With the release of Hogwarts Legacy, millions of fans of the Wizarding World will finally get to live out their fantasy of being a student enrolled at Hogwarts. From the moment the game begins, you are thrust into an adventure full of danger and mystery.
While you will likely spend most of your time out in the world, battling dark wizards and goblins, you’ll also need to spend some focused effort on learning as many spells as you can if you hope to defeat the evil and supremely powerful goblin, Ranrok. Will you be tempted by the allure of dark magic? And if you choose to learn the Unforgivable Curses, what negative consequences will follow? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, so you can make the best choice for yourself.
How Do You Learn Dark Magic?
You’ll learn most of the spells you have access to in the game from your professors and a few from your fellow students. When it comes to learning dark magic, however, you’ll have to learn them from someone without the usual moral constraints.
This is where Sebastian Sallow comes in. After learning a bit of his backstory, you’ll find that his sister was cursed with some unknown magic. Sebastian is determined to find a way to reverse the curse and free her from her torment, even if it means exploring dark magic. There are several quests with Sebastian, and as you progress through his storyline, you’ll eventually have the option to learn Crucio, Imperio, and Avada Kedavra if you so choose. But what are the consequences of using these forbidden curses?
What Happens When You Use Dark Magic?
If you choose to learn each curse, there are no immediate consequences. Knowing them does not change how the main story progresses, or your access to any side quests or additional content. Although you can choose whether you use dark magic, there is no definitive morality system that allows you to walk the evil or good paths throughout the game. While this approach does create a more linear experience, it also gives players the freedom to explore all that the game has to offer, without restricting them from any content.
However, if you do choose to use an unforgivable curse in front of one of your classmates, you will get some sort of judgment from them. This typically comes in the form of them expressing their dislike for those spells during combat. Additionally, some enemies will also judge you for using the curse on them, both for the pain they inflict, and the hypocrisy of a do-gooder like yourself using them. If when the time comes you are still not sure whether you’re ready to learn the curse, rest assured knowing that you do have the option to learn them again by visiting Sebastian in the Undercroft.