Hogwarts Legacy, with its impressive graphics and a beautiful, interactive map of Hogwarts, brought to life the magical world of witchcraft and wizardry that stands the test of time. But one understated part of it, especially regarding the originalHarry Potterfilms, is the presence of fantastical beasts.
With a secondHogwarts Legacyin the works, there’s a lot from its world to draw from that the first game didn’t. AndHogwarts Legacyis easily the most elaborate and lore-richHarry Pottergame to date, so a sequel needs to do a lot to one-up itself. This could be achieved by adding more creatures, making its thriving magical ecosystem feel more robust.
Hogwarts Legacy’s Mystical Creatures Make the World Feel Alive
Existing Harry Potter Beasts Set a Precedent for the Next Game
Among the 13 creatures that appear inHogwarts Legacy, a few stand out as undeniably iconic. For starters, theHPuniverse’s Hippogriffis perhaps the most recognized creature thanks to Buckbeak. There’s also the Niffler, made famous by Newt Scamander’s furry companion in theFantastic Beastsfilms. Then, of course, there are Unicorns, Thestrals, and Phoenixes, which all stood out in their own right inHarry Potter.
Hogwarts Legacyplayers can have vivariums that house the fantastic creatures found around Hogwarts and the beautiful wider world. Vivariums introduce a way to save theseadorable wizarding world creaturesfrom poachers, and they provide ingredients for enchantments and potions. The sequel should keep the utility of these creatures, to make gameplay rewarding, but it could improve on their overall role in the narrative.
Hogwarts Legacy 2 Could Have a Stronger Story With More Creatures
Depicting unseen beasts could contribute a lot to long-loved lore while representing the classics of the series. There are a few examples that alone exemplify the need for creatures that take on a larger role in whatever storyHogwarts Legacy 2brews up, whether as friend or foe.
Firstly, players could have their pick of a pet (only owls, cats, rats, and toads are allowed at Hogwarts). For fans of Herbology, there areplants inHogwarts Legacythat can be used during combat, so it wouldn’t be a stretch to have an animal companion that can do the same thing, providing a layer of mechanical complexity and a bond that lasts throughout the game.
Werewolves could also offer something interesting.Harry Potter’s take on werewolveswas seen almost exclusively through fan-favorite Remus Lupin. Given that lycanthropy can affect any ordinary wizard, putting a werewolf inHogwarts Legacy 2could make for good quest fodder, perhaps introducing a main character with an intriguing backstory or even a powerful foe. Or it could discuss their complex and feared status in the wizarding world in general.
There’s also an opportunity in the crux ofHarry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets—the Basilisk. It could provide a memorable quest and consequentboss battlegiven their famed abilities of petrification and a venomous bite. And on the subject of large lizards, Dragons are in their iconic realm when it comes to fantasy storytelling. Although one appears inHogwarts Legacy, there’s more to explore, as seen especially inHarry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
There’s also the Dementor. A major disappointment that came afterHogwarts Legacy’s release was Azkaban. The famed wizard prison could be visited in a quest only available to Hufflepuffs. This left the dark and mysterious location known well to anyHarry Potterfan feeling like a missed opportunity for all players. Giventhe danger of Dementors, they could make for an interesting foe depending on which way the story goes.
There may be more options too, asthe world ofHarry Potteris massive in its own right, but even some of these adjustments would show thatHogwarts Legacy 2can come a long way. While the role of fantastic beasts in the first game was an impressive one, there’s a lot more room for elaborate quest writing in the game as a whole, and several magical creatures would be the perfect path toward that.
Hogwarts Legacy
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 WorldThe wizarding world awaits you. Freely roam Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest, and the surrounding Overland area.Be the Witch or Wizard You Want to beLearn 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 AdventureExperience 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.
