Does Learning Unforgivable Curses Affect the Ending in Hogwarts Legacy?
The short answer is a resounding no. Learning and using the Unforgivable Curses – Avada Kedavra, Crucio, and Imperio – in Hogwarts Legacy does not impact the game’s main storyline or its ending. Despite their dark reputation and the severe consequences associated with them in the Harry Potter universe, these curses function primarily as powerful combat tools within the game, with no significant narrative ramifications tied to their acquisition or repeated use.
This lack of impact is a point of discussion and, for some players, a point of contention. While some appreciate the freedom to explore dark magic without fear of changing the overall story, others find it a missed opportunity to add depth and consequence to player choices. The reality, however, remains consistent: whether you choose to embrace the dark arts and master the Unforgivable Curses, or resolutely refuse to dabble in such magic, the core narrative arc and the final outcome of Hogwarts Legacy will remain the same. The primary impact of using unforgivable curses, thus, remains strictly mechanical within the combat system.
Understanding the Unforgivable Curses in Hogwarts Legacy
How You Learn the Curses
The Unforgivable Curses are not just freely available at the start of the game. Players unlock them through a series of side quests centered around Sebastian Sallow. This Slytherin student’s descent into dark magic serves as the narrative context for learning the curses. However, the player has agency, they can refuse to learn any one of the curses. If the player chooses to accept, Sebastian will teach you Crucio, then Imperio, and eventually, Avada Kedavra.
The In-Game Impact of Using Unforgivable Curses
Despite their devastating nature, there are virtually no lasting consequences for using the Unforgivable Curses throughout Hogwarts Legacy. You will not be punished by the game, the story will not change, and the end sequence will remain the same. Although you may observe some disdain from NPCs, including companions, the reactions are relatively minor and often isolated to the moment the spell is cast.
Why the Lack of Consequences?
The decision to not make the usage of Unforgivable Curses impact the ending is likely a deliberate choice by the game developers. Their priority appears to be on providing players with gameplay freedom rather than imposing moral restrictions that would alter the story. This is a different approach from many role-playing games, where player choices significantly impact the narrative. Instead, Hogwarts Legacy allows players to essentially “have their cake and eat it too,” giving them access to powerful tools without forcing them to grapple with the expected narrative fallout.
Consequences and Implications Beyond the Main Story
While the main story remains unchanged by your use of the curses, some minor consequences exist:
- NPC Reactions: As noted, characters such as Natsai Onai may express disapproval when you use dark magic, creating a sense of internal conflict, but nothing of real consequence.
- Sebastian’s Storyline: Your choices in Sebastian’s questline, though not altering the overall ending, do have an impact on his character arc and your relationship with him. However, whether you choose to condemn him or side with him, the main story remains unaffected.
However, there are no repercussions in the form of losing points, expulsions, or game-changing effects, which is a big shift from the actual Harry Potter universe rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide additional valuable information about the effects of Unforgivable Curses in Hogwarts Legacy:
1. Will I get a bad ending if I learn Avada Kedavra?
No. Learning and using Avada Kedavra does not lead to a bad ending in Hogwarts Legacy. The game’s ending is determined by choices unrelated to using Unforgivable Curses.
2. Does using dark magic change the ending of Hogwarts Legacy?
No. The main storyline remains the same, no matter how much dark magic you use, nor how often.
3. Can I use Unforgivable Curses and still get the good ending?
Yes. You can use Unforgivable Curses extensively and still achieve the “good” ending. The choices for good ending are only limited to dialogue, during the final part of the story.
4. What happens if I use Unforgivable Curses too often?
There are no significant in-game consequences for overuse. The most you will get are some minor remarks from certain NPCs or companions, which don’t affect the storyline or the ending.
5. Is there a downside to learning the Unforgivable Curses in Hogwarts Legacy?
The downsides are limited to potential disdain from some characters. In terms of gameplay, learning them adds more options in combat and doesn’t bring any setbacks. There is also the minor consequence of not having to choose “good” answers during story missions if you only focus on playing as a dark wizard.
6. Do companions react to my usage of Unforgivable Curses?
Yes, certain companions, notably Natsai Onai, might express disapproval with some lines of dialogue. However, their overall actions or your interactions with them aren’t significantly altered by your spell choices.
7. Does Hogwarts Legacy punish you for using Avada Kedavra?
No. The game does not implement a morality system that would punish you for using any of the Unforgivable Curses.
8. What is the best ending in Hogwarts Legacy?
The “best” ending is subjective, but typically, it involves a specific set of dialogue choices in the final scenes, particularly choosing to keep ancient magic a secret forever. Using unforgivable curses doesn’t change the outcome.
9. Is there any moral system in the game?
No. There is no tangible moral system that will affect the trajectory of the storyline, nor the final ending.
10. Can you get sent to Azkaban for using Unforgivable Curses in Hogwarts Legacy?
No. There is no mechanism in the game where the player can be sent to Azkaban for using Unforgivable Curses. The only way to visit Azkaban is via a Hufflepuff house specific quest.
11. Does learning dark magic make my character evil?
Your character’s morality is largely subjective and determined by your actions outside of learning curses. You can use dark magic for personal gain or to protect yourself; the game doesn’t define your character as good or evil.
12. Can I save Professor Fig?
Unfortunately, no, there is no way to save Professor Fig regardless of the choices you make. His death is a fixed part of the story.
13. Does refusing to learn Crucio affect my ability to get a good ending?
No. Refusing to learn Crucio will not alter the ending of the game. However, you may lose the spell forever with that particular character.
14. Should I turn in Sebastian for killing his uncle?
Turning in Sebastian doesn’t affect the ending of the game. It does limit your opportunities to learn unforgivable curses should you not have learned them yet. So keeping him out of jail is the more rewarding choice for those interested in the dark arts.
15. How many endings does Hogwarts Legacy have?
While technically there are different dialogues at the end, there is only one main ending which has no branching variation based on your decisions. The main story remains the same, and you will always have the chance to either contain the power, or harness it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Unforgivable Curses offer powerful combat abilities and a tantalizing dip into the dark arts, their usage in Hogwarts Legacy does not affect the game’s main storyline or its ending. Players can freely explore the full spectrum of magical possibilities without fear of negative story repercussions, and that is the beauty of the game. The freedom to explore the darker side of magic with no consequences for the ending may be a point of disappointment for some players, but for others it is a feature that allows complete freedom in how they chose to experience their magical adventures.