Should You Turn In Sebastian Sallow in Hogwarts Legacy? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of whether to turn in Sebastian Sallow in Hogwarts Legacy is one of the most complex and debated choices players face. It’s a decision that goes beyond mere gameplay, delving into moral ambiguity, character relationships, and the desire to unlock powerful, albeit forbidden, magic. The simple answer is this: it depends on what you prioritize in your playthrough. There’s no one “right” choice, but the consequences of your actions are significant. Turning in Sebastian will lead to his expulsion from Hogwarts, cutting off his questline and eliminating the possibility of learning the Unforgivable Curses from him directly. However, choosing not to turn him in means you tacitly allow a murder to go unpunished.
The Dilemma: Betrayal vs. Opportunity
The crux of the matter lies in your interpretation of Sebastian’s actions and your willingness to potentially compromise your moral standing for in-game benefits. Sebastian is a tragic character, driven by a desire to cure his sister, Anne, from a curse. His desperation leads him down a dark path, culminating in the killing of his uncle, Solomon. This act serves as the turning point, presenting you with the agonizing decision: do you report Sebastian to the authorities, or do you let him remain at Hogwarts despite his actions?
Consequences of Turning Sebastian In
If you choose to betray Sebastian, you’ll see him swiftly removed from Hogwarts and presumably sent to Azkaban. The immediate impact is that his quests are no longer accessible. He will not appear again, including during the epilogue. Critically, this means that if you haven’t learned the Unforgivable Curses— Crucio, Imperio, and Avada Kedavra— from him, that opportunity is forever lost. This is a major consideration for players who want to explore all the game’s magical options.
Consequences of Siding With Sebastian
Choosing not to turn Sebastian in has different ramifications. You allow a murderer to remain at large, essentially getting away with his crime. However, you’ll be able to complete his full questline and ultimately learn the Unforgivable Curses directly from him. Many players find this tempting as these curses represent the most powerful offensive spells in the game, offering a unique edge in combat. Furthermore, by siding with Sebastian, you get to fully witness the tragic narrative of his descent into darkness and better understand his motivations, adding depth to his character and his role in the story.
The Moral Gray Area
Hogwarts Legacy doesn’t shy away from presenting difficult choices with moral ambiguity. There’s no clear “good” or “bad” decision when it comes to Sebastian. He’s a complex character, not purely evil. His actions, while reprehensible, stem from a place of pain and desperation. Choosing to turn him in is aligned with established moral codes and the law, but it costs you access to his quests and the forbidden magic. Choosing not to turn him in allows you to explore the darker side of the wizarding world, albeit by compromising your ethical position.
The Unforgivable Curse Factor
Many players are primarily drawn to Sebastian’s questline because of the opportunity to learn the Unforgivable Curses. These are typically unobtainable in the wizarding world, making their inclusion a significant aspect of the gameplay. While they can be accessed later on if you have the Dark Arts DLC, the option to learn them directly from Sebastian is a significant draw for many. This makes the decision of whether or not to report him far more complicated than it would otherwise be.
Making Your Decision
Ultimately, the decision to turn Sebastian in is a deeply personal one. It depends on what you value most in Hogwarts Legacy:
- Moral Consistency: If you want your character to uphold ethical standards and enforce justice, turning him in is the logical choice.
- Power and Magic: If you prioritize learning all possible spells, especially the Unforgivable Curses, keeping Sebastian free is the better option.
- Narrative and Character: If you want to fully experience Sebastian’s story and see his arc through, not reporting him will allow you to do that.
There’s no way to “save” Anne in Hogwarts Legacy, and there’s no way to stop the death of Solomon. The central question is about how you wish to address the consequences of Sebastian’s actions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does telling on Sebastian affect the overall story?
No. Whether or not you turn in Sebastian has no impact on the overarching story of the main game. It only affects his specific questline and your ability to interact with him.
2. What happens if you turn Sebastian in?
Turning in Sebastian results in his immediate expulsion from Hogwarts and his disappearance from the game. He will be unavailable for quests, and you cannot interact with him again. He’s assumed to be sent to Azkaban.
3. Can I learn the Unforgivable Curses after turning him in?
No, if you turn in Sebastian, you lose your chance to learn the Unforgivable Curses directly from him. The only alternative is through the Dark Arts Battle Arena via the Deluxe Edition or the Dark Arts Pack DLC.
4. Does siding with Sebastian affect the end game?
Siding with Sebastian, in the sense of not turning him in, will not affect your ending. The epilogue doesn’t change based on your interaction with Sebastian.
5. Will turning in Sebastian impact other friendships?
No, your decision regarding Sebastian does not affect your relationship with other characters in Hogwarts Legacy.
6. Is there a “good ending” where I can save Anne?
Unfortunately, Anne Sallow cannot be saved in Hogwarts Legacy. Her fate is set in the narrative, no matter your actions.
7. Can I stop Sebastian from killing his uncle?
No, the encounter between Sebastian and his uncle, Solomon, which leads to Solomon’s death, cannot be prevented. The event is a fixed part of the story.
8. Does it matter if Sebastian takes the relic?
No, whether you let Sebastian take the relic or not, he always ends up doing so. Your decision has no impact on the situation.
9. Can I turn Sebastian in after learning the Unforgivable Curses?
Yes, you can turn in Sebastian even after learning all the Unforgivable Curses. Once reported, he will permanently leave the game regardless of what you’ve learned from him.
10. Does Sebastian ever truly turn “bad”?
Sebastian’s character is complex. While he does commit murder and uses dark magic, it’s portrayed as a tragic descent caused by his desperation to save his sister, rather than outright evil.
11. Can I romance Sebastian in Hogwarts Legacy?
No, Hogwarts Legacy does not have any romance options, including with Sebastian Sallow.
12. Is Sebastian the best character in Hogwarts Legacy?
That’s subjective, but Sebastian is considered by many to be one of the most compelling and well-developed characters in the game due to his moral complexity and tragic storyline.
13. What happens if I abandon Sebastian’s questline?
Abandoning Sebastian’s questline means you will not be able to complete it, learn the Unforgivable Curses from him directly, and can’t interact with him any further.
14. What is the significance of choosing Natty over Sebastian to go with to Hogsmeade?
Choosing either Natty or Sebastian for the Hogsmeade trip has no major impact on the game, and is more about preference. It is not related to this larger decision regarding turning Sebastian in or not.
15. Can you get expelled from Hogwarts Legacy?
No, you cannot be expelled from Hogwarts for making certain choices within the main game.