Hogwarts Legacy: Unpacking the Main Story Levels and Beyond
How Many Levels are in the Main Story of Hogwarts Legacy?
The main story of Hogwarts Legacy does not have traditional “levels” in the way many games use the term, where levels are a direct indication of story progression. Instead, Hogwarts Legacy’s main story is structured around 11 chapters, including a prologue and post-story content. These chapters contain a total of 48 main story quests. The game does feature a character level system, but this is separate from story progression. The maximum character level is 40, attainable by gaining experience points through various activities, but reaching level 40 does not coincide with the story’s conclusion. Story progress is marked by completing the 48 main quests. While some quests take considerably longer than others, completing the main story typically requires around 30-36 hours of gameplay, if you focus primarily on the core narrative. It’s essential to note that Hogwarts Legacy is an open-world game rich with exploration and side quests, so that total time can easily be extended.
Navigating the Main Story and Leveling Up
The Structure of the Main Narrative
The Hogwarts Legacy main story is spread across the 11 chapters, taking place over one school year. You play as a fifth-year student, making a unique entry point into the Wizarding World. The 48 main quests take you through key locations, involve interaction with core characters, and uncover the central mystery surrounding an ancient magic. It’s crucial to understand that character level is different from story progression. You will gain experience through participating in different activities within the game, which will lead to level increases, but the main story is advanced by finishing quests, not reaching a certain character level.
Understanding the Level Cap
While advancing through the main story and gaining experience, your character will level up. The level cap in Hogwarts Legacy is 40. Reaching level 40 is a significant milestone, but it does not mark the end of the main narrative. However, reaching this level will stop character development. Players should wisely allocate Talent Points, which are gained through leveling up, as you won’t unlock every Talent. The game prompts you to specialize in certain areas rather than become a master of all traits.
The Final Stages of the Game
The true end of the game isn’t about reaching the max character level of 40, but completing the 48th main story quest. The final quest is called “The Final Repository,” where you face a climatic showdown with Ranrok. However, there is a final quest, which becomes available once you have met certain criteria. This quest, which involves completing Professor Weasley’s requests, having completed the Field Guide, and reaching level 34, unlocks the final ending of Hogwarts Legacy. The ultimate quest, which marks the conclusion of the main story, is winning the House Cup.
Post-Story Gameplay
Once the main story is complete, the game doesn’t end. Hogwarts Legacy has no point of no return. Players are free to keep playing, exploring the game world and completing unfinished side quests, challenges, and collecting items. This open-endedness allows players to fully indulge in the magical world even after the main narrative has wrapped up. This is one of the many reasons why players find themselves playing many hours past the initial 30–36-hour timeframe of the main story.
FAQs About Hogwarts Legacy Levels and Story
1. Does the game have a morality system that affects the ending?
No, Hogwarts Legacy does not have an in-game morality system. All players have access to the three endings regardless of their choices, but your decisions do shape the story.
2. Can you change your house after starting the game?
No, you cannot change your house once you’ve made your initial choice at the start of the game.
3. Is there a way to experience different houses in the same save?
To experience other houses, you will need to start a new game and go through the sorting ceremony again.
4. Is it best to finish the main story before exploring and doing side quests?
It is recommended to focus on the main story until you acquire a broom, but after that you are free to explore as you wish.
5. Can you still play after finishing the main story?
Yes, you can still play after finishing the main story. You will be able to freely explore the game world and complete any remaining side quests and activities.
6. Are there any missable items or quests in the game?
There are no missable quests or items that would prevent 100% completion. You can always go back and finish anything you left undone.
7. How long does it take to achieve 100% completion?
100% completion of Hogwarts Legacy takes around 67.5 hours. This includes completing the main story, all side quests, and exploration, as well as all the challenges and collectible items.
8. Can you complete the OWLs in Hogwarts Legacy?
You do take OWLs as part of the main storyline, in a quest called “Prepare for Your OWLs”, but the quest sometimes becomes stuck.
9. Can you learn all the Unforgivable Curses?
Yes, you can learn the Unforgivable Curses as you progress through the game by engaging with Sebastian.
10. Is it possible to travel to Azkaban?
Yes, but only as part of a Hufflepuff-exclusive side quest.
11. Can you change the seasons within the game?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to change the seasons in Hogwarts Legacy. You will need to start a new game to experience a different season.
12. Will there be a Hogwarts Legacy 2?
Yes, a sequel to Hogwarts Legacy is currently in development.
13. Does the game feature the Patronus charm?
No, the Patronus charm is not available to use in Hogwarts Legacy.
14. Can you choose to turn in Sebastian, or not?
You are given the option of whether or not to turn in Sebastian, which will affect your ability to learn certain unforgivable curses, should you choose to turn him in.
15. Is it possible to complete side quests after finishing the main storyline?
Yes, you can complete any side quests after the main story. There is no point of no return, and you can engage in the additional content of the game at your leisure.
Conclusion
While Hogwarts Legacy lacks traditional story “levels,” it offers a rich narrative experience through its 48 main quests spread across 11 chapters, offering around 30-36 hours of gameplay focused on the central story. The game also features a level-up system for your character, capped at level 40. Remember that reaching the max level is not directly linked with story progression, it is about character growth and acquiring Talent Points. The best approach for Hogwarts Legacy is to enjoy the open-world experience, while progressing the main story at your own pace. Don’t be afraid to explore and engage with the multitude of side quests that the world has to offer as they do not disappear after completing the main story.