Should You Keep Penny in Hogwarts Legacy? Unveiling the Truth About the House Elf
The question of whether to keep Penny or free her in Hogwarts Legacy might seem like a significant moral decision, but the truth is, it’s far more nuanced than a simple good versus evil choice. The short answer is: it doesn’t matter all too much whether you choose to free Penny or not. Regardless of your dialogue option, Penny remains by your side and the outcome is ultimately inconsequential to the main storyline. This is because of the way the game is designed and not necessarily how players might naturally expect. Let’s delve deeper into why this is the case, exploring the mechanics, story beats, and player choices that impact Penny’s role in the game.
The Inconsequential Choice: How Dialogue Affects Penny
The initial encounter with Penny presents the player with a choice: to gift her clothing and potentially free her, or to effectively continue her service. This moment creates the illusion of a significant decision. Players might worry about losing access to her services, her potential fate as a house elf, or even the overall impact on the “good” or “bad” trajectory of their character. However, Hogwarts Legacy doesn’t fully explore the implications of house elf freedom in its narrative framework. Regardless of your chosen option, Penny will continue to offer her valuable service of selling gear at a 10% mark-up through her Hogsmeade shop. This service, paired with the fact that there is no real ‘evil ending’ in the game, means that your decision in the end does not affect Penny’s presence in the game or her relationship with you.
Why the Decision Doesn’t Matter
Several factors contribute to the seemingly inconsequential nature of the Penny decision:
Story-Driven Focus
Hogwarts Legacy is heavily focused on the main narrative surrounding the ancient magic, Ranrok, and Professor Fig. While side quests and characters are enriching, they often don’t drastically alter the main storyline. Penny’s arc, even if it touches upon themes of servitude and freedom, is primarily designed to provide a unique merchant option, not to create diverging story paths. The developers chose to keep the central narrative unaffected by decisions in smaller side quests.
Lack of Consequence for ‘Evil’ Choices
The game does not have a truly “evil” path. While you can make questionable choices, they do not significantly impact the overall trajectory of the game’s conclusion. You can be morally ambiguous, but you cannot become a Voldemort-esque character. This design decision prevents players from significantly altering the game’s narrative structure, regardless of their decisions with minor characters like Penny.
Gameplay Functionality Over Morality
Penny’s primary purpose is to serve as a merchant who gives you a 10% better rate for your gear. As a result, her function is more important to the game than her position as a house elf. The game designers chose not to limit players from this functionality based on a moral choice. The focus is more on the player’s progression and their ability to obtain valuable resources, rather than the nuanced ethics of house elf labor.
Consistent Character Presence
Regardless of what path you take, Penny remains a constant within your game experience. She is a reliable merchant throughout your time at Hogwarts Legacy and her presence in Hogsmeade is permanent. This allows players to buy and sell gear through her service, without any limitations or restrictions based on their dialogue choices.
The Significance of the Decision
Even if the mechanics and story don’t change, the decision with Penny offers a moment of reflection on the themes within the wizarding world. These are themes that J.K. Rowling often explored in her work, such as the relationship between wizards and house elves, and the ethics of power. While the game doesn’t force a moral dilemma, it provides a point of conversation that can be engaging for players. This decision is a good example of how the game allows players to express their preferences and engage in themes that may interest them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Penny in Hogwarts Legacy
1. Can I miss Penny if I choose the wrong dialogue option?
No, you cannot miss Penny. She will remain as a merchant in Hogsmeade regardless of whether you attempt to free her or not.
2. Does choosing to free Penny affect her shop?
No, her shop function and merchandise will remain the same regardless of your choice. She’ll always buy your gear for 10% more than other vendors.
3. Is there a “good” or “bad” ending linked to my choice with Penny?
No, the ending of the game is not impacted by your decision regarding Penny.
4. Does Penny’s dialogue change based on my decision?
While there might be some minor dialogue differences, her general interaction with the player and the services she offers remain consistent. These differences are not plot altering.
5. Does Penny’s fate differ in any way depending on my choice?
No, her fate is the same regardless of whether you free her or keep her. She remains a merchant.
6. Does my relationship with Penny change based on my decision?
There are no notable changes in your relationship with her based on your dialogue option.
7. Can I complete all her quests no matter what?
Yes, Penny’s quest line is independent of your decision regarding her potential freedom.
8. Is Penny involved in any of the game’s endings?
No, Penny does not play a role in any of the three main endings of Hogwarts Legacy.
9. Is there a way to permanently free Penny from servitude?
Unfortunately, no, the game does not allow you to completely free Penny. She will continue her shop duties regardless of your choice.
10. Why does Penny sometimes hold her breath?
This is a quirk to her character, she holds her breath to remind herself when to stop talking, as she fears she may say too much. This is a habit she has, not a result of your choices.
11. Can I date Penny in Hogwarts Legacy?
No, there is no dating or romantic interactions with any of the characters in Hogwarts Legacy. While there is a character named Penny in Hogwarts Mystery that can be dated, that is a different game.
12. What are the benefits of using Penny’s shop?
Penny offers a 10% increase in the value of gear sold through her, compared to other vendors, making her an ideal place to sell extra gear.
13. Can Penny sell more than just gear?
Despite saying that she could sell “anything” in early dialogue, she only sells gear.
14. Can I get a refund for the game if I don’t like how the Penny decision turned out?
While PlayStation does offer refunds in certain cases, there will likely not be a refund option based on this one interaction in the game. Reach out to PlayStation directly for their policies.
15. What is the best gear to sell to Penny?
The best gear to sell to Penny is Legendary Gear due to its high value. However, selling any unwanted gear to her will still yield the 10% profit increase.
Conclusion: The Freedom of Choice (or Lack Thereof)
While the game might initially lead players to believe that the decision concerning Penny holds considerable weight, it ultimately proves inconsequential to the overall gameplay and narrative. Penny remains a consistent fixture, and the decision serves more as an opportunity for players to consider the themes within the Wizarding World, rather than impacting the game’s progression. Regardless of your choice, you can rest assured that you will continue to enjoy her services and she will be a constant character in your playthrough. Enjoy the game for the rich world and story, knowing that in the case of Penny, the decision is truly yours to make, regardless of the outcome.