Navigating the Shadows: Consequences of Siding with Sebastian in Hogwarts Legacy

So, you’re faced with a tough choice in Hogwarts Legacy: Sebastian Sallow or Ominis Gaunt? Both are compelling characters caught in a web of dark magic and family tragedy. Choosing to side with Sebastian, particularly in key moments during his questline, can lead to a unique, albeit morally gray, experience within the game. But what exactly are the consequences? Siding with Sebastian primarily impacts your access to Unforgivable Curses, the development of your relationship with him, and the overall tone of your playthrough. Let’s delve deeper into the ramifications of supporting Sebastian on his dark path.

The Allure of the Dark Arts: Embracing Sebastian’s Path

The most immediate and tangible consequence of siding with Sebastian is the opportunity to learn the Unforgivable Curses. While these powerful spells are available elsewhere (primarily in the Dark Arts Battle Arena through DLC content), Sebastian’s questline offers a more organic and narratively driven way to acquire them. By aligning with him, you open the door to learning spells like Crucio, Imperio, and ultimately, Avada Kedavra.

• Learning Imperio: In “The Shadow of Time” quest, siding with Sebastian usually leads to learning Imperio if you haven’t already. You’ll then be prompted to cast it on Ominis, a decision that carries no lasting consequences beyond acquiring the spell. The relic is still taken by Sebastian.

• Unlocking Further Dark Magic: Continuing to support Sebastian allows you to further explore the Dark Arts. He’ll teach you these spells within the Undercroft, offering opportunities to practice and master them.

• Moral Implications: While the game itself doesn’t punish you for using Unforgivable Curses, choosing to learn and wield them definitely colors your character’s arc. Siding with Sebastian leans into a darker narrative.

Relationship Dynamics: Forging a Bond (of Sorts)

Choosing Sebastian’s side influences your relationship with both him and Ominis. While Sebastian is generally appreciative of your support, even when you disagree, Ominis is more sensitive to the use of Dark Magic.

• Sebastian’s Gratitude: Sebastian will generally be grateful for your understanding and support, even if you voice concerns about his methods. This fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
• Strain on Friendship with Ominis: Siding with Sebastian can damage your relationship with Ominis, who is vehemently opposed to the Dark Arts. He may express his disapproval and concern, creating tension in your interactions. He is after all related to Voldemort as his great uncle.
• No True Romance: It’s important to note that Hogwarts Legacy doesn’t feature romance options. While you can build strong friendships, siding with Sebastian won’t lead to a romantic relationship.
• End of the Line: Siding with Sebastian means you will get to see him use the Killing Curse on his Uncle.

The Shadow of Time Quest: A Crucial Decision Point

“The Shadow of Time” quest is pivotal. Siding with Sebastian here involves either learning or using the Imperio curse. Critically, regardless of your dialogue choices, Sebastian always ends up taking the relic. The immediate consequence is the potential learning of Imperio, but the longer-term effect is that it reinforces your commitment to his path. This quest also highlights the growing rift between Sebastian and Ominis, a direct result of Sebastian’s actions.

Consequences and the Epilogue

Ultimately, the most significant long-term consequence of siding with Sebastian lies in whether or not you turn him in to the authorities.

• Turning Sebastian In: If you report Sebastian, he is expelled from Hogwarts and becomes unavailable for further quests and interactions, including the epilogue. This effectively cuts off his questline and any potential rewards associated with it. You’ll speak to Ominis, who will express conflicted feelings about the situation.
• Not Turning Sebastian In: If you choose to protect Sebastian, he remains in Hogwarts (at least for the time being) and his questline continues. This allows you to continue learning about the Dark Arts and further develop your relationship with him. However, it also means condoning his actions, with the associated moral implications.

Impact on Gameplay and Story

While Hogwarts Legacy offers a degree of choice, the overarching narrative remains largely fixed. Siding with Sebastian primarily affects the tone and flavor of your playthrough.

