Summary
2023’sHogwarts Legacyproved to be a massive success with players and critics alike, and a sequel to the game seems like an easy choice for Warner Bros. and Avalanche Software. The next game in the burgeoning series has yet to be officially confirmed, but considering theimpressive sales ofHogwarts Legacyand the iconic status of theHarry PotterIP, a sequel seems inevitable. If this potential sequel does come to fruition, there are a few key elements that could make it a massive improvement over its predecessor.
Hogwarts Legacymay be one of the best-selling games of the year, but just like any game, it has its issues. Hogwarts itself is beautifully realized and detailed, but the rest of the world can feel somewhat empty, falling victim to some of the most commonly maligned open-world design pitfalls. ThemainHogwarts Legacystory, while not without its merits, is held back by a number of factors, for example, and is not typically the most praised part of the whole package. Touching up some of these weaker areas would allow the sequel to hone in on the franchise’s strengths, making for a sequel that is a massive step up from the already beloved first game.
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Character Backgrounds Would Be a Welcome Addition to a Hogwarts Legacy Sequel
Though the game has been highly praised for its character creation options,Hogwarts Legacyfalls short of other RPGs when it comes to creating a fleshed-out, plausible character. Important details, like whether the player character is muggle-born, half-blood, or pure-blood, aren’t included in the game, and allowing players to select one of these backgrounds, along with other fundamental character traits, would make for a more immersive and engaging RPG experience. As it stands, the player character’s backstory inHogwarts Legacyis an elephant in the room; a sequel could turn it into an enriching detail.
Hogwarts Legacy’s Sequel Should Have a Class System
Along those same lines, some sort of class or build system would help make the sequel toHogwarts Legacymuch more enjoyable and replayable. There are no real trade-offs or choices to be made inHogwarts Legacywhen it comes to having access to different spells or abilities, which can make gameplay feel shallow at times. Even if the sequel features a loose class system, it would allow for creativity and intentionality in builds, and replay value would increase dramatically.
Hogwarts Legacy’s Sequel Needs to Address the Use of the Dark Arts
The wayHogwarts Legacyhandles the Dark Artsis one of the most heavily criticized aspects of the game. Using dark magic has no impact on the story or game world, and there’s no downside to using them, making them mechanically shallow. Moreover, it harms immersion, which is vital in an RPG of this nature. A sequel should make this magic more difficult to obtain, and there should be drawbacks to using them. These drawbacks could be in the form of a morality system or a companion loyalty mechanic, or the player character could be locked out of certain spells and abilities if they choose to use Unforgivable Curses. This would tie neatly into the aforementioned class system.
Hogwarts Legacy’s Sequel Should Consider Shrinking Its Map
Student life at Hogwartsis a key part of theHogwarts Legacyfantasy, yet it arguably isn’t as much of a focus as it could be. Instead, most of the game’s map is taken up by a recreation of the Scottish Highlands that, while impressive from a visual standpoint, doesn’t have much in the way of interesting content. A smaller, denser map, one that is more focused on the goings-on of Hogwarts, could allow for a better overall experience.
Hogwarts Legacyhas laid a strong foundation for a franchise. The game’s rendition of Hogwarts is stunning and engaging, and the core spell-casting gameplay is mechanically tight with a lot of room to grow. If a sequel can capitalize onHogwarts Legacy’s missed opportunitieswhile adding valuable new content, it could be an even better game.
Hogwarts Legacyis out now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, with a Switch version releasing on November 14.
