What Are the Endings in Hogwarts Legacy? A Comprehensive Guide
Hogwarts Legacy, the highly anticipated open-world action RPG set in the wizarding world of the late 1800s, offers players a captivating experience full of magic, mystery, and choices. A crucial aspect of any RPG is its ending(s), and Hogwarts Legacy is no exception. In essence, there are three main endings to consider, although two truly alter the narrative’s direction: a good ending, an evil ending, and a universal true ending that focuses on the school’s House Cup. The choice you make ultimately determines the fate of a potent ancient magic, as well as how your character is perceived by the world. Let’s delve deeper into these endings and what they entail.
The Core Endings: Good vs. Evil
The most impactful endings revolve around the player’s decision regarding the ancient magic discovered throughout the game. These choices happen during the climactic quest, “The Final Repository.”
The Good Ending: Ancient Magic Secured
In the “good” ending, the protagonist, alongside Professor Fig, chooses to lock away the ancient magic forever, preventing it from falling into the wrong hands. This decision is made during your conversation with Fig within the repository. Choosing to contain the magic is presented as the selfless option, focusing on protecting the wizarding world from its potential misuse. Your character is then proclaimed the Ancient Magic’s Keeper, with Professor Fig pledging to support you in this endeavor. This path focuses on responsibility, preserving the status quo, and preventing conflict driven by the desire for power.
The Evil Ending: Ancient Magic Consumed
The evil ending is the complete opposite. In this scenario, the protagonist opts to siphon the ancient magic for themselves. This is, again, decided during the conversation with Professor Fig. You choose to control the magic, essentially becoming its wielder. This ending is born from an ambition for personal power and hints at a darker future for the protagonist, potentially placing them on a path similar to that of the antagonists. Choosing to control the power showcases a selfish ambition and a disregard for the consequences of wielding such immense power. It’s important to note that while this choice is a path towards evil, it doesn’t inherently change how the world interacts with you during the rest of the game after the ending.
The Universal True Ending: The House Cup
Regardless of the choice made regarding the ancient magic, there is a universal “true ending” that all players will experience. This ending sees the protagonist attending the Great Hall ceremony for the House Cup. In this final scene, you’ll be celebrated as the student who stopped Ranrok and saved the school. Your actions will earn your Hogwarts House 100 points, likely leading them to victory and securing the coveted House Cup. This provides a sense of closure and reward for your efforts throughout the year and is the same regardless of other endings. This ending is a universal experience that all players will achieve, thus giving the game a solid resolution regardless of the ancient magic choice.
Navigating the Endings in a Single Playthrough
One of the most appealing aspects of Hogwarts Legacy is the ability to experience all these different narrative outcomes. Players can achieve all three endings in a single playthrough by utilizing strategic save file management. When you reach the main quest “The Final Repository,” and receive the objective “Defeat Ranrok’s Loyalists”, create a separate save file. This is your branching point. From here you can complete the game making the good decision and reload the save and then continue through the game making the evil decision. After completing either path, the universal “true ending” regarding the House Cup will play, allowing you to see the result of your choice. This process allows players to explore both sides of the narrative without the need for an entirely new character.
The Impact of Choices: Sebastian Sallow and Dark Arts
The story of Sebastian Sallow plays a critical role in the game, as he delves into dark magic. His questline will lead him to killing his uncle, no matter what you do in the game. The decision you will have to make is whether to turn Sebastian in for his crime or not. This choice will impact your access to the unforgivable curses and how Sebastian interacts with you. The decision, however, does not affect the major endings outlined above. Turning him in leads to his expulsion and severing ties with him, while protecting him allows you to keep a connection and still have the opportunity to learn the Avada Kedavra curse.
It’s also important to note that while the game allows you to use Dark Arts spells and encourages exploration of that path, these choices do not change the key elements of the main story or the primary endings. You can be a powerful Dark Wizard, but your decisions regarding the ancient magic and the House Cup will be the primary factor determining your ending. It’s more so a flavor element that allows you to have the fantasy of being an evil wizard but doesn’t impact the story’s main plot or ending.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions players have regarding the endings and choices in Hogwarts Legacy:
1. Is there a point of no return in Hogwarts Legacy?
No, Hogwarts Legacy does not have a point of no return. You can continue exploring and completing side quests even after finishing the main story, ensuring players can fully experience all aspects of the game.
2. Can you save Professor Fig?
Unfortunately, Professor Fig’s death is unavoidable regardless of your choices in the game. There’s no way to prevent this.
3. Can you get all endings in one playthrough of Hogwarts Legacy?
Yes, you can obtain all three main endings (Good, Evil, True Universal ending) in a single playthrough by creating a separate save file before making the crucial choice regarding the ancient magic.
4. Does the dark arts affect the ending of Hogwarts Legacy?
While you can use Dark Arts spells, your alignment with them does not alter the primary story or the key endings. Your choice concerning the ancient magic remains the biggest factor.
5. Should you turn in Sebastian Sallow or not?
The choice is yours and will not affect the main endings of the game but does have an impact on your gameplay. Turning him in results in his expulsion and a severing of your relationship, along with no access to the unforgivable curses if you haven’t learned them yet. Protecting him allows you to keep him as an ally and access those curses.
6. Can you still learn the killing curse if you turn Sebastian in?
No, you cannot learn Avada Kedavra if you turn Sebastian in, as he is the one who teaches it. You need to choose to keep him in Hogwarts if you wish to learn the killing curse.
7. Does Sebastian Sallow turn evil?
Sebastian’s path is very gray, and there is no choice in the game to stop him from being “evil.” His actions are a consequence of his choices and the circumstances. There isn’t an evil decision he can make that can be changed.
8. Is it worth being evil in Hogwarts Legacy?
Being “evil” in Hogwarts Legacy is more about spell choice and character dialogue. Ultimately, it doesn’t affect the story’s main plot in a big way, allowing you to explore that fantasy without any long lasting impact on the game world.
9. How long should I keep the Ancient Magic a secret?
This phrase, “I shall keep it secret forever,” occurs in the “good” ending, where you pledge to maintain the secrecy of the magic with Professor Fig.
10. Is it okay to tell Sebastian the truth?
Yes, telling Sebastian the truth will not impact the main story. It’s mostly about your personal choices and dialogue.
11. Can you go to Azkaban in Hogwarts Legacy?
You can visit Azkaban, but only if you choose a specific House at the start of the game and it is a brief, linear experience.
12. What is the highest level in Hogwarts Legacy?
The maximum level is level 40.
13. Who is the bad guy in Hogwarts Legacy?
The primary antagonist is Ranrok, the goblin rebellion leader who wants to control the ancient magic for himself.
14. Can you keep playing Hogwarts Legacy after the House Cup?
Yes, there’s plenty of post-game content. You can complete any unfinished quests and explore the open world.
15. Will there be a Hogwarts Legacy 2?
There are rumors and confirmations from reliable leakers indicating a sequel is in the works, potentially forgoing DLC for the current game.
By understanding the different ending options, and the impact of your choices throughout the game, you can navigate Hogwarts Legacy with a sense of purpose and ensure you experience the story in a way that resonates with you. Whether you choose the path of good or evil, or a bit of both, the game gives you the opportunity to explore this magical world however you please.