Does Using Unforgivable Curses Change the Ending in Hogwarts Legacy?
The burning question on many Hogwarts Legacy players’ minds is: does indulging in the dark arts, specifically using the Unforgivable Curses, alter the game’s ending? The short answer is a resounding no. Regardless of how liberally you wield Crucio, Imperio, or the notorious Avada Kedavra, the main narrative arc and the ultimate ending of Hogwarts Legacy remain unchanged. Your choices in learning and employing these dark spells do not impact the final outcome in a significant way, which can be both a relief for some and a disappointment for others seeking a more reactive storyline.
Understanding the Narrative Structure of Hogwarts Legacy
Hogwarts Legacy distinguishes itself by focusing on a fixed narrative path where the player’s primary role is to save the wizarding world from the goblin rebellion and the threat of ancient magic. While you might expect that using the Unforgivable Curses would steer you towards a darker ending, the game lacks a morality system that would facilitate such a transformation. The developers deliberately designed the experience to allow players to explore the breadth of wizarding magic, including its darker corners, without fundamentally altering the plot’s trajectory.
No Moral System, No Morality-Based Ending
The absence of a traditional morality system means that your actions are primarily judged by the convenience they offer in combat, not by their ethical implications. You won’t find yourself barred from certain quests or endings based on your dark magic usage. This also means that there is no path to become an actual villain in the game. Your character is fundamentally intended to be the one who saves the world, using their special magical abilities.
The Unforgivable Curses: Gameplay vs. Narrative Impact
While the Unforgivable Curses are powerful and can significantly ease combat encounters, their primary function remains within the realm of gameplay mechanics.
- Crucio: This curse inflicts damage-over-time, weakening enemies gradually.
- Imperio: This spell allows you to temporarily control an enemy, turning them against their allies.
- Avada Kedavra: Famously known as the Killing Curse, this is an insta-kill that can eliminate foes regardless of their health, making it particularly useful against bosses.
These spells can make combat more efficient and satisfying, but they do not lead to distinct branching paths within the storyline or any special or bad endings.
Minimal Consequences Beyond Gameplay
The biggest consequence you could face from using the Unforgivable Curses is the ire and disgust of some NPCs, including students and companions. However, these reactions are often limited to a few lines of dialogue. There will be no long-term repercussions for your character or any narrative changes in the plot line. Your reputation is affected to a minimal extent with very generic dialog, which is a far cry from the severe consequences these curses would entail in the established Harry Potter universe.
The Two True Endings and Player Choice
Hogwarts Legacy actually has two distinct endings that depend on the player’s choices at the end of the game regarding ancient magic. These endings, however, are not determined by the use of the Unforgivable Curses.
- The “Good” Ending: The player chooses to keep the ancient magic a secret forever and to contain it, which aligns with Professor Fig’s vision of protecting the world. This outcome is obtained by choosing the dialog option “I shall keep it secret forever” after the option “I intend to keep it contained here.”.
- The “Bad” Ending: The player chooses to absorb the ancient magic for themselves, claiming that this power should not be hidden from the world. This ending is triggered by choosing either the “This power should not be kept from the world.” option.
These choices determine whether the protagonist contains or controls the ancient magic reserves. The important fact is that these endings are independent of your use of the Unforgivable Curses.
FAQ: Unforgivable Curses and Endings in Hogwarts Legacy
To further clarify, here are 15 frequently asked questions about the use of Unforgivable Curses and their impact on the ending in Hogwarts Legacy:
1. Does learning Avada Kedavra lead to a bad ending?
No. Learning and using Avada Kedavra or any of the other Unforgivable Curses does not trigger a bad ending in Hogwarts Legacy. The game allows players to learn and use these spells without consequences, besides minor NPC reactions.
2. Are there consequences for using dark magic?
The consequences for using dark magic, specifically the Unforgivable Curses, are minimal. NPCs might express their disapproval or disgust, but there are no substantial long-term ramifications, such as being expelled, going to Azkaban, or a changed ending.
3. Can I become a villain in Hogwarts Legacy?
No, you cannot become a true villain in Hogwarts Legacy. The game’s storyline is designed to guide players toward saving the wizarding world, regardless of whether they choose to use dark magic.
4. Does using Unforgivable Curses change the narrative?
While it might affect a few dialog lines and companion reactions, the narrative remains unchanged despite the player using dark curses. Your core role as a savior remains intact.
5. What happens if I get caught using the Unforgivable Curses?
There are no in-game consequences for using the Unforgivable Curses. The game does not feature a morality system that triggers any in-game penalties. Unlike in the Harry Potter series, there’s no chance of being sent to Azkaban for these actions.
6. How many endings does Hogwarts Legacy have?
Hogwarts Legacy has two main endings that result from a key decision the player makes at the end of the game related to ancient magic. These are the “good” ending, where the player keeps the magic contained, and the “bad” ending, where the player absorbs it. These endings are unrelated to your choice to learn or use Unforgivable Curses.
7. What is the “good” ending in Hogwarts Legacy?
The “good” ending is achieved when the player chooses to keep the ancient magic a secret and contain it. This is in line with Professor Fig’s wishes to prevent this powerful magic from falling into the wrong hands.
8. What is the “bad” ending in Hogwarts Legacy?
The “bad” ending occurs when the player absorbs the ancient magic, claiming it should not be hidden from the world. This decision results in the protagonist taking control of the power.
9. Is it worth learning the Unforgivable Curses?
From a gameplay perspective, yes, it can be worth it to learn the Unforgivable Curses. They offer powerful combat advantages and are useful for certain encounters. Narratively, your choices here do not matter in the overall course of the game.
10. Is there a downside to using Avada Kedavra in the game?
The only real downside is that it can feel out of character for some players, considering the protagonist’s overall character arc. But in the gameplay itself, the only negative is the damage done to the enemy or character it is cast on and no other consequences.
11. Can I be both good and use Unforgivable Curses?
Yes, you can be good and use Unforgivable Curses in Hogwarts Legacy. The game does not penalize or block a “good” ending based on using these curses.
12. Can I visit Azkaban in Hogwarts Legacy?
Yes, you can visit Azkaban briefly, but it’s only accessible if you chose a specific House at the beginning of the game. This visit is very short and linear.
13. Can I save Professor Fig?
Unfortunately, you cannot save Professor Fig, no matter the choices you make in the game, including your use of Unforgivable Curses. His death is a fixed event in the story.
14. Should I turn in Sebastian after the death of his uncle?
The decision on whether or not to turn in Sebastian is a personal one. If you do not turn him in it has the benefit of being able to continue practicing the unforgivable curses. Ultimately it doesn’t alter the ending.
15. What happens after completing the main story of Hogwarts Legacy?
You can continue to play the game after completing the main story. There are plenty of post-game activities available, including side quests and exploration.
In conclusion, while the Unforgivable Curses provide significant combat power and opportunities to explore the darker side of magic, their use does not alter the final outcome of Hogwarts Legacy. The game maintains its narrative focus irrespective of your spellcasting preferences.