Harry Potter Hogwarts Legacy game: release date in Australia, gameplay, controversy and everything to know

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It’s arguably the biggest release of the year, with the wizarding world brought to life in video game form.

Hogwarts Legacy is the most ambitious game in the beloved Harry Potter universe and fans are in for an absolute surprise on February 10th.

The game will be released on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X | S in a few days, but if you want to play it on Xbox One or PlayStation 4 you will have to wait until April 4th.

Players will be able to choose their own wand, or they can import it from the Wizarding World website. (Nine)

While those who pre-ordered the deluxe edition of Hogwarts Legacy can access the game a few days early, there’s bad news for Nintendo Switch players: they’ll have to wait until July 25th to play.

Here at 9News.com.au, we’ve played around 30 hours of Hogwarts Legacy and have all the important information you need to get started on your magical journey.

Hogwarts Legacy features a large open world, with famous landmarks from Harry Potter and many new and exciting areas to explore.

The whole of Hogwarts Castle is within reach, as is the magical city of Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest and various magical villages, caves and ancient ruins.

The game has a fast travel feature, the Floo Network, which works similar to the books and movies, but its access points are scattered all over the map.

You can reach the Floo locations at any time by accessing the map. Locations you’ve unlocked are marked with a green flame.

Players can experience all the classes Hogwarts has to offer, including Potions, Transfiguration, Charms and Beasts. (Provided)

The map is divided into segments: world map, Hogwarts and Hogsmeade.

There are many details to go through, from active quests to fast travel locations, important landmarks, and challenges.

You can’t just grab a broom and fly around, you have to earn it.

Once you’ve had your first broomstick flying lesson, a specialist flying shop in Hogsmeade will open its doors. Here you can buy one of five broom models for 600 Galleons (I personally chose the Ember model).

Your broom will be your best friend to navigate the world.

In a difficult situation? You can jump on your broomstick and fly away during combat, area permitting.

Your broom may not feel as fast as you hoped from the first flight, but rest assured there are some broom upgrades available.

Tip: If you fall off a cliff or tall building, you can pull your broom out mid-fall to avoid injury.

There is no shortage of spells in Hogwarts Legacy.

Whether it’s battling dark wizards and witches, eliminating a group of evil goblins, or solving an ancient puzzle, there’s a spell for everything.

There are more than 30 in the game, including classics like Wingardium Leviosa, Lumos, and Incendio.

There are more than 30 spells in the game. (Nine)

You can learn some spells by attending classes, but most of them will be taught by teachers or students as part of assignments and quests.

If you’re going down the dark path there are, of course, some “unforgivable curses” to learn along the way.

The first you can learn is Crucio, the torture spell that inflicts excruciating pain on your enemy. Next up is Imperio, who takes mind control of the enemy and passes it over to your team for combat.

Then finally you can learn the instant-killing curse, responsible for the deaths of Harry Potter’s parents and his infamous scar, Avada Kedavra.

In the latest TikTok trend, many aspiring dark wizards and witches say they want to go on a Voldemort-style rampage through Hogwarts on day one, but we’re sorry to say that’s not an option.

Friendly fire isn’t a thing in Hogwarts Legacy – and it’s probably for the best.

Tip: You can unlock more than one spell wheel, allowing you to set up custom button maps and quickly switch between your favorite spell sets.

Hogwarts Legacy is set in 1890, 100 years before the Harry Potter story.

Spoilers aside, your character is admitted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry quite late, and you begin your Hogwarts journey in Year 5.

To catch up, you have to perform a series of extra tasks set by the school professors.

Many missions require you to tick certain boxes before proceeding and all of this can be managed from the mission log.

There are over 150 quests in Hogwarts Legacy. (Nine)

You can find new quests by talking to characters from around the world, but some will come to you.

Owl Post acts as an in-game communicator, with characters reaching out to you and offering you new quests as you explore the world.

Tip: Some activities require it to be night or day. You can adjust the time by going to the map and pressing the right stick.

The game is full of magical customization options.

From your wand and attire, down to the minute details within your representation of the Room of Requirement.

Your character’s face shape, skin tone, voice tone, and hairstyle can be set when you first start the game.

Hogwarts Legacy will be released on February 10 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. (Hogwarts Legacy)

Gamers may find themselves hating the way they look but not wanting to change their clothing because it makes them stronger or protects them, but there’s a simple fix.

Each piece of equipment can have a custom look. Once you find or unlock an outfit type, it appears in your equipment library. Hover over the equipment slot you want to change and press Square or X to change the appearance and keep the perks.

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Hogwarts Legacy is coming to PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X | S late Friday, followed by PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on April 4.

9News has received early access to Hogwarts Legacy from the game’s publisher.

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