What Happens if You Choose the Dark Side in Hogwarts Legacy?
Choosing to embrace the dark arts in Hogwarts Legacy doesn’t transform you into a malevolent overlord or lead to dramatically different storylines. Instead, the game provides a more nuanced exploration of morality, where your choices have subtle but tangible effects on your character and the world around them. Directly, selecting the “dark side,” primarily through the use of the Unforgivable Curses, mainly impacts your gameplay experience through combat advantages and minor reputation shifts rather than fundamentally altering the plot.
The most noticeable impact of venturing down a darker path lies in your combat prowess. The Unforgivable Curses, namely Crucio, Imperio, and Avada Kedavra, become available and dramatically enhance your offensive capabilities. Crucio inflicts damage over time, debilitating opponents. Imperio allows you to manipulate enemies, turning them against their allies. And, most notoriously, Avada Kedavra provides a devastating insta-kill, capable of eliminating even powerful enemies and incrementally shaving off boss health. Using all three and focusing on the dark arts talent tree essentially makes your character OP, offering a significant edge in duels and battles.
However, the game also attempts to subtly reflect these darker choices. While you won’t be branded a Dark Wizard by the story, some characters react to your use of Unforgivable Curses. For instance, your companion Natsai Onai will express her disapproval and discomfort when you cast these spells during your adventures together. This subtle shift in character interactions serves as the main form of consequence, affecting your reputation.
Ultimately, while you have access to dark magic, Hogwarts Legacy is not structured in a way that allows you to become a fully-fledged “evil” wizard. Regardless of your morally questionable choices, you cannot canonically be perceived as inherently evil, or trigger a story where you rise to become a proto-Voldemort. There are no major story changes that are tied to the choice of using Unforgivable Curses. Your character may be using these curses, but your good or evil actions will not change the major plot points of your time at Hogwarts.
Furthermore, the game has two distinct endings: a “good” and a “bad” ending. However, the path to these endings is determined by your dialogue choices during a specific moment in the main quest, not the frequency with which you use dark magic. Choosing to keep the Ancient Magic contained results in the “good” ending, while the “bad” ending is unlocked by choosing to open it up. The use of Unforgivable Curses has no bearing on the ending you achieve. This makes the choice to utilize these spells essentially a matter of gameplay preference and player choice rather than a choice that will cause long-term impact on the overarching narrative.
In summary, choosing the “dark side” in Hogwarts Legacy translates to enhanced combat capabilities through the use of dark magic, minor shifts in interactions with specific characters and no changes to the main story or your ending. You’re not locked into a path of evil. It’s more of an option that is offered to you while experiencing the game, that provides you with greater control of the battlefield during duels and combat scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does using Unforgivable Curses affect the story?
No, using Unforgivable Curses does not significantly impact the overarching story. While certain characters may react with disapproval, it does not change the major plot points or your overall narrative arc. Your actions won’t change the core experience of the game.
2. Can you get a bad ending by using dark magic?
No, your use of dark magic does not lead to a bad ending. The ending of the game is determined solely by a key dialogue choice regarding the use of Ancient Magic. This decision is independent of your use of Unforgivable Curses throughout your playthrough.
3. Will my Housemates treat me differently if I use dark magic?
Your Housemates will not treat you differently based on your use of dark magic. The game does not track your behavior in a way that dramatically affects relationships with other students. You will not become an outcast or be ostracized for your actions.
4. Are there any legal consequences for using Unforgivable Curses?
There are no in-game legal consequences for using Unforgivable Curses. You will not be expelled from Hogwarts or imprisoned for using these spells. The game does not introduce any kind of enforcement mechanic for dark arts.
5. Can you be expelled from Hogwarts in Hogwarts Legacy?
While you can choose to be evil, you can not be expelled for your actions. Expulsion is not a game mechanic present in Hogwarts Legacy, despite some characters suggesting expulsion in response to certain actions.
6. Does using the dark arts make you stronger?
Yes, focusing on dark arts talents and using the Unforgivable Curses makes you much stronger in combat. These spells and talents provide significant advantages during duels and battles, making your character exceptionally powerful.
7. Can you go to Azkaban in Hogwarts Legacy?
Visiting Azkaban is possible, but it is very limited and restricted to players who chose the Hufflepuff House at the start of the game. This is a House-exclusive side quest and is only a brief and linear visit.
8. Is it worth using Unforgivable Curses?
It depends on your playstyle. If you value raw power and combat efficiency, the Unforgivable Curses are incredibly useful. If you prefer to play a more virtuous character, then avoiding them is acceptable. They provide a combat advantage but are not necessary for beating the game.
9. Does Sebastian Sallow turn evil because of dark magic?
Sebastian’s actions and choices are more complex than just becoming “evil.” He is driven by grief and a desire to protect his family, which leads him down a dangerous path with dark magic. His character development is complex and explores the grey areas of morality.
10. What happens if you turn Sebastian in?
Turning Sebastian in will mean you are no longer able to learn the Unforgivable Curses from him. He will be removed from the game, and the opportunity will no longer be available to you in the same save. You’ll miss out on opportunities to learn these spells and continue his storyline.
11. Can you save Professor Fig?
No, Professor Fig’s death is an unavoidable event in the story. No matter which ending you achieve or your choices you make, Fig will not survive the final events of the story. There is no way to save him.
12. Is there a downside to the dark arts in Hogwarts Legacy?
The main downside to using the dark arts is the effect on your reputation and character interactions, particularly with Natsai Onai. However, gameplay wise, the effects on combat are mostly positive and they provide a significant advantage in most battles.
13. What is the “bad” ending in Hogwarts Legacy?
The “bad” ending occurs if you choose to open the Ancient Magic repository when asked by Fig. This decision leads to a scene where your character absorbs some of the uncontrolled magic, gaining a boost in power. There are not any other notable changes.
14. Is there a patronus charm in Hogwarts Legacy?
No, there is no Patronus charm available for use in Hogwarts Legacy. Despite many fan theories, players are not able to cast it in this game, despite the fact that it is an iconic charm of the Wizarding World.
15. Will there be a Hogwarts Legacy 2?
While not officially confirmed, there are reports of a sequel to Hogwarts Legacy being in development. A sequel could potentially introduce more intricate morality systems and story changes based on player actions, but it is not guaranteed.