Should You Embrace the Dark Arts? A Comprehensive Guide to Avada Kedavra in Hogwarts Legacy
The question of whether to learn Avada Kedavra in Hogwarts Legacy is a complex one, stirring both excitement and apprehension in players. The killing curse, a staple of the dark arts in the Harry Potter universe, holds a unique place within the game, granting immense power but also forcing players to confront ethical considerations. So, should you get Avada Kedavra in Hogwarts Legacy? The short answer is: Yes, if you want to experience the full breadth of combat options and don’t mind some narrative dissonance. However, it’s crucial to understand the implications, both in gameplay and in relation to the story, before making this choice. There are no concrete negative repercussions, such as a “bad ending” for using the curse, making this purely a decision based on player preference and how you wish to experience the game.
The Allure and Power of Avada Kedavra
Avada Kedavra is, without doubt, the most devastating spell available to players in Hogwarts Legacy. Its power is undeniable; it is a one-hit kill curse capable of instantly eliminating almost any foe, including formidable bosses, by drastically shaving off their incremental health bars. In a game that often challenges players with difficult combat encounters, the allure of such a powerful tool is understandable.
Combat Convenience vs. Narrative Consistency
The primary reason players seek Avada Kedavra is for its raw power. Combat in Hogwarts Legacy can become challenging, and the prospect of quickly dispatching tough enemies is incredibly enticing. Avada Kedavra deals a staggering 10 million damage, placing it far above any other spell in terms of raw offensive capability. Even Ancient Magic and Petrificus Totalus, which are strong contenders, only deal a fraction of that damage (a comparatively pitiful 250 damage). This makes Avada Kedavra a game changer, allowing players to breeze through previously difficult fights.
However, using Avada Kedavra also presents a narrative disconnect. The protagonist in Hogwarts Legacy is portrayed as a generally good-natured, fifth-year student. The casual use of a forbidden, killing curse can feel out of place with their character, making some actions and dialogue seem over-the-top or incongruent. Some players may find this narrative dissonance detracts from their immersion. The use of such a dark curse can create an odd contrast to the game’s portrayal of the player character.
Obtaining and Using the Unforgivable Curses
Avada Kedavra is learned during the quest “In the Shadow of the Relic,” which Hogwarts Legacy suggests you approach at level 28. This is part of the series of quests involving Sebastian Sallow, a complex character with a troubled past. The game only allows you to learn the curse by following this specific questline and choosing to learn it from Sebastian.
You also have an opportunity to try out Avada Kedavra temporarily at the Dark Arts Battle Arena if you missed the initial chance in the quest, but the only way to truly add it to your spell collection is through Sebastian. This is important to note because the choice to acquire the curse is directly linked to your interactions with him, and turning him in to the authorities will prevent you from learning Avada Kedavra entirely.
No True In-Game Consequences
Despite the weight and severity of the Unforgivable Curses, Hogwarts Legacy offers no significant, long-term in-game consequences for their use. This is a crucial element to consider, as it eliminates any mechanical downside. You will not get a “bad ending” for using dark magic, and your overall narrative remains unchanged. The developers have made it clear they wanted players to experience the “dark path” without penalty.
Social Reactions, Not Systemic Ramifications
While there are no system-level punishments for using Unforgivable Curses, your fellow students and some NPCs may react negatively to your use of such spells. They might express disgust, disapproval, or even concern; these reactions are mostly flavor and do not impact the game. Even casting these curses in front of professors will elicit varied responses depending on their personalities, but it won’t lead to disciplinary measures or significant repercussions. The lack of consequences frees the player to use these spells based purely on gameplay preferences, and how they wish their character to behave within the narrative.
The Sebastian Sallow Dilemma
The decision to learn Avada Kedavra is intertwined with the question of what to do with Sebastian Sallow. Choosing to turn him in to the authorities leads to his imprisonment in Azkaban, preventing you from learning Avada Kedavra and locking you out of additional interactions with him. If you do turn Sebastian in, he will be taken away by the Ministry authorities, and you won’t be able to learn Avada Kedavra, therefore impacting the “completeness” of your spell collection.
