Soaring Through the Skies: Unlocking All Flying Mounts in Hogwarts Legacy

The magical world of Hogwarts Legacy extends far beyond the hallowed halls of the school. A crucial part of experiencing the game is exploring the vast open world, and what better way to do that than by taking to the skies? While technically there are only three distinct flying mount types available to all players, the total number can rise to four, depending on which edition you purchased. These flying mounts are: Brooms, Hippogriffs (including the Onyx Hippogriff), and Thestrals.

Getting Airborne: A Guide to Flying Mounts in Hogwarts Legacy

The ability to fly around the world map is available to you after completing certain story elements. As you get further into the game, new opportunities will open up that will allow you to soar the skies.

The Humble Broom: Your First Taste of Flight

Your very first flying experience will come from the humble, but iconic broom. Broom flight is progressively unlocked through a series of Flying Class lessons and broom upgrades. These are acquired throughout the story from Albie Weekes at Spintwitches Sporting Needs in Hogsmeade. While not a ‘mount’ in the traditional sense of riding a creature, the broom is your primary mode of aerial transport and is essential for reaching various locations, completing time trials, and discovering hidden secrets. Investing in broom upgrades significantly enhances your speed and maneuverability, making it a worthwhile endeavor.

The Majestic Hippogriff: A Symbol of Freedom

Arguably the most iconic of the creature-based flying mounts, the Hippogriff becomes available after completing “The High Keep” main quest. During this mission, you’ll be introduced to Highwing, a magnificent Hippogriff. After this quest, Highwing, and eventually other rescued Hippogriffs you come across, will become available for you to ride. This is a pivotal moment in the game as it truly unlocks the freedom of the skies. The Onyx Hippogriff (Caligo) is essentially a reskin of the regular Hippogriff, with a darker, more gothic aesthetic. It is available to players who pre-ordered Hogwarts Legacy.

The Ethereal Thestral: A Deluxe Edition Exclusive

The Thestral, a skeletal, winged horse visible only to those who have witnessed death, is the third flying mount. The catch? This majestic creature is only accessible to players who purchased the Deluxe or Collector’s Edition of Hogwarts Legacy. Similar to the Hippogriff, you unlock the Thestral after completing the High Keep quest. For players who invested in these editions, the Thestral offers a unique and visually striking alternative to the Hippogriff.

The Lord of the Shore: A Ground-Based Beast (and Important Distinction)

While this article focuses on flying mounts, it is crucial to address the Graphorn. Often mistakenly considered a flying mount, the Graphorn is exclusively a ground mount. You acquire the ability to ride the Graphorn after completing San Bakar’s Trial. While powerful and useful for combat, the Graphorn cannot fly. This distinction is important to keep in mind when planning your exploration strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Flying Mounts in Hogwarts Legacy

Here are some frequently asked questions. For further gaming insights and academic research, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Q1: Are dragons rideable in Hogwarts Legacy?

No, dragons are not rideable in the base game. While mods exist that allow you to fly dragons, these are not official features. The game includes interactions with dragons, but not the ability to mount and control them.

Q2: Can you breed flying mounts?

Yes, you can breed Hippogriffs and Thestrals (if you have access to them). Breeding allows you to obtain different variations and colorations, adding a layer of customization to your Vivarium.

Q3: How early in the game can I get a flying mount?

You gain the ability to ride a broom fairly early on. But, you gain the ability to ride a Hippogriff or Thestral upon completing the main quest “The High Keep”, which occurs much later in the game’s storyline.

Q4: Can I customize my flying mounts?

The game does not offer extensive customization options for flying mounts. The primary customization is breeding them to obtain different appearances.

Q5: What is the fastest flying mount?

Generally, upgraded brooms with the highest-level upgrades will grant the fastest traversal speed, which is the quickest way to get around. Hippogriffs and Thestrals are fast as well but their speed doesn’t seem to upgrade in any way.

Q6: How do I improve my broom’s flying skills?

You improve broom flying by upgrading your broom at Spintwitches and also by completing broom courses.

Q7: Are there any flying challenges in the game?

Yes, there are several broom race challenges scattered throughout the open world. Completing these challenges earns you rewards and improves your broom-handling skills.

Q8: Can I use flying mounts in combat?

Not directly. You cannot engage in active combat while mounted on a Hippogriff or Thestral. You primarily use the broom for time trials.

Q9: Do flying mounts have stamina limitations?

No, flying mounts do not have stamina limitations. You can fly indefinitely without worrying about running out of energy.

Q10: What happens if I crash while flying?

Crashing while flying results in a short recovery animation, and you may lose a small amount of health, especially at high altitudes.

Q11: Can I fly into Hogwarts castle?

No, you cannot fly directly into Hogwarts castle. There are invisible barriers preventing you from doing so.

Q12: Are there any exclusive flying mounts beyond the Deluxe Edition Thestral?

The Onyx Hippogriff, which comes with pre-ordering any version of the game, is a great way to experience the game while you get into the “High Keep” quest.

Q13: Can I fly underwater?

No, you cannot fly underwater. Flying mounts are restricted to aerial movement above the water’s surface.

Q14: How do I switch between flying mounts?

You can switch between flying mounts from the gear menu. You can also assign them to your item wheel for quick selection.

Q15: Are there any hidden areas accessible only by flying mounts?

Yes, many hidden areas and collectibles are only accessible by flying mounts. Exploring the world thoroughly with your broom, Hippogriff, or Thestral is highly recommended for completionists.

Hogwarts Legacy offers a diverse and exciting flying experience. Whether you’re soaring through the air on your trusty broom, riding the majestic Hippogriff, or gliding on the ethereal Thestral, exploring the open world from above is a truly magical experience.