5 Magical Games To Play After Hogwarts Legacy
So you've just finished playing through "Hogwarts Legacy." After several hours of classes, side missions, and magic duels, you've seen every ending to the game and uncovered all of its mysteries. You've even played through all of the house-specific quests and proven yourself worthy in every corner of Hogwarts' hallowed halls. Naturally, you're wondering what to play next, right? What other game could possibly scratch the itch of visiting the Wizarding World and enrolling at a virtual Hogwarts?
Well, there are of course many other video games set in the "Harry Potter" universe, but they're not all great. But not to worry, as there are plenty of games packed with mirth and mysticism that should appeal to fans after they have wrung all of the excitement out of "Hogwarts Legacy." They may not all be obvious choices, but each of the following video games are certainly magical in their own way.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Hogwarts is famous for its four houses — Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, and Hufflepuff — into which students are sorted for the entirety of their stay at the school. For fans of RPGs who are looking for that kind of structure, "Fire Emblem: Three Houses" might be just the thing.
This turn-based tactical JRPG puts players in the role of a new professor at the Officers Academy of Garreg Mach Monastery. The professor (named Byleth by default) is charged with choosing one of three school houses to teach and eventually lead into battle. The game's story plays out quite differently depending on which house is picked by the player, which means plenty of replay value. In addition, players can choose from a number of character classes that will change their combat proficiencies. Players can dabble in the dark arts or spend their time becoming proficient in traditional combat.
"Fire Emblem: Three Houses" allows for a ton of freedom when determining your character's future and how they'll interact with the school around them, making it an ideal game to check out after "Hogwarts Legacy."
- Release Date: July 26, 2019
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch
- Genre: RPG, Tactics, Strategy
- Game modes: Single-Player
- Metacritic Score: 89 (Switch)
Disney Dreamlight Valley
Why not jump from one absolutely massive fantastical franchise to another? If you're looking for another magical universe to explore, could do a lot worse than the House of Mouse. "Disney Dreamlight Valley" actually has quite a bit in common with "Hogwarts Legacy," even after you've moved past all of the spellcasters in the Disney canon.
Players can create their own character and set out to save the familiar denizens of the titular valley from the mysterious encroaching Night Thorns. Along the way, players can make friends with classic Disney characters, craft new gear and decorations, undertake side quests to unlock new characters and realms, and even cook food with various ingredients scattered around the magical world. If that doesn't sound "Harry Potter" enough for you, does it help that you're literally sent into the valley by Merlin himself?
"Disney Dreamlight Valley" may not be quite as action-packed as "Hogwarts Legacy," but it has charm and magic to spare, even in its early access state.
- Release Date: Early Access
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
- Genre: Adventure, Sim
- Game modes: Single-Player
- Metacritic Score: N/A
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim Special Edition
Yes, "Skyrim" has been ported time and time again. At this point, Bethesda's RPG masterwork is on more consoles than there are spiders in the Forbidden Forest. But on the off-chance that you haven't played this historic game, then there's great news: This game is going to last you way longer than "Hogwarts Legacy" — and it even features a magical academy!
"Skyrim" puts players in the boots of the Dragonborn, a classic "Chosen One" type with a natural command of magic and the ability to absorb the souls of fallen dragons. With these abilities, players set out to defeat an all-powerful dragon and bring peace to the realm of Skyrim through any means necessary. Along the way, players can explore dungeons, complete lengthy side quests, and hone their skills in deadly combat.
Fans of "Hogwarts Legacy" may especially appreciate the side missions involving the College of Winterhold. This academy has fallen on hard times, but dedicated players can rescue it from the brink and even lead it into the future as its new Archmage (complete with some sweet new digs).
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
The latest generation of "Pokémon" might be a bit janky, thanks to some glitches here and there, but folks who enjoyed "Hogwarts Legacy" will find some surprising similarities in "Pokémon Scarlet" and "Violet." The two games introduce players to the all-new Paldea region and tons of exciting Pokémon to capture and train. If you enjoyed taming the mounts in "Hogwarts Legacy," such as the Thestrals or the Hippogriffs, then you'll be happy to know that these "Pokémon" titles give you a powerful mount from the beginning of the story. Depending on which version you pick up, you'll be able to ride Koraidon or Miraidon, Legendary Pokémon that resemble motorcycles and can take the player across all kinds of terrain. You can even take to the sky on the back of your trust Pokémon!
Players can also expect to do plenty of crafting and cooking during their adventures in Paldea. From assembling the materials to make new TMs (machines that teach your Pokémon new moves) to scrounging up ingredients for delicious sandwiches, the more collectable-minded "Hogwarts Legacy" players will find no shortage of things to do in "Pokémon Scarlet" and "Violet."
Oh, and did we mention there's even a special school in this one? Players can expect to learn all about Pokémon history in the hallowed halls of the Oldest School. There, our hero will make friends, impress the faculty, and set off on research missions that will uncover new corners of this magical world.
Wytchwood
If you're the ideal Potions or Herbology student and find yourself spending most of your Talent points on Room of Requirement skills in "Hogwarts Legeacy," then "Wytchwood" might be exactly what you're looking for. Alientrap's adorable indie adventure game stars an old witch who spends her days gathering up ingredients, brewing potions, and occasionally interacting with the colorful inhabitants of the surrounding lands. Along the way, the witch will have to capture the souls of 12 animals and work to restore her missing memories.
"Wytchwood" is very light on plot, but it makes up for it in sheer charm and atmosphere. Think of a more gothic version of "Stardew Valley" or "Cozy Grove" and you have a bit of an idea of what lies in store. By using the protagonist's Witch Sense and her trusty Grimoire, searching out the necessary ingredients is a relaxing breeze. Of course, not everything is easy, as you'll often find yourself chasing after a rogue bunny rabbit or negotiating with the locals to proceed. Still, the lovely soundtrack and quirky art style make "Wytchwood" one of the most calming and meditative alternatives to "Hogwarts Legacy" on the market.
- Release Date: December 9, 2021
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
- Genre: Adventure
- Game modes: Single-Player
- Metacritic Score: 78 (PC)