• No Major Story Alterations: Regardless of your choices, key events like the main storyline climax will play out similarly. You won’t drastically alter the game’s ending by siding with Sebastian.
• Roleplaying Opportunities: The real impact comes from the roleplaying aspect. Siding with Sebastian allows you to explore a more morally ambiguous character, one willing to delve into forbidden magic for personal gain or to protect loved ones.
• Access to Spells: As mentioned before, siding with Sebastian is the easiest way to unlock all three unforgivable curses. Turning him in effectively bars you from that opportunity unless you own the Deluxe Edition with the Battle Arena.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

1. Does siding with Sebastian make me a bad person in the game?

Hogwarts Legacy doesn’t have a morality system. Whether your actions are “good” or “bad” is a matter of perspective and your own interpretation of the narrative. Siding with Sebastian simply means you’re willing to explore a darker path.

2. Can I still learn Avada Kedavra if I turn Sebastian in?

No, not through the main story quest. If you report Sebastian before learning Avada Kedavra, you will lose your ability to learn it unless you access the Dark Arts Battle Arena (available through the Deluxe Edition or Dark Arts Pack DLC).

3. Will Ominis hate me if I side with Sebastian?

Ominis will likely disapprove of your choices, especially if they involve using Dark Magic. However, he won’t necessarily “hate” you. Their friendship will be strained, but he will still have some interactions with you after you turn in Sebastian.

4. Does siding with Sebastian change the ending of the game?

Not significantly. The core ending remains the same, regardless of your choices in Sebastian’s questline. Your dialogue choices, interactions, and acquired spells might color your perception of the ending, but the major plot points remain consistent.

5. Can I romance Sebastian if I side with him?

No, Hogwarts Legacy does not feature romance options with any characters, including Sebastian.

6. What happens if I tell Ominis about Sebastian’s actions?

Telling Ominis about Sebastian often leads to tension and disapproval. It can strain your relationship with both characters, especially if you’ve been actively supporting Sebastian’s use of Dark Magic.

7. Is it possible to befriend both Sebastian and Ominis?

It is possible, but challenging. It requires careful navigation of dialogue choices and a willingness to compromise. You’ll need to balance your support for Sebastian with your understanding of Ominis’s concerns. However, it’s unlikely you can fully reconcile their differences.

8. Does learning Unforgivable Curses have any negative consequences in combat?

No, there are no gameplay penalties for using Unforgivable Curses. They are powerful spells that can be highly effective in combat. Other characters may comment on their use, but there are no mechanical drawbacks.

9. Can I avoid learning Unforgivable Curses altogether?

Yes, you can choose to avoid learning the Unforgivable Curses by refusing Sebastian’s offers. You can still complete his questline to a certain point, but you won’t acquire those specific spells unless you want to.

10. Does Sebastian ever regret using Dark Magic?

Sebastian’s feelings about Dark Magic are complex. He often justifies its use as a means to an end, particularly in his quest to cure his sister, Anne. However, he may also express moments of doubt or concern, especially as his actions become more extreme.

11. Is there a “good” or “bad” ending to Sebastian’s questline?

There is no explicitly labeled “good” or “bad” ending. The conclusion of Sebastian’s questline depends on your choices and your willingness to condone or condemn his actions. The consequences of his actions are very black and white.

12. What happens if I refuse to cast Crucio on Sebastian or let him cast it on me?

There is no significant difference between casting or receiving Crucio from Sebastian. Either way, you learn the curse.

13. Can I change my mind about turning Sebastian in?

Once you make the decision to turn Sebastian in, it is irreversible. There’s no option to recant your choice.

14. Is Ominis related to Voldemort?

Yes. Ominis Gaunt is Voldemort’s great-uncle in Hogwarts Legacy. You can check out the Games Learning Society to learn more about other related game theories like this! Find them at GamesLearningSociety.org.

15. If I don’t side with Sebastian, do I miss any important story elements?

While you might miss out on the specific details and interactions related to Sebastian’s questline and the Dark Arts, you won’t miss any essential plot points that impact the main story.

Ultimately, siding with Sebastian in Hogwarts Legacy offers a compelling, albeit morally ambiguous, path through the game. It allows you to explore the allure of forbidden magic, forge a unique bond with a complex character, and experience a darker narrative tone. However, it also comes with consequences, particularly in your relationship with Ominis and the ultimate fate of Sebastian himself. Weigh your choices carefully and choose the path that aligns with the character you want to portray.