Hogwarts Legacy 2: The Argument For and Against Dropping the Unforgivable Curses

Hogwarts Legacy 2: The Argument For and Against Dropping the Unforgivable Curses

As a lifelong Potterhead who’s spent countless hours immersed in the magical world J.K. Rowling created, I find myself torn between two perspectives when it comes to the inclusion of the Unforgivable Curses in Hogwarts Legacy 2.


The primary attraction of Hogwarts Legacy lies in its role as the ultimate fantasy experience inspired by Harry Potter. Judging from its impressive sales figures, it’s clear that it delivers on this promise to a large extent for its target audience. If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, you might find that many of your imaginings can be realized in the game – attending classes at Hogwarts, having a drink in Hogsmeade, and even learning the three Unforgivable Curses. However, it’s in those three spells where the series encounters an intriguing dilemma.

The Unforgivable Curses represent some of the most evil parts of the Harry Potter franchise. They canonically can’t just be used by anyone, the caster has to have actual malice in their hearts to make them come out right. Obviously, they’re in Hogwarts Legacy, and they’re a ton of fun to use, but it may sync better with the rest of the series if they don’t make a return in the next game.

Should the Unforgivable Curses Be in Hogwarts Legacy 2?

Arguments Against the Unforgivable Spells Being in the Sequel

“Firstly, several points can be made to suggest that the darkest spells should not appear in the upcoming game.”

  1. Make way for additional spells not seen before
  2. Using evil magic goes against the spirit of the series
  3. They weren’t properly implemented in the first game anyway

In the upcoming release, eliminating the Unforgivable spells could open up space for developers to add new spells from the Harry Potter universe, as not all spells were included in Hogwarts Legacy, with the famous Patronus charm being one of the most significant omissions. By removing the Unforgivables, there may be a chance to incorporate more engaging spells in the next game.

In a story primarily focused on themes of positivity and friendship, such as “Hogwarts Legacy,” it feels out of place to have the character turn into a magical serial killer. Although the upcoming game might explore darker aspects of morality, the overall franchise generally follows the classic narrative of good versus evil. Having the protagonist embody pure evil contradicts the tone and storyline established in previous installments.

In the original game, the dark spells were unconventionally designed. Just as in the world of Harry Potter, dark magic can lead to power quickly but has detrimental effects on a person’s mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Similarly, in Star Wars, the Dark Side offers quick power, yet it causes harm. If there’s no intention to develop these spells further, perhaps they should be omitted from the sequel.

Arguments For the Unforgivable Spells Being in the Sequel

On the flip side, there are plenty of reasons that the spells can and should come back to the next game.

  • Evil runs give the player more freedom
  • Evil or not, the spells are iconic to the series
  • They’re fun to use

A lot of gamers who have played any RPG can attest that sometimes it’s fun to roleplay as the villain. Sometimes it’s just a blast to be able to turn on a video game and be evil – the absolute worst. And if players want to do that with their Harry Potter power fantasy, having the Unforgivable Curses in the game is a necessity. Hopefully, the next game’s writing is handled in a way that makes evil playthroughs more believable, though.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but acknowledge the iconic status of even the darkest spells in the magical world, like Avada Kedavra. This spell, known for its failure to end Harry Potter’s life, is undeniably one of the most recognizable from the series. It’s almost as if these spells are an essential part of the Harry Potter experience, and they deserve their place in our collective memory, whether we choose to wield them or not.

Moreover, let me not forget to mention the entertaining aspect – the thrill of firing a dazzling green beam at an opponent and effectively eliminating them from combat is incredibly gratifying. The Unforgivables simplify battles significantly, but they have cool-down periods, ensuring players maintain a variety of tactics. They perfectly complement the magical power fantasy by providing a sense of control that would feel odd to omit in the sequel.

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2024-09-03 20:07