The next foray into the wizarding world is imminent. And finally we know what it looks like! So, sure, we’ve seen plenty of scenes from Hogwarts Legacy: quaint common rooms, a few wizard duels, cinematics – but two things were conspicuously missing: the character creator and the user interface.
Both have now been presented in detail and of course we have all the important information for you! You can see the full developer video here:
46:08
Hogwarts Legacy shows tons of new gameplay in the showcase
The character creation
You build your witch or wizard from a large selection of ready-made students. Then you can let off steam with many controls that should seem familiar to role-playing fans:
- face shapes
- Skin color
- eye colors
- hair color and hairstyle
- glasses
- scar
- Voice
- And so forth
Some of the appearance can also be changed later in the game, for example your hair style at the barber in Hogsmead.
Das User Interface
This is what the game will look like when it is finished. Mouse and keyboard has not yet been revealed.
First time we’ve seen the Hogwarts Legacy UI. As you can see in the picture above, a few elements catch our eye. For example, there is the mini-map, which can be optionally switched off.
Also, at least now we know how to cast spells with the controller. Similar to Dragon Age: Inquisition, for example, you have four abilities available via quick selection in the lower right corner. But it should be possible to rotate quickly in combat.
More gauges give you access to potions and tools, plus you’ll see a classic health bar and an even more enigmatic blue bar – we suspect it has something to do with our odd talent for ancient magic.
13:12
All the new info on Hogwarts Legacy (but not all is good)
What else we found out:
- There is no game system that lets us collect house points. The competition should at least play a role in the story.
- Mini-games like magic chess or gobstones are not playable.
- We carry a wizard field guide, a book that challenges us. According to Lore, we should catch up on what we have missed in school education – we start as fifth graders.
- Lessons aren’t realistically simulated, so you can’t miss classes by loafing around in the morning. Instead, we attend the school lessons as the story progresses or as optional side quests, in which we then learn useful additional spells.
- We master our spells and the combat system in the semi-secret dueling club at Hogwarts on training dummies or classmates.
- The spells fall under four different categories with corresponding color codes. Breaking through enemy shields requires choosing the right type of spell.
- Hogwarts is going to be huge. And it’s looking really, really good so far. Which unfortunately cannot be said about the wooden facial animations.
You can read many more details in our experts’ deep dive:
more on the subject
Hogwarts Legacy: All the Secrets of the Trailers Revealed
Before the release of Hogwarts Legacy on February 10, 2023 there should be another showcase. Then more of the area is shown instead of just Hogwarts – so probably the lands and the magical village of Hogsmead.
Controversy um JK Rowling
Comments by Harry Potter author JK Rowling about trans people have repeatedly sparked controversy. This article explains Rowling’s statements and summarizes reactions from those affected. The author is not directly involved in the development of Hogwarts Legacy, but indirectly benefits from profits from the Harry Potter brand through the trademark rights.