On the other hand, if you choose not to turn him in, he will remain at Hogwarts, and you can continue to learn from him. This means you need to choose “We must not turn Sebastian in” and then choose “Yes please” when prompted to learn Avada Kedavra. Therefore, those looking to experience all possible content, including additional interactions with Sebastian and learning the Unforgivable Curses, should choose not to turn him in.
Frequently Asked Questions About Avada Kedavra
1. What are the Unforgivable Curses in Hogwarts Legacy?
The Unforgivable Curses in Hogwarts Legacy are Crucio, which inflicts damage-over-time, Imperio, which allows you to control enemies, and Avada Kedavra, the killing curse.
2. Can I miss the opportunity to learn Avada Kedavra?
Yes, if you turn Sebastian Sallow in to the authorities, you will not be able to learn Avada Kedavra. This is a direct consequence of your actions involving his questline.
3. Does using Avada Kedavra affect the game’s ending?
No, using Avada Kedavra and other Unforgivable Curses will not result in a bad ending. The overarching narrative remains unchanged, and there are no significant long-term repercussions.
4. Does learning the Unforgivable Curses make me “evil”?
While the Unforgivable Curses are considered dark magic, learning and using them does not canonically make you “evil” in Hogwarts Legacy. There’s no alternate story where you’ll become an “evil” protagonist.
5. What happens if I don’t turn Sebastian in?
If you choose not to turn Sebastian in, he will remain at Hogwarts, and you can learn the Unforgivable Curses from him. Also, you will have opportunities for additional Sebastian content.
6. Can I learn Avada Kedavra after turning Sebastian in?
No, if you turn Sebastian in, he will be taken away by the Ministry authorities, and you won’t be able to learn Avada Kedavra from him.
7. How much damage does Avada Kedavra do?
Avada Kedavra deals a massive 10 million damage, making it the most powerful spell in the game by a huge margin.
8. Is there a downside to using Avada Kedavra in combat?
The main downside is a narrative one, as it feels out of character for the protagonist. However, there are no in-game penalties to its use, only other characters’ reactions.
9. Is Sebastian Sallow evil?
Sebastian is a complex character who makes morally questionable decisions, but it’s unclear if he’s truly “evil.” His motivations are based on a desire to save his sister, even at great cost.
10. Can I be evil in Hogwarts Legacy?
While you can make morally questionable choices, you cannot canonically be evil in Hogwarts Legacy. The story doesn’t shift dramatically based on your dark magic choices.
11. Should I tell Sebastian the truth?
Telling Sebastian the truth or not will not affect the main story or (even the friendship). It is simply a narrative choice with no long-term gameplay impact.
12. Does turning Sebastian in affect the post-game?
Turning Sebastian in does remove him from the game and impacts whether you can complete the companion questline. Thus, it is advisable not to turn him in, especially if you want additional Sebastian content.
13. Does learning Avada Kedavra make the game too easy?
Yes, in many ways, due to its one-hit kill nature, Avada Kedavra can make the game significantly easier, especially boss fights.
14. Is there a benefit to using dark magic in Hogwarts Legacy?
The primary benefit is greatly enhanced combat power and efficiency. Using all three unforgivable curses and the entire dark arts talents tree can make you OP.
15. Which is the best house to be in Hogwarts Legacy?
While this depends on player preference, Hufflepuff players gain unique access to Azkaban. All houses offer different experiences, though.
Conclusion
The choice to learn Avada Kedavra in Hogwarts Legacy is a personal one. The lack of severe in-game consequences frees you to explore this dark magic without penalty, letting you experience the game in a way that aligns with your playstyle. While Avada Kedavra is incredibly powerful, consider if it fits your roleplaying preferences as there is a slight narrative dissonance. Ultimately, whether you wield the killing curse is up to you, but being fully informed about the ramifications of that decision is key to enjoying the game.