Summary
- Wingardium Leviosa and Arresto Momentum may not be as effective in combat as other spells in Hogwarts Legacy 2.
- The Disillusionment charm is rarely used and considered redundant in the majority of the game.
- The Unforgivable Curses, though initially fun, can break immersion and may not suit the story and gameplay in the sequel.
One of the best aspects of Harry Potter and the wider Wizarding World franchise is its vast array of spells, with most of them feeling creative and looking truly magical. Thankfully, Hogwarts Legacy nailed this integral element, delivering a total of 34 spells, most of which can be used both to duel dark wizards and other foes, as well as solve several fun little puzzles in the game's open world.
With a total of 34 spells, it's only natural that Hogwarts Legacy contained all the usual series staples, along with a sprinkling of lesser-known spells. A lot of these lesser-known spells actually ended up being some of the best in the game, making the player feel like this all-powerful witch or wizard. Unfortunately, it was some of the series' most iconic spells that ended up feeling a little disappointing in Hogwarts Legacy, and when it comes to building an arsenal for the inevitable sequel, there are a few spells that Avalanche may want to leave on the cutting room floor, at least in their current state.
Every Hogwarts Legacy House Difference Explained
Hogwarts Legacy allows players to pick their house: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff or Slytherin. However, each house is a unique experience.
Spells That Shouldn't Return In Hogwarts Legacy 2
Wingardium Leviosa
Unlocked very early on in Hogwarts Legacy, Wingardium Leviosa is one of the most iconic spells in the Wizarding World thanks largely in part to its infamous debut appearance in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, but unfortunately, it ends up being one of the most lackluster spells in the game. Classified as a Utility spell, Wingardium Leviosa only allows players to levitate and move certain objects in the environment. While this spell gets plenty of use, it does end up feeling a bit too similar to the Levioso spell, which allows players to levitate opponents in combat. It might be best for Hogwarts Legacy 2 to combine these spells into one.
Arresto Momentum
Another iconic Harry Potter spell, Arresto Momentum falls into a similar trap as Wingardium Leviosa. Classified as a Control spell, Arresto Momentum can be used to slow down enemies and break yellow protective barriers, but as the game progresses and enemies become more powerful, this spell quickly loses its effectiveness. Instead, players will mostly end up using Glacius, as it not only slows down opponents but also increases the damage taken by other spells for a short duration.
Disillusionment
While it makes for some engaging story missions, the Disillusionment charm very rarely comes into play during the vast majority of Hogwarts Legacy's runtime. Putting it simply, Hogwarts Legacy's stealth systems weren't all that great, and a spell focused solely around them was very rarely used by most players, making Disillusionment a bit of a redundant addition.
Incendio
A spell that burns and sets fire to opponents at close range, Incendio can be one of the most powerful spells in the game when it's used right, but it is immediately overshadowed by Confringo. Much like Incendio, Confringo delivers an explosive burst of fire damage to opponents, with a high chance of setting them on fire, but unlike Incendio, Confringo can be fired from long-range, making it much more useful during most combat encounters.
The Unforgivable Curses
A controversial pick, the Unforgivable Curses might not have a place in Hogwarts Legacy 2. The first Hogwarts Legacy played fast and loose with its in-universe rules, allowing players to wield the Unforgivable Curses with no consequence at all, and for many fans, this broke the game's immersion quite a bit. While they were fun to use for a little while, Hogwarts Legacy's Unforgivable Curses felt somewhat like cheat codes after a few hours, being mostly used as an instant win when the combat got a bit too challenging. It might be best for a sequel to just drop them entirely, both to service the story and for the gameplay.
Hogwarts Legacy
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 84 /100 Critics Rec: 88%
- Released
- February 10, 2023
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Use of Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- Avalanche Software
- Publisher(s)
- Warner Bros. Games
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Cross-Platform Play
- Hogwarts Legacy doesn't have crossplay or crossplatform support
- Cross Save
- you can freely use your saved data between each console as long as you are connected to the internet and signed into the same account where the saved data was created
WHERE TO PLAY
Hogwarts Legacy is an immersive, open-world action RPG set in the world first introduced in the Harry Potter books. For the first time, experience Hogwarts in the 1800s. Your character is a student who holds the key to an ancient secret that threatens to tear the wizarding world apart. Now you can take control of the action and be at the center of your own adventure in the wizarding world. Your legacy is what you make of it.
Explore an Open World
The wizarding world awaits you. Freely roam Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest, and the surrounding Overland area.
Be the Witch or Wizard You Want to be
Learn spells, brew potions, grow plants, and tend to magical beasts along your journey. Get sorted into your house, forge relationships, and master skills to become the witch or wizard you want to be Experience a New Wizarding World Adventure
Experience the wizarding world in an unexplored era to uncover a hidden truth from its past. Battle against trolls, Dark Wizards, goblins, and more as you face a dangerous villain threatening the fate of the wizarding world.
- Franchise
- Harry Potter
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC
- How Long To Beat
- 26 Hours
- Metascore
- 84
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
