Avalanche Software lifted the veil on Hogwarts Legacy. During a special State of Play, the 20-minute show was dedicated to showing off new gameplay and plot details.
As seen in today’s State of Play, Hogwarts Legacy will let players live their full wizarding life as a fifth-year student at Hogwarts. That includes a wizard duel with another classmate, brewing potions in class, flying on a broomstick, and exploring the school’s campus in your free time.
Avalanche Software also shared some plot details for Hogwarts Legacy, where the player is tasked with investigating a rumored-goblin rebellion led by a goblin named Ranrok. Further noting there was an “uneasy alliance” between the goblins and dark wizards.
As previously confirmed when the game was announced back in 2020, Hogwarts Legacy is set in the late 1800s. Avalanche Software notes in the latest PlayStation Blog that the decision to set it in this time period was to “ensure your legend is never overshadowed by any other hero.” Though the developer assured fans of the Wizarding World that the gameplay will be “familiar to everything you loved about the Harry Potter series.”
Today’s broadcast also detailed new gameplay mechanics and features included in Hogwarts Legacy, including a Talent system, in which you can upgrade specific skills such as stealth or your ability to efficiently use abilities you learn when you are in the Room of Requirement.
The game has stirred up discussion over its connection to Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, who has become notable for her transphobic comments in recent years. Warner Bros. has said the author is not directly involved with the game, but leadership has said “she’s entitled to express her personal opinion”. Reports have since suggested that the game will allow for transgender characters to be created.
Hogwarts Legacy is slated to launch this holiday.
Taylor is the Associate Tech Editor at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.