Should I Do the Main Story First in Hogwarts Legacy? A Comprehensive Guide
The burning question for every new witch and wizard embarking on their Hogwarts Legacy adventure: Should you prioritize the main story, or dive headfirst into the vast open world? The short answer is: a bit of both, with a slight initial emphasis on the main story. Rushing through the main storyline to acquire your broom and unlock essential spells and talents will greatly enhance your exploration and side quest experiences. But don’t completely ignore the side content! A balanced approach is key to maximizing your enjoyment of this magical game.
The Case for Prioritizing the Main Story (Initially)
Think of the main story as the scaffolding upon which your entire Hogwarts Legacy experience is built. Certain key moments and unlocks are inextricably linked to the main quests, and gating these significantly impacts your freedom and overall power.
1. The Broom: Your Wings to Explore
Perhaps the most compelling reason to initially focus on the main story is the acquisition of your broom. Early in the game, traversing the vast open world on foot can feel tedious. The broom unlocks a whole new dimension of exploration, allowing you to quickly reach distant locations, discover hidden secrets, and appreciate the breathtaking scenery from above. The article mentions that players looking to fully explore the map of Hogwarts Legacy should fully explore it after getting the broom.
2. Essential Spells and Talents
The main story directly rewards you with a suite of powerful spells that are crucial for both combat and puzzle-solving. Without these core spells, many side quests and exploration opportunities will be significantly more challenging, or even impossible. Furthermore, access to Talents, which enhance your abilities, is also tied to story progression.
3. Unlocking Key Locations and Features
The main story unlocks various crucial areas within and outside of Hogwarts. Think of it as unlocking fast travel points or even key features that will allow you to access certain abilities in the game.
The Allure of Side Quests and Exploration
While the main story provides the essential framework, the side quests and open-world exploration of Hogwarts Legacy offer a wealth of captivating content.
1. Rich Storytelling and Character Development
Many side quests feature compelling narratives and memorable characters. These side stories often delve deeper into the lore of the wizarding world, providing valuable context and enriching your understanding of the universe. Taking on side quests is important for a completionist.
2. Valuable Rewards and Gear
Side quests and exploration often reward you with unique gear, powerful potions, and valuable resources. These rewards can significantly boost your character’s power and make the main story encounters easier to manage. It is to your benefit to do both main quests and side content.
3. Experiencing the World
Hogwarts Legacy is not just about completing quests; it’s about immersing yourself in the magical world. Wandering through the Forbidden Forest, discovering hidden grottos, and solving ancient puzzles are all integral to the overall experience.
The Balanced Approach: Finding Your Rhythm
The ideal approach is to strike a balance between the main story and side content.
- Early Game: Prioritize the main story until you obtain your broom and unlock a decent selection of spells and talents. This will give you the tools you need to effectively explore the world.
- Mid-Game: Start incorporating side quests and exploration into your routine. Use the map to identify points of interest, and take on side quests that pique your interest. This will allow you to level up your character, acquire valuable gear, and uncover the secrets of the wizarding world.
- Late Game: Once you’ve completed the main story, you can freely explore the world and complete any remaining side quests, challenges, and collectibles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. At what point should I start exploring Hogwarts Legacy?
Once you acquire your broom, you’re ready to dive into exploration! This unlocks faster travel and allows you to see the world from a new perspective.
2. Should I focus on talents that upgrade spells early on?
Yes! The article recommends you stick to talents that upgrade spells to begin with as this will make the countless enemy encounters easier to deal with.
3. Can I keep playing Hogwarts Legacy after the main story?
Absolutely! There’s plenty of post-game content to enjoy, including completing side quests, exploring undiscovered areas, and collecting any remaining items.
4. Does finishing the main quest end the game?
No, the game allows you to continue playing and exploring after the main story concludes.
5. Can you do all side quests after the main story?
Yes, you can complete side quests after finishing the main story.
6. Should I do all side quests first?
No, it’s best to find a balance between the main quests and side content, to give you a varied gameplay.
7. How many endings does Hogwarts Legacy have?
There are three main endings in Hogwarts Legacy.
8. Does it matter which house I choose?
The house you choose has minimal impact, aside from a unique house-specific quest.
9. Can you go to Azkaban in Hogwarts Legacy?
Visiting Azkaban is only an option for players who chose a particular House at the start of the game.
10. Does it matter who you spend time with in Hogwarts Legacy?
No, your choices of companions don’t significantly affect the overall storyline.
11. Can you become a villain in Hogwarts Legacy?
While you can make morally questionable choices, you cannot become a fully-fledged villain in the game.
12. Should I turn in Sebastian or not?
Turning Sebastian in brings more restrictions to your experience as you approach the end of Hogwarts Legacy.
13. What is the max level in Hogwarts Legacy?
The maximum level in Hogwarts Legacy is 40.
14. How long does it take to 100% Hogwarts Legacy?
Expect to spend around 67½ hours to achieve 100% completion.
15. Do any of your choices matter in Hogwarts Legacy?
In the grand scheme of the main story, many choices have little to no long-term consequence. The game lacks a true morality system.
Mastering Hogwarts Legacy: More Than Just Quests
Ultimately, the most important thing is to enjoy your time at Hogwarts. Experiment with different playstyles, explore the world at your own pace, and immerse yourself in the magic. There’s no right or wrong way to play, and the beauty of Hogwarts Legacy lies in its ability to cater to a variety of playstyles. Consider joining communities, such as the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, to share your experiences and learn from other players.