When Can I Mount a Hippogriff in Hogwarts Legacy? A Comprehensive Guide

The burning question for many a budding witch or wizard venturing into the immersive world of Hogwarts Legacy is undoubtedly: “When can I finally soar through the Scottish Highlands on the back of a magnificent Hippogriff?” The answer, in short, is that you can mount a Hippogriff after completing the main story quest “The High Keep.” Reaching this point requires a combination of progress in the main storyline and achieving a certain level. This quest will unlock the Hippogriff mount, allowing you to traverse the vast open world with grace and speed.

Unlocking Your Winged Companion: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

The journey to mounting a Hippogriff in Hogwarts Legacy involves a few key steps:

1. Progress Through the Main Story: You need to advance the main storyline far enough to trigger the “The High Keep” quest. This quest is a crucial part of the narrative, and you can’t access it prematurely.

2. Achieve Level 17: While completing the quest is essential, you also need to be at least level 17 to fully unlock the flying mount feature, and in order to fly.

3. Complete “The High Keep” Quest: This quest involves navigating the challenges of the titular High Keep, culminating in a thrilling escape on the back of a Hippogriff. Pay close attention to the quest objectives and follow the prompts to succeed.

4. Claim Your Hippogriff: Once “The High Keep” is done, you’ll automatically unlock the ability to summon a Hippogriff as a mount.

5. Accessing Different Hippogriff Mounts: After unlocking flying mounts, you can switch between any available Hippogriff mounts (like the Onyx Hippogriff, if you have it) within the field guide. This allows you to customize your aerial experience.

Claiming Your Onyx Hippogriff

The Onyx Hippogriff, a sleek and stylish variation, is a special case. It was a pre-order exclusive for the Deluxe Edition or Collector’s Edition of Hogwarts Legacy. If you pre-ordered either of these editions, you’ll automatically receive access to it after completing “The High Keep” and unlocking flying mounts. You can then select it from within the field guide under the gear menu. Sadly, you cannot obtain the Onyx Hippogriff if you did not preorder the game.

Hippogriff vs. Broom: A Comparison

Once you unlock the Hippogriff, you might wonder how it compares to the other primary mode of aerial transportation: the broom. Both have their advantages and disadvantages:

• Hippogriff: Excels at rapid elevation changes and offers a unique and majestic experience.
• Broom: Generally faster, more agile, and benefits from a dedicated questline that enhances its performance.

Ultimately, the choice between a Hippogriff and a broom comes down to personal preference. Some players enjoy the Hippogriff’s unique feel and maneuverability, while others prefer the broom’s speed and responsiveness.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Hippogriffs in Hogwarts Legacy

Here are some frequently asked questions about Hippogriffs in Hogwarts Legacy, offering even more in-depth information:

1. Can I put my Hippogriff in my Vivarium?

No, you cannot put a Hippogriff you use as a mount in your Vivarium. The Vivarium is designed for rescued beasts, while your Hippogriff mount is a summoned companion for travel. The Vivarium has space for 12 animals, but you’re only allowed a maximum of 4 different species.

2. How do I claim my Onyx Hippogriff mount?

If you pre-ordered Hogwarts Legacy and have the Deluxe or Collector’s Edition, you’ll automatically unlock the Onyx Hippogriff after completing “The High Keep.” You can then equip it through your field guide.

3. Can you mount a unicorn in Hogwarts Legacy?

Unfortunately, you cannot ride a unicorn in Hogwarts Legacy. While unicorns are present in the game and can be rescued and placed in your Vivarium, they are not available as mounts.

4. How do you unlock beast mounts in Hogwarts Legacy?

You unlock beast mounts by progressing through the main story and completing specific quests. “The High Keep” unlocks flying mounts (Hippogriffs and Thestrals), while San Bakar’s Trial unlocks ground mounts like the Diricawl. To unlock and use the Thestral beast mount, you must purchase the Dark Arts Pack DLC (included in the Deluxe or Collector’s Edition).

5. Can you get the Onyx Hippogriff after release?

No, the Onyx Hippogriff was a pre-order exclusive and is not available for purchase separately after the game’s release.

6. Is the broom or Hippogriff faster?

The broom is generally considered faster and more agile than the Hippogriff. It also has a dedicated questline that enhances its performance throughout the game. However, Hippogriffs can change elevation at a faster speed.

7. How do I redeem my Hippogriff mount?

The Hippogriff mount is automatically unlocked after completing the main story quest “The High Keep” at level 17 or higher. There’s no separate redemption process.

8. Can you ride rescued Hippogriff Hogwarts Legacy?

Yes, after completing “The High Keep,” you’ll ride away on a Hippogriff, permanently unlocking it as a mount for the rest of the game. This is a story-related event and unlocks the mount automatically.

9. How do you unlock all mounts in Hogwarts Legacy?

To unlock all mounts, you must complete “The High Keep” (for flying mounts) and San Bakar’s Trial (for ground mounts). Purchasing the Dark Arts Pack also grants access to the Thestral mount.

10. Can you mount a dragon in Hogwarts Legacy?

Officially, no. However, talented modders have created mods that allow you to transform Hippogriffs into dragons, offering a visually stunning alternative. One popular mod is “DragonOgryff” by Showie, which replaces all Hippogriffs with dragons.

11. Can you get a Graphorn in Hogwarts Legacy?

Yes, the Graphorn is one of 13 beasts that can be found in Hogwarts Legacy and added to your Vivarium. After defeating the Graphorn during San Bakar’s Trial, you can return to its den in the southern part of the world map to rescue one and bring it to your Vivarium.

12. Are there 2 unicorns in Hogwarts Legacy?

There is only one Unicorn Den in Hogwarts Legacy, and only one Unicorn spawns at a time. To catch multiple Unicorns, you must revisit the den periodically to find another one.

13. Is there a female Graphorn?

Hogwarts Legacy players don’t need to worry about finding a specific gender of Graphorn. The Graphorn encountered during San Bakar’s Trial is a unique encounter and can be rescued after the quest.

14. How do you unlock black Hippogriff?

The black Hippogriff mount, Caligo, is unlocked by pre-ordering the game before its release date.

15. Can you get Onyx Hippogriff mount without preorder?

No, the Onyx Hippogriff was a preorder exclusive and cannot be obtained without preordering the game. They will not be for sale separate.

Exploring the Educational Side of Gaming

While Hogwarts Legacy primarily delivers an engaging gaming experience, it also opens doors for conversations about learning and skill development through video games. The strategic thinking, problem-solving, and resource management required to succeed in the game align with many educational principles. Organizations like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) explore these connections in more detail, examining how games can be leveraged for educational purposes.

Conclusion: Soaring to New Heights

Unlocking and mounting a Hippogriff in Hogwarts Legacy is a rewarding experience that allows you to explore the game’s world in a whole new way. By following the steps outlined above and understanding the nuances of each mount, you’ll be well on your way to soaring through the skies of the wizarding world. Whether you prefer the speed of a broom or the majesty of a Hippogriff, the freedom of flight is an unforgettable aspect of Hogwarts Legacy. Now, go forth and discover the magic that awaits!