Does it Matter if You Use Curses in Hogwarts Legacy?
The allure of the Dark Arts is undeniable, and Hogwarts Legacy tantalizingly offers players the opportunity to wield forbidden spells. But does embracing the power of curses truly matter in the game? The straightforward answer is: no, not in terms of the main storyline or ending you receive. While the game allows you to learn and utilize the Unforgivable Curses—Crucio, Imperio, and Avada Kedavra—your choices here do not significantly alter the core narrative or determine the ultimate fate of your character. You can become a master of dark magic without affecting the main story’s progression or preventing you from achieving the “good” ending.
However, while the core narrative isn’t changed, it is incorrect to say that using dark magic doesn’t matter at all. There are nuanced implications to using the Unforgivable Curses, impacting your gameplay experience in different ways. These are primarily related to combat convenience, companion reactions, and your role-playing experience. The use of these spells will also influence your relationships with other characters in game and can prevent you from learning spells depending on your choices.
The Impact of Curses on Gameplay
The most immediate impact of learning and using the Unforgivable Curses is felt in combat. These spells are potent. Crucio inflicts high damage and “curses” enemies, making them more susceptible to subsequent attacks. Imperio allows you to control enemies, turning them against their allies, offering tactical advantages in larger battles. And of course, the infamous Avada Kedavra provides an instant kill, instantly eliminating most opponents.
These spells enhance combat capabilities, giving players the option for quick wins. If you are struggling in battles, learning the Unforgivable Curses can make them easier. However, this does not mean that playing without them is impossible. It is entirely possible to complete the game without them.
Narrative Nuances and Reactions
While your main ending won’t be determined by using the curses, there are subtle narrative changes. NPCs and companions may react negatively to your use of Unforgivable Curses, often with generic dialogue expressing disapproval or discomfort. However, these are surface-level reactions and do not lead to any substantial consequences, like being expelled or significantly changing the story. These reactions highlight the game’s attempt to acknowledge the ethical gravity of using such spells within the Wizarding World.
In particular, your relationship with your companions can be affected by your use of the Unforgivable Curses. While they will not abandon you, they may express disapproval and concern at your actions, and this disapproval will vary depending on the companion’s personality. In particular, certain companions will be more tolerant of dark magic than others.
The Role-Playing Experience
The most significant way using the Unforgivable Curses matters is through your personal role-playing. By choosing to learn and use these curses, you are shaping your character’s identity and motivations. Embracing the Dark Arts allows players to experience the moral ambiguity of the Wizarding World. Choosing to learn these spells and repeatedly using them is a decision that will cause you to embody an identity of a dark wizard. This gives a different flavor to your gameplay experience than you would otherwise have.
While the game doesn’t force you down an “evil” path, it provides the space for you to explore that route if you want to. You will be able to experience the thrill of wielding dark magic. You will also have to face the subtle implications of your choice as the dialogue of NPCs and companion reactions highlight the moral weight of your actions.
Ultimately, whether you choose to learn and use the Unforgivable Curses is a matter of personal preference and how you want to experience Hogwarts Legacy. The game’s structure ensures that your choices will not affect your ability to achieve any specific ending but they will affect your experience. You have the freedom to play as a morally gray character, explore the power of the Dark Arts, and still experience the full narrative without any major consequence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions to provide further insights about using curses in Hogwarts Legacy:
1. Can you get a bad ending if you use Unforgivable Curses?
No, using Unforgivable Curses will not result in a bad ending in Hogwarts Legacy. The overall narrative remains the same, and there are no major long-term consequences. The two endings are based on if you keep the ancient magic locked up or siphon it for yourself.
2. Does learning the Unforgivable Curses give you a bad ending?
No, learning the Unforgivable Curses does not affect your ability to get the “good” ending or any particular ending. The game does not penalize you for learning or using them.
3. Are there different endings in Hogwarts Legacy?
Yes, there are two main endings in Hogwarts Legacy. One sees the protagonist lock away ancient magic for good. The other ending sees them embrace the ancient magic and take the power for themselves. There are no variations of these endings based on how you behaved throughout the game.
4. Can you still learn Avada Kedavra if you turn Sebastian in?
No, if you turn Sebastian in, you will not be able to learn Avada Kedavra. He is expelled from Hogwarts, and his questline is cut short. You can still access the curse through the Dark Arts Battle Arena if you own the Deluxe Edition or the Dark Arts DLC.
5. Can you learn Avada Kedavra without Sebastian?
Yes, you can learn Avada Kedavra without Sebastian through the Dark Arts Battle Arena if you purchased the Deluxe Edition or the Dark Arts DLC.
6. Is it bad to use the killing curse in Hogwarts Legacy?
It’s entirely up to your character’s moral alignment. Using the Killing Curse has no effect on the overall narrative and won’t affect you beyond the reactions of NPCs and companions.
7. Does it matter if you use Avada Kedavra in Hogwarts Legacy?
While some NPCs will voice their disapproval, using Avada Kedavra does not have any long-term repercussions on the game’s story.
8. Should I turn in Sebastian or not?
It’s generally better not to turn Sebastian in if you want the full experience of his questline. Turning him in closes off his questline and prevents you from learning Avada Kedavra from him. However, his questline has themes that will make you consider if he is someone you wish to continue associating with.
9. Can you use the Unforgivable Curses in Hogwarts Legacy and get the good ending?
Yes, you can use Unforgivable Curses and still achieve the “good” ending in Hogwarts Legacy. Your choice of using curses does not lock you into any one particular ending.
10. Is it bad to use Crucio?
Using Crucio has no narrative consequences other than reactions from NPCs and companions. It is an effective spell that curses enemies, making them more vulnerable. It has high damage and can soften up tough targets.
11. Can you get sent to Azkaban in Hogwarts Legacy?
Only Hufflepuff students can access Azkaban through their unique house quest. However, even if they do get into the prison, they can’t be sent there permanently for using Unforgivable Curses. You cannot be imprisoned in Azkaban for using unforgivable curses.
12. Is there Expecto Patronum in Hogwarts Legacy?
No, the Patronus charm is not available in Hogwarts Legacy.
13. Can you fight Dementors in Hogwarts Legacy?
No, you cannot encounter Dementors outside of Azkaban, which can only be accessed as a Hufflepuff student.
14. Which is worse Crucio or Avada Kedavra?
In the Wizarding World, Avada Kedavra is considered the ultimate evil as it kills instantly. Crucio is torturous, causing great pain, but it does not directly end someone’s life. The severity is often debated but ultimately both are unforgivable. In the game, Avada Kedavra is a much more useful spell for winning quickly while crucio is more effective on bosses and other difficult foes.
15. Is there an evil path in Hogwarts Legacy?
While you can make some morally ambiguous decisions and wield dark magic, there isn’t a clear-cut “evil” path in the way the game is structured. The game is designed around being a hero and your choices don’t change the overall objective of the game.