As many players will know, Hogwarts Legacy differentiates itself from the Harry Potter series by being set 100 years before the book and film series. While many players first sought the well-known and iconic locations throughout the game, the world also offered an array of new, never-before-seen locations - each furthering the richness and lore of the Hogwarts universe in its own way.
From secret rooms to entire settlements, the developers at Warner Bros. Games added plenty of new and interesting places for both new and veteran fans of the series to explore and become immersed in the ever-developing history and mythology of the Hogwarts school and its surrounding areas.
8 Irondale
The small hamlet of Irondale might appear relatively unremarkable, but the place has a deep and interesting history. Originally founded as a settlement to house goblins working in the iron mines, it was later colonized by wizards who saw the potential of the town's ironworks and drove the goblins from the town. Previously known as "Gobbledegook", the new occupants renamed it Irondale as a tribute to the nearby mines and ironworks.
Now, little trace remains of the goblins who originally built the town, and it is now inhabited exclusively by witches and wizards. Players will have to visit Irondale in order to complete the quests "A Thief In The Night" and "E-vase-ive Manoeuvre".
7 Ravenclaw Common Room
One of the most highly anticipated features of Hogwarts Legacy was the introduction of common rooms, enabling players to immerse themselves in the traditions and aesthetics of their chosen House. For some, this was even a determining factor in which house they would choose since each common room contained such a distinct style, each with its own unique carvings, furniture, and lore associated with every item.
Perhaps the most impressive is the Ravenclaw room, with spectacular windows and blue drapery - it is easy to imagine hundreds of students passing through each of these rooms over the years and learning different forms of magic along the way.
6 Deathday Party Room
Nearly Headless Nick's Deathday Party was originally a scene included in the books but omitted from the Harry Potter films, perhaps due to its slightly more morbid nature. The story goes that a wizard named Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington was beheaded, though due to the executioner's blunt axe, only partially. Following this, Sir Nicholas' ghost would return every year for five centuries to mark the occasion of his death.
Players can visit this location by descending into the Slytherin Dungeons. Inside players can find the spirits of partygoers, including members of the Headless Hunt - an organization famed for its members all dying via decapitation.
5 Zonko's Joke Shop
While Zonko's Joke Shop is alluded to in the Harry Potter films, it is never physically shown and the characters never visit or look inside. Fortunately, players can do this firsthand in Hogwarts: Legacy and satisfy any curiosities they may have about this much more light-hearted location. Said to be the favorite shop of any students visiting Hogsmeade, the shop would come to be owned by Bilton Bilmes, though the events of Hogwarts Legacy predate this appointment.
This is not the first time Zonko's Joke Shop has been portrayed in video games, the shop also made an appearance in Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Harry Potter: Puzzles and Spells, as well as Harry Potter: Awakened Magic.
4 Hogwarts Kitchen
Many fans of both the movies and video game series will have wondered where and how so much food (particularly with such unearthly ingredients) could be prepared for the hundreds of students attending Hogwarts each mealtime. Fortunately, players were given an answer in Hogwarts: Legacy with the inclusion of a secret kitchen room. Inside, players will find elves preparing meals and an array of intricate systems and items within the kitchen.
To access the kitchen, players must find the portrait of overflowing fruits near the Hufflepuff Common Room, then use the Revelio spell in order to reveal the hidden passageway. The brighter green pear will illuminate as a doorknob, allowing players to pass through to the other side.
3 Dark Arts Arena
It's not too surprising that this gladiatorial fighting pit was not included in Harry Potter's story, given that it represents the very antithesis of everything taught to students at Hogwarts. Located in The Forbidden Forest, this area seems to be a place purpose-built for the practice of dark and forbidden magic. Players can use this to fight waves of enemies and test out spells such as Crucio, Confringo, Imperio and curses such as the Blasting and Unforgivable Curses.
This area, however, is only available to players who have purchased the Dark Arts DLC and is therefore even more of an exclusive location. While it does not offer as much in terms of deep lore as other locations, it serves to make gameplay a bit more varied and dynamic.
2 Feldcroft
Located to the south of Hogwarts Castle, Feldcroft is a small wizarding hamlet housing a number of important families including the Rookwoods, Sallows, Morganachs, and Ndiayes. The town has an interesting and extensive history, dating back to 993AD, and suffering through a number of battles centered around Rookwood Castle and the ancient Feldcroft Catacomb built beneath it.
With a history steeped in controversy, mystery, murder, cover-ups, and battles over ancient relics, there is plenty to uncover in this inconspicuous little village, and players can explore it to its fullest extent in Hogwarts Legacy.
1 Room Of Admittance
Perhaps one of the most important rooms in all of Hogwarts Castle, The Room of Admittance and the Quill of Acceptance residing within it holds a record of every student ever to have attended Hogwarts. Lined with impressive gargoyles as well as stacks of ledgers, books, and scriptures, this room is worth visiting for any players who were curious about where the Quill might go once it has admitted students.
Said to have been untouched by a human hand since the four founders first placed it there, the Book of Admittance sits in the center on a small mantle, but it is clearly filled with life as its pages will flick around as the Quill dances above it when players approach.
Hogwarts Legacy is currently available for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One releases are in the works.