasley, decide whether to learn Unforgivable Curses like Avada Kedavra, or contemplate the fate of Sebastian Sallow after his actions become increasingly dark. These moments feel important, imbued with a sense of consequence. However, the game often undermines these choices, treating them as largely inconsequential to your progression.
For instance, learning the Unforgivable Curses doesn’t lead to any significant negative repercussions. You can freely cast the Killing Curse without facing expulsion, judgment from your peers (beyond a few minor dialogue lines), or a drastic shift in the game’s narrative. Even choosing to embrace dark magic and hoard its power does not change the way the finale plays out. This is a core factor in why Hogwarts Legacy does not allow the player to be “canonically evil.”
The ending is also a fixed point. Despite how “good” or “evil” a player has acted, they will still access one of three endings depending on their dialogue at the very end of the game. There is no variation based on these moral decisions. Similarly, choices made during side quests or personal interactions, like lying to Professor Weasley, don’t affect the overarching storyline either.
The Case of Sebastian Sallow
Perhaps the most prominent example of this disconnect is the storyline involving Sebastian Sallow. His descent into dark magic, culminating in the use of the Killing Curse on his uncle, is a significant arc within the game. Players can choose to either turn Sebastian in to the authorities or protect him. However, this choice mostly affects whether or not you can interact with Sebastian later in the game and whether you have the opportunity to learn the unforgivable curses. Neither outcome causes any substantial change to the main plot and ending of the game.
The game provides an opportunity to learn Avada Kedavra through Sebastian‘s questline, however. Many players feel like the game presents the use of Unforgivable Curses as a moral decision, however. In reality, there is no bad ending for players using the Killing Curse. The game does not provide any moral consequences for learning or using the spells.
While you can choose to follow Sebastian down the path of dark magic, there is no actual “evil” path that is reflected in the game world.
Why the Lack of Consequences?
Lead designer Kelly Murphy explained that the absence of a morality system was a deliberate choice. The developers wanted players who wished to embody a “Dark Witch or Wizard” to be able to do so without being held back by the constraints of a typical morality system. This approach aligns with the game’s focus on role-playing, allowing players to express themselves through their choices, even if these choices don’t always alter the game’s progression.
It is also worth noting that the game is a prequel to the Harry Potter series. In the canon of the world, there is no record of a proto-Voldemort character rising up during the time frame of the game, so the lack of true consequences likely ties to canon.
Role-Playing vs. Narrative Impact
Ultimately, the choices in Hogwarts Legacy are more about role-playing than shaping the world or narrative. Players are given the freedom to explore different paths and personalities, even those that might seem morally questionable. However, these actions do not translate into significant long-term consequences.
The game’s design allows for players to embrace a darker side, should they choose, but with minimal ramifications beyond some dialogue shifts. This freedom is a double-edged sword. Some players enjoy the liberty to choose without limitations. Others might find the lack of consequence frustrating, given how the game frames many decisions as being impactful.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I get a “bad ending” by making evil choices?
No, you cannot get a bad ending based on your moral choices. All players have access to all three endings regardless of their actions.
2. Does learning the Unforgivable Curses affect the story?
No, learning and using the Unforgivable Curses has no significant impact on the main narrative or ending of the game.
3. Can I get expelled from Hogwarts for using dark magic?
No, you cannot be expelled for using dark magic, even the Killing Curse.
4. Does lying to Professor Weasley have any consequences?
No, lying to Professor Weasley does not impact your game whatsoever. It’s a purely role-playing decision.
5. Is there a difference between choosing Natty or Sebastian?
Choosing Natty or Sebastian for the trip to Hogsmeade mainly affects the dialogue and has no impact on the overall story or the outcome of the trip itself.
6. Does turning Sebastian in have any consequences?
If you turn Sebastian in, he will be expelled from Hogwarts and you will not be able to interact with him again. However, the story itself will not change.
7. Can you avoid Sebastian killing his uncle?
No, Sebastian will always kill his uncle. The only choice the player has is whether to turn him in for the murder.
8. Is there any downside to using Avada Kedavra?
The primary downside to using Avada Kedavra is that it might feel out of character for the protagonist. There are no in-game penalties for using it.
9. Will I be seen as evil if I use the Unforgivable Curses?
While your character may make some morally questionable choices, nothing will cause you to be seen as an inherently “evil” character. The game does not have a system for being evil.
10. Does being evil in Hogwarts Legacy change the story?
No, being “evil” does not change the story. The finale remains the same regardless of your decisions.
11. How do I get the “good ending” in Hogwarts Legacy?
To get the “good ending,” you must respond “I intend to keep it contained here,” and “I shall keep it secret forever” during the final conversation with Fig.
12. Can I learn Avada Kedavra and still turn Sebastian in?
No, you can only learn Avada Kedavra from Sebastian if you choose not to turn him in to authorities.
13. Is there a karma system in Hogwarts Legacy?
No, there is no karma system in Hogwarts Legacy. Your choices do not have any impact on the game’s world.
14. Does the game punish me for using dark magic?
No, the game does not punish players for using dark magic. There are no penalties to using Avada Kedavra.
15. Do choices really matter at all in Hogwarts Legacy?
While choices have some effect on minor dialogue and some interactions with non-player characters, the overall narrative and ending are not substantially impacted by your choices. The lack of a morality system is ultimately a fundamental design choice, allowing for freedom of role-playing at the cost of real, far reaching consequences.