What Level Do You Get Curses in Hogwarts Legacy? A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The allure of the Dark Arts is strong in Hogwarts Legacy, and the ability to wield the powerful Unforgivable Curses is a major draw for many players. But when exactly do you get access to these forbidden spells? The short answer is that it’s not solely tied to your character level. Unlocking curses in Hogwarts Legacy is primarily driven by progress through Sebastian Sallow’s side questline, with specific levels required for certain key moments. Let’s break it down so you know exactly when you can start wielding these potent spells.
Unlocking the Unforgivable Curses: A Quest-Driven Process
The first thing you need to understand is that you don’t simply reach a certain level and gain access to the curses. They are part of a narrative thread tied to Sebastian Sallow, a character you’ll encounter early in the game. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Crucio (The Torture Curse)
The first Unforgivable Curse you’ll have the opportunity to learn is Crucio. This is tied to the quest “In the Shadow of the Study.” However, you won’t be able to take on this quest right away. Here’s what you need:
- Completion of Main Story Mission: You must complete the main story quest ‘The High Keep’.
- Minimum Level Requirement: Your character must be at least level 16 to begin this quest and have the opportunity to learn Crucio.
- Progression through Sebastian’s Quests: You’ll need to have completed previous quests in Sebastian’s side quest chain up to this point.
Once you’ve met these requirements, you can begin “In the Shadow of the Study,” and if you choose to, you’ll learn Crucio during the quest by completing a spell-learning minigame.
Imperio (The Control Curse)
The next Unforgivable Curse, Imperio, is similarly tied to Sebastian’s questline. You’ll be able to unlock it in the quest “In the Shadow of Time”.
- Completion of Previous Sallow Quests: You must have completed all prior quests in Sebastian’s storyline.
- Specific Quest Trigger: The quest “In the Shadow of Time” will unlock after completing “In the Shadow of the Mountain.”
- Choice to Learn: During “In the Shadow of Time” there will be an opportunity to learn Imperio, provided you make the choice to do so.
Avada Kedavra (The Killing Curse)
The most infamous of the three, Avada Kedavra, becomes available much later in the game. The specific quest is “In the Shadow of the Relic.” Here’s what’s needed to access it:
- Level Requirement: You need to reach a minimum of level 28 to access the quest.
- Previous Quest Completion: You must have completed all previous Sallow’s quests leading up to “In the Shadow of Hope” and the main story mission “Lodgok’s Loyalty.”
- Specific Choice: At the end of “In the Shadow of the Relic,” Sebastian will offer to teach you Avada Kedavra. You must agree to learn it during the quest.
What if You Refused to Learn Them Initially?
If you initially refused to learn any of the three curses, or turned Sebastian in to the authorities, don’t despair. After you finish the main story quests, you’ll have a chance to revisit this. You can speak to Sebastian in the Undercroft (if he’s still around based on your choices) and ask him to teach you any curses you might have missed. Note that he will not be available in the Undercroft if you turned him in to the authorities. Also note that learning the curses requires completing the spell-unlocking minigame each time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the process of unlocking the Unforgivable Curses:
1. Do I have to be in Slytherin to learn the Unforgivable Curses?
No, your house choice does not affect your ability to learn the Unforgivable Curses. Any character can learn them regardless of whether they’re a Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin.
2. Can I unlearn the Unforgivable Curses once I’ve learned them?
No, once you learn an Unforgivable Curse, you cannot unlearn it. Choose wisely before committing to learning them as it is a permanent choice.
3. Is there any in-game consequence for using the Unforgivable Curses?
While other characters may comment on your use of the curses, there are no real in-game consequences for using them. Your house points, character interactions, or overall game story will not be significantly affected.
4. Can I use Avada Kedavra on every enemy?
No, you cannot use Avada Kedavra on every enemy. While it is effective against most human enemies, it is ineffective against certain bosses, like Ranrok’s dragon form.
5. What happens if I turn Sebastian in?
If you turn Sebastian in, he will be expelled from Hogwarts and will not be available for further interactions. You will also not be able to learn any Unforgivable Curses from him if you haven’t already.
6. Can I learn the Unforgivable Curses after completing the main story if I turned Sebastian in?
No, if you turned Sebastian in to the authorities, he will not be available to teach you the Unforgivable Curses after completing the main story. You can only learn them if he is present in the Undercroft, or if you use the Dark Arts Battle Arena.
7. What if I refuse to learn a curse when it is offered by Sebastian during his quests?
If you refuse to learn an Unforgivable Curse during Sebastian’s quest, you can revisit him in the Undercroft after the main story to learn it if he hasn’t been turned in. This provides a second opportunity to learn them, provided you complete the required mini-game.
8. Does using the Unforgivable Curses make my character “evil”?
That is ultimately a subjective interpretation. While they are called Unforgivable Curses, the game allows you to use them without changing the main story or the way others perceive your character in any significant way. Whether or not using them makes you “evil” is up to the player’s interpretation.
9. Can I learn Avada Kedavra even if I didn’t take the Slytherin House?
Yes, your house choice does not affect your ability to learn Avada Kedavra. Anyone can learn it if they meet the requirements of the “In the Shadow of the Relic” quest.
10. Can I still get the Dark Arts Battle Arena if I didn’t purchase the deluxe edition or DLC?
The Dark Arts Battle Arena is available only with the Hogwarts Legacy Deluxe Edition or the purchase of the Dark Arts Pack DLC. If you don’t have it, you won’t be able to use that alternate method to use the curses.
11. Do I have to complete all of Sebastian’s questline to get all 3 curses?
Yes, you must complete Sebastian’s full questline to unlock all three Unforgivable Curses and access the relevant quests, if you decide to learn them when offered.
12. Can I stop Sebastian from killing his uncle?
No, Sebastian will always kill his uncle. The only choice you get is whether to turn him in or not after the event has concluded.
13. Does turning Sebastian in affect the ending of the game?
Yes, turning Sebastian in will affect the epilogue, and he will not be present in it. If you do not turn him in, he will be present. The specific changes occur in the ‘In the Shadow of Friendship’ questline.
14. Is there an advantage to not turning Sebastian in?
There are several advantages: you can continue to learn from him, specifically with respect to the Unforgivable Curses; you will have him present in the epilogue; and, you get to continue to see his story play out to the very end.
15. Can you use Avada Kedavra in the Dark Arts Battle Arena if you didn’t learn it through Sebastian?
Yes, if you didn’t learn it during his questline, but have the Dark Arts Arena through purchasing the DLC or the Deluxe Edition, you will be able to use Avada Kedavra and the other curses in the arena. This will not unlock the curses for use in other game modes.
In conclusion, unlocking the Unforgivable Curses in Hogwarts Legacy is a journey intertwined with Sebastian Sallow’s side quests. While level requirements are a factor, progression through his questline is the key to obtaining these powerful spells. Choose wisely, and happy spellcasting!