Does it Matter if I Use Unforgivable Curses in Hogwarts Legacy?

The short answer: No, not really, in terms of significant gameplay or narrative consequences. While the Unforgivable Curses – Crucio, Imperio, and Avada Kedavra – carry immense weight in the Harry Potter lore, their implementation in Hogwarts Legacy is surprisingly lenient. You can wield these notorious spells with relative impunity, facing little more than fleeting reactions from NPCs and companions. The game offers a power fantasy where you can dabble in dark magic without facing substantial in-game repercussions to your character’s story or the overall narrative arc.

The Unforgivable Curses: Power Without Punishment?

Limited In-Game Consequences

Hogwarts Legacy deviates from the franchise’s established lore where using these curses typically results in severe legal repercussions, such as a one-way ticket to Azkaban. In the game, the Unforgivable Curses are primarily tools for combat.

• Crucio inflicts damage-over-time, making it useful for wearing down tough enemies.
• Imperio allows you to temporarily control an enemy, turning them against their allies.
• Avada Kedavra is an instant-kill spell, able to drastically reduce the health bars of opponents, even bosses.

Despite their devastating power, using these curses comes with minimal impact. While some NPCs, particularly professors, may offer verbal disapproval, this has little to no effect on the game. No one will report you, and your character will not face disciplinary action. Your overall reputation might suffer slightly, but this does not significantly impact the gameplay experience. There are no in-game consequences for using Avada Kedavra, or any of the other unforgivable curses.

No Impact on Endings

The use of the Unforgivable Curses does not dictate whether you receive the “good” or “bad” ending. Using these curses in the game will not result in a bad ending. The game offers three primary endings, one considered “good” and one “bad”, plus a universal end-scene. The endings are primarily determined by dialogue choices made during key moments of the main story rather than by the types of magic used. The key choice involves your intentions for the power of Ancient Magic: choosing “I intend to keep it contained here,” and then “I shall keep it secret forever,” results in the “good” ending. Conversely, choosing “I intend to open it” and then any answer except “You’re right,” will give you the “bad” ending.

Companion Reactions and Story Impact

While the overall story does not change based on your curse usage, your companions may offer unique dialogue. They react to your actions, showing disapproval or concern, especially when witnessing you use the Unforgivable Curses first-hand. However, these interactions are superficial. They do not alter their relationships with your character, nor do they influence the narrative in any tangible way. The developers clearly designed the game to offer a player-driven experience where you can explore dark magic freely, allowing for no major changes to the story if you choose to pursue life as an evil witch or wizard.

Learning the Unforgivable Curses

Sebastian Sallow’s Quest Line

The primary method for unlocking the Unforgivable Curses is through Sebastian Sallow’s companion questline. By choosing to learn them from Sebastian, you open up the chance to wield their power yourself. Whether you are a Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, or Hufflepuff, you can choose to learn them.

Alternate Access

If you choose not to learn them from Sebastian during the story, or even if you do turn him in at the end of his questline, there are other methods of obtaining these curses.

• For those who didn’t select Slytherin or those who chose to turn in Sebastian, Avada Kedavra is available in the Dark Arts Battle Arena, though only with the Hogwarts Legacy Deluxe Edition or Dark Arts Pack DLC.

No Second Chances?

It’s actually possible to get a second chance to learn them. Even if you refuse them during the Sebastian questline, you can still unlock them by speaking to Sebastian in the Undercroft after completing the main quest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does using Unforgivable Curses affect my character’s alignment?

No, there is no morality system in Hogwarts Legacy. Whether you use the Unforgivable Curses or not will not make your character “evil”.

2. Can I get sent to Azkaban for using Unforgivable Curses?

No, you cannot be sent to Azkaban for using the Unforgivable Curses. The only way to visit Azkaban is by playing as a Hufflepuff, as this house has an exclusive side quest that allows them to access the prison.

3. Can Avada Kedavra kill bosses instantly?

While Avada Kedavra is an instant-kill on most enemies, it does not instantly kill all bosses. Some boss encounters, like Ranrok Dragon, will not be affected by the curse.

4. Does learning Unforgivable Curses change my relationship with other students?

Your companions will react with disapproval, but they will not break off their relationship with you or treat you differently. The only real effect it has on gameplay is damaging the student’s reputation.

5. Is Crucio a good spell to use in Hogwarts Legacy?

Crucio is a powerful spell that inflicts damage-over-time, making it useful in combat. The effectiveness of Crucio, like other curses, may vary depending on your play style and preferences. There are over 20 slottable spells to choose from and many more practical ones that help with quests and exploration.

6. Can I stop Sebastian from killing his uncle?

No, Sebastian will always kill his uncle. The only decision you have to make regarding this outcome is whether to turn Sebastian in or not.

7. Should I turn in Sebastian after he kills his uncle?

Turning him in brings more restrictions to your experience. It is recommended that you do not turn him in, particularly if you want to learn all the unforgivable curses and use Sebastian in the battle arena.

8. Can you get a “bad ending” from using the Unforgivable Curses?

No, you will not get a “bad ending” solely from using the Unforgivable Curses. The ending depends on specific choices made about Ancient Magic, not the spells you use.

9. Does the game change if I learn Avada Kedavra?

There are no in-game consequences for using Avada Kedavra. Other characters may comment on it, but it won’t have any real impact on gameplay or narrative.

10. Will I get the bad ending if I learn Crucio?

No, you will not get the bad ending solely for learning Crucio. The curse spells are tied to Sebastians quest line, if you turn it down and still get the next ones then you can, otherwise nope.

11. Can you become an Animagus in Hogwarts Legacy?

No, you cannot become an Animagus in Hogwarts Legacy.

12. Which house is best in Hogwarts Legacy?

The “best” house depends on your preferences, but Hufflepuff is unique in having a quest that allows access to Azkaban. All the houses offer the same experience with slight differences in common room style and character interactions.

13. Is it better to play as a wizard or witch in Hogwarts Legacy?

The gender you choose does not impact gameplay or relationships with other characters. You are free to choose either without affecting anything of consequence in the game.

14. What happens if I use Avada Kedavra in Magic Awakened?

In “Magic Awakened”, using Avada Kedavra will directly destroy any enemy unit hit after using it to destroy 4 enemy units. After defeating 4 opponent units, the Curse instantly defeats the target it hits.

15. Can I use the Unforgivable Curses and still get the good ending?

Yes, you can use the Unforgivable Curses freely and still achieve the good ending. The ending is based on specific dialogue choices at the end of the game.

In conclusion, while the Unforgivable Curses are powerful and carry significant lore implications, their usage in Hogwarts Legacy is primarily a matter of player choice with minimal gameplay impact or consequence. You can use them without affecting the overall narrative or ending of the game.