Hogwarts Legacy - gameplay, release date and pre-orders

Amid the games clustered in September's PlayStation 5 storefront was Portkey Games' Hogwarts Legacy. While you may think of Harry Potter or Ron Weasley when you first imagine a game in this world, it doesn't take place in the same timeline as the original story. Instead, the game will focus on you becoming the next great wizard in training, as you explore and fight in several recognizable locations throughout the series.

Gameplay and tuning

Video via PlayStation's YouTube channel

According to Games publisher Warner Bros., this interactive spin-off will be an "open-world action RPG" long before Potter enters the school of magic. In fact, it will take place during the Victorian era of the 1800s, where you will create your own pupil waving a wand. As an RPG, the publisher also makes it clear that you'll master your spellcasting abilities and level up other talents - so a leveling or skill tree system seems almost certain.

In the trailer, it displays all of the memorable halls and halls of Hogwarts Castle. From the dining room to the endless stairs, the game seems to resurrect the school in digital form in its entirety - but it doesn't stop there. Further on, a narrator declares: "There is a great world beyond these walls", as the images show a populated city, a cave teeming with reanimated skeletons and a deserted island. So hopefully they are emphasizing their “open world” label.

Speaking of spooky enemies, a number of weird monsters like odd-sized ogres and wild boars are featured in the trailer as well, but WB Games hints that players will also be participating in "Dark Wizard Battles." ". Your wizard will have to go through these challenges on his own, however, as it has been noted that this is a solo experience.

Release date and pre-orders

There is no specific release date yet, but it will eventually drop in 2021. Those still on current gen platforms won't have to worry, as it will launch on PS5, Xbox Series X and S, PC, PS4 and Xbox One.

With the release date vague and distant, being able to pre-order Hogwarts Legacy won't happen anytime soon. If you would like to be notified when possible, we recommend that you sign up for the game's newsletter at the top right corner of its website home page.