Lots of video games let you commit war crimes, sometimes for fun, sometimes not. While Modern Warfare games have let you unleash cluster bombs and white phosphorous, Warner Bros’ Hogwarts Legacy adds a new spin on gamers’ favourite activity — magical war crimes!
In the Harry Potter universe, there are a number of spells that are forbidden. While admittedly less effective than a wave of napalm, use of the Wizarding World’s three Unforgivable Curses are deemed punishable by a life sentence to Azkaban.
However, Warner Bros’ upcoming Harry Potter game Hogwarts Legacy will let you unleash the true power of the dark arts. Not for defence, oh, no, but for the fun of the game. Furthermore, if you pay extra, you’ll even be able to use the horrifying atrocities of war against fellow wizards!
Players who purchase the Deluxe Edition of Hogwarts Legacy will have access to an exclusive Dark Arts Battle Arena. This bonus area allows you to hop into wave-based fights with a selection of spells, including all three Unforgiveable Curses.
Revealed in a 35-minute gameplay walkthrough, this allows you to murder other wizards en masse, as well as torture and mind control them. Yes, these are all war crimes in the Wizarding World.
The developers are quick to point out that having fun with war crimes isn’t exclusive to the Deluxe Edition area. In fact, all three Unforgivable Curses will be usable by all players. However, you’ll have to work hard to unlock them for the base game.
Hogwarts Legacy does take place 100 years before the events of the Harry Potter books. Despite this, the Unