Should I Be Good or Evil in Hogwarts Legacy? A Comprehensive Guide

The question of whether to embrace the light or delve into the dark side is a classic RPG dilemma, and Hogwarts Legacy certainly presents players with such a choice. However, the answer isn’t as straightforward as in some games. Ultimately, you should approach your Hogwarts Legacy playthrough with the style that appeals to you the most, but understand that the game does not have a robust morality system that significantly impacts the overall narrative. While you can roleplay as a noble hero or a mischievous dark wizard, the consequences of your actions are more nuanced than a simple good or evil dichotomy. The core storyline remains largely the same regardless of your choices. The real difference lies in the subtle character interactions, dialogue, and the ending you choose.

Choosing to be “good” by making kind dialogue choices and refraining from using Unforgivable Curses will lead to a different feeling of gameplay. Similarly choosing “bad” choices including using dark magic at every turn will lead to a dark gameplay experience. These changes, however, will not majorly alter the story line.

The Nuances of Choice in Hogwarts Legacy

No Strict Morality System

The biggest factor to consider is that Hogwarts Legacy does not feature a traditional morality system. Unlike games that track your karma or alignment, your actions in Hogwarts Legacy don’t drastically alter the world around you. You can be rude to shopkeepers, dabble in dark magic, and still be celebrated for your accomplishments. This freedom allows you to truly embody the type of wizard or witch you want to be without fear of major repercussions.

Dialogue and Personal Preference

While the overarching plot remains the same, your choices do affect the flavor of your journey. You’ll encounter numerous dialogue options that allow you to be kind, sarcastic, indifferent, or even cruel. Choosing these options shapes your character’s persona and how others perceive you. If you consistently choose selfish or dark responses, you might find that certain characters react differently to you, but these are largely superficial changes.

The Endings

There are three main endings in Hogwarts Legacy. Two of those endings are more impactful than the other, depending on if you choose to embrace the power or lock it away. Your choice of ending does impact the epilogue scenes, but it’s important to note that the main game continues after both endings, with the same opportunities to explore the world and finish side quests. The “good” ending sees you locking away the power, whereas the “evil” ending has you hoarding the power for yourself.

Unforgivable Curses

Learning and using the Unforgivable Curses – Crucio, Imperio, and Avada Kedavra – is entirely up to you, and surprisingly, it does not lock you out of any particular ending or trigger a major consequence. You can master the dark arts and still be considered a hero by the world. The main use for these spells is to gain an advantage in combat and is not tied to any specific morality path.

Embracing Your Playstyle

Ultimately, the “good or evil” choice in Hogwarts Legacy is a matter of personal preference.

• If you enjoy playing as a heroic figure, consistently choose kind dialogue options, avoid the Unforgivable Curses, and opt to seal away the ancient magic at the end. This approach will resonate with fans of the classic Harry Potter narrative.

• If you prefer a more morally ambiguous or even villainous path, feel free to explore the darker side. Learn and use Unforgivable Curses, make selfish choices, and embrace the power at the end. This allows for a different type of gameplay experience and is entirely valid within the game’s framework.

The game will not punish you for your choices. The best way to enjoy Hogwarts Legacy is to be the wizard or witch you truly want to be, without worrying too much about adhering to a specific morality system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does choosing a particular Hogwarts House affect the “good” or “evil” path?

No, your chosen house (Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw) does not impact your ability to be good or evil. While each house has unique characteristics and you will have different classmates, this only changes the flavour of the gameplay, not the moral path.

2. Does learning the Unforgivable Curses give you a bad ending?

No, learning and using Unforgivable Curses does not lock you out of any ending or result in a “bad” ending. You can be a master of dark magic and still achieve the “good” ending.

3. Does being mean to characters in dialogue have lasting consequences?

While your dialogue choices will alter how certain characters react to you in the short term, these changes are largely superficial and won’t affect the main storyline or gameplay in a significant way.

4. Is there a karma or morality system in Hogwarts Legacy?

No, Hogwarts Legacy does not feature a karma system that tracks your morality. You are free to make choices without fear of significant gameplay repercussions.

5. Can you go to Azkaban in Hogwarts Legacy based on your choices?

No, visiting Azkaban is not related to your moral choices. It’s a house-specific quest for Hufflepuff players and a short visit as part of the gameplay, regardless of your actions.

6. Does your choice of being a wizard or witch change the game?

Choosing whether you are a wizard or a witch has no impact on the story or gameplay, you are free to choose what you prefer.

7. Are there any benefits to choosing the “evil” ending?

There are no actual benefits to choosing the “evil” ending. It changes the epilogue scene, but it does not unlock new powers or content in the post-game.

8. How many endings does Hogwarts Legacy have?

Hogwarts Legacy has three main endings, including a good, evil and a universal ending for both.

9. Can you stop Sebastian from killing his uncle?

No, the showdown between Sebastian and his uncle is a fixed event in the storyline and cannot be prevented. Your choice comes later in whether or not you will report Sebastian to the authorities.

10. Can I play after completing the main story in Hogwarts Legacy?

Yes, there is plenty of post-game content to explore after the main story is complete. This includes finishing up any side quests and exploring the world at your own pace.

11. Does choosing to be a Slytherin impact the storyline?

No, choosing Slytherin does not significantly impact the main storyline. You may have more opportunities to interact with certain Slytherin characters, but this does not change the main plot of the game.

12. Is Sebastian Sallow evil in Hogwarts Legacy?

Sebastian is not entirely evil, but he does go down a dark path due to his use of dark magic to protect his family. He struggles with morality and the consequences of his actions, making him a complex character.

13. What is the difference between the good and bad endings in Hogwarts Legacy?

The primary difference lies in the epilogue scene. In the “good” ending, you choose to seal away the ancient magic, while in the “evil” ending, you choose to absorb its power. The universal ending is always the same.

14. Does using unforgivable curses impact other character relations?

Using Unforgivable Curses does not significantly impact other character relations or the story. Some might make passing comments on its usage, but nothing major changes.

15. Should I replay the game to experience both paths?

Since the consequences of being good or evil are minor, it’s not mandatory to replay the game for this sole reason. However, if you are curious to explore both perspectives, you may enjoy a second playthrough.

Conclusion

In Hogwarts Legacy, the choice of being good or evil is largely a matter of roleplay and personal preference rather than a pivotal game mechanic. While your dialogue choices and final ending decision will shape your personal experience, the core narrative remains the same. Feel free to explore the different paths, learn dark magic, and make the choices that resonate with you most. Ultimately, the most enjoyable way to play Hogwarts Legacy is to be true to yourself and create the wizarding world experience you desire.