Why Hogwarts Legacy 2 Needs to Embrace the Challenge of Shadow of the Erdtree!

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It’s common knowledge that Hogwarts Legacy, developed by Avalanche Software and published by Warner Bros., was an enormous hit in 2023, outshining all other significant releases. Given its financial success, it’s highly likely we’ll see a follow-up; the intellectual property is too lucrative for Warner Bros. to let go. However, the specifics of what this sequel might entail are yet to be determined.

Before the release, there was a lot of faith in the upcoming game “Hogwarts Legacy“, but just how successful it would be wasn’t entirely clear. This is suggested by the fact that the game seems to have wrapped up all major plot threads before the end credits, leaving little room for a direct sequel. On one hand, this means that the future of the “Hogwarts Legacy” franchise is less certain than it might have been; however, it also opens up a vast array of possibilities for Avalanche Software. Future installments of “Hogwarts Legacy” may not be bound by the setting, tone, or storyline of the original game, giving Avalanche more creative freedom when developing potential sequels like “Hogwarts Legacy 2“. One idea from the DLC of “Elden Ring“, specifically “Shadow of the Erdtree“, could be particularly beneficial in terms of gameplay for future “Hogwarts Legacy” games.

Hogwarts Legacy 2 Should Crank Up the Difficulty, Just Like Shadow of the Erdtree Did

Higher Difficulty Could Benefit Hogwarts Legacy 2

Initially, Elden Ring was quite challenging, but The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC took it up a notch, providing an additional layer of difficulty that didn’t sit well with all players. However, as the dust has settled on this expansion, it’s clear what FromSoftware aimed to achieve: The Shadow of the Erdtree was designed as a tough endgame challenge for seasoned Elden Ring players, pushing them out of their comfort zones and testing their skills. The enemies in this DLC are more aggressive and possess abilities that even experienced players may not be familiar with.

The delay of over two years between the release of Elden Ring‘s core game and SoTE‘s launch suggests that it serves as a kind of ultimate test or challenge for players, allowing them ample time to master the combat mechanics before its debut.

In a more simplified way, you could say:

The second installment of Hogwarts Legacy might follow a similar path. On harder settings, the original game is not particularly challenging. Most of its difficulty comes from increased enemy damage and defense rather than intricate mechanics. Essentially, once players get the hang of the combat system, inspired by the Arkham series, battles in Hogwarts Legacy can become predictable, monotonous, and less exciting, especially towards the end of the game.

How Higher Difficulty Could Work in Hogwarts Legacy 2

Similar to how Shadow of the Erdtree maintains its combat system while introducing attacks from various directions, Hogwarts Legacy 2 should aim to enhance existing features instead of starting anew. A wider range of enemies, faster-paced battles, and more thoughtful and intricate enemy placements could make the game more engaging. Additionally, the sequel could broaden the player’s arsenal with distinct attack types and character customization options, much like how Shadow of the Erdtree builds upon the fundamental design elements of Elden Ring.

In the development of Hogwarts Legacy 2, it is likely that they will prioritize an audience who enjoys a casual gaming experience, similar to the original game. Given that most players are not seeking FromSoftware-style combat in Hogwarts Legacy, the lessons learned from the connection between Elden Ring and Shadow of the Erdtree could aid Avalanche Software in expanding the Hogwarts Legacy IP into a more intricate and robust game, appealing to a wider range of players. By placing emphasis on enhancing combat complexity and depth rather than merely adjusting enemy statistics, the “hard mode” in Hogwarts Legacy 2 could offer a significantly more rewarding experience.

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2025-04-09 18:34