Is There Any Reason Not to Learn the Unforgivable Curses in Hogwarts Legacy?

In short, the answer is: practically none, from a purely gameplay perspective. Hogwarts Legacy cleverly sidesteps any serious moral consequences for dabbling in the Dark Arts. Learning and using Crucio, Imperio, and Avada Kedavra won’t lock you out of endings, alter the main storyline in any significant way, or result in expulsion or other major penalties. Your house choice is largely irrelevant to whether or not you can learn the curses. The decision boils down to personal preference and role-playing. If you want to portray a morally upright witch or wizard, then you might choose to avoid them. If you’re aiming for maximum combat effectiveness and don’t mind a little darkness, then embrace them.

The lack of impactful consequences is a point of contention for some players who were hoping for a more reactive world. However, for others, it’s a welcome feature that allows them to experiment with these powerful spells without fear of ruining their game. Ultimately, it’s up to each player to decide if the potential narrative dissonance outweighs the tactical advantages.

Digging Deeper: Why the Choice is Yours

While the game doesn’t punish you for using Unforgivable Curses, there are a few minor considerations:

• Narrative Consistency: As mentioned, the protagonist is generally portrayed as a “good” character. Frequent use of Avada Kedavra, in particular, can feel jarring and out of character for some players. This is subjective, of course, and depends on your personal interpretation of your character.

• Companion Reactions: Certain companions, like Natsai Onai, may express disapproval when you use Unforgivable Curses in their presence. However, this is limited to a few voiced lines and doesn’t impact your relationship with them in any meaningful way. It’s a cosmetic reaction, not a game-changing consequence.

• Thematic Resonance: Hogwarts Legacy explores themes of choice and moral ambiguity. Choosing not to learn the Unforgivable Curses can be a way of engaging with these themes and shaping your character’s identity. It’s a way of saying, “I don’t need this power to succeed.”

• Slytherin Exclusivity (Limited): While any house can learn the curses, some might find it more thematically appropriate for a Slytherin character to delve into the Dark Arts. However, this is purely a matter of personal taste. The availability of Avada Kedavra in the Dark Arts Battle Arena (Deluxe Edition or DLC required) even for those who didn’t learn it during Sebastian’s quest suggests that the game isn’t strictly trying to limit access based on House.

Unforgivable Curses: Power vs. Principle

The true “downside” isn’t a mechanical one; it’s a matter of roleplaying. Do you, as the player, believe your character would use these spells? Do you find their inclusion justifiable within the context of the game’s narrative and your personal playstyle?

The Unforgivable Curses offer significant combat advantages:

• Crucio: Deals damage over time and stuns enemies, making them vulnerable.
• Imperio: Temporarily turns enemies against each other, creating chaos and diverting attention.
• Avada Kedavra: An instant-kill spell (though it merely depletes a chunk of health from bosses), incredibly powerful for quickly eliminating threats.

However, these spells come with a heavy ethical price, at least in the broader Harry Potter universe. The game minimizes this aspect, but the potential for role-playing implications remains.

FAQs: Unforgivable Curses in Hogwarts Legacy

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Unforgivable Curses in Hogwarts Legacy:

1. Can I miss learning an Unforgivable Curse permanently?

Yes, missing the opportunity to learn Crucio from Sebastian Sallow during its related quest might lead to the spell being unavailable for that character. While Avada Kedavra can be tested in the Dark Arts Battle Arena, that is only accessible with the Deluxe Edition or the Dark Arts Pack DLC.

2. Does using Unforgivable Curses affect the ending I get?

No, your choices regarding the Unforgivable Curses do not affect the good, bad, or universal end scene.

3. Will my companions react negatively to my use of Unforgivable Curses?

Some companions, like Natsai Onai, might make disapproving comments, but these are cosmetic and do not impact your relationship with them.

4. Can I be expelled from Hogwarts for using Unforgivable Curses?

No, you cannot be expelled for using Unforgivable Curses.

5. Does my house choice affect my ability to learn Unforgivable Curses?

No, any house can learn the Unforgivable Curses.

6. Can I still get the “good” ending if I use Unforgivable Curses?

Yes, you can use the Unforgivable Curses as much as you like and still get the “good” ending. Morality does not factor into the ending you receive.

7. Is there any way to learn Avada Kedavra if I missed it during Sebastian’s questline?

You cannot learn Avada Kedavra if you missed it during Sebastian’s quest, other than through the Dark Arts Battle Arena. However, you need either the Hogwarts Legacy Deluxe Edition or the Dark Arts Pack DLC to access the Dark Arts Battle Arena.

8. Does turning in Sebastian Sallow have any consequences besides him being expelled?

Yes, turning in Sebastian results in him being expelled from Hogwarts, making him unavailable for quests at the end of the game and in the epilogue.

9. Is Avada Kedavra effective against the final boss, Ranrok?

No, Avada Kedavra is not effective against Ranrok in his dragon form.

10. Does learning the Unforgivable Curses make me a “bad” person in the game’s narrative?

Not explicitly. The game doesn’t have a morality system that labels you as “good” or “evil.” It’s up to your interpretation.

11. What are the benefits of learning Crucio, Imperio, and Avada Kedavra?

These curses provide significant combat advantages: Crucio deals damage over time and stuns, Imperio turns enemies against each other, and Avada Kedavra is an insta-kill (on standard enemies).

12. Are there any spells that are more powerful than the Unforgivable Curses?

While the Unforgivable Curses are potent, the game offers a variety of powerful spells and talents. The “best” spells are subjective and depend on your playstyle and build. Certain Ancient Magic moves are devastating, for instance.

13. Does using Unforgivable Curses make the game easier?

Yes, the Unforgivable Curses can significantly simplify combat encounters, particularly Avada Kedavra, if used effectively.

14. What happens if I refuse to learn Crucio from Sebastian Sallow?

You may miss out on learning the spell entirely during that playthrough, removing it from your combat options.

15. Can I still use Unforgivable Curses if I make “good” dialogue choices throughout the game?

Yes, you can make “good” dialogue choices and still learn and use the Unforgivable Curses. The game does not link dialogue choices to spell availability.

Final Verdict

Ultimately, the decision to learn or avoid the Unforgivable Curses in Hogwarts Legacy is a personal one. There are few tangible downsides in terms of gameplay, but the potential for narrative dissonance and role-playing considerations should be taken into account. If you prioritize combat effectiveness and don’t mind a little darkness, embrace them. If you want to portray a morally upright witch or wizard, then perhaps steer clear. The choice is yours, and the game provides the freedom to play as you wish.

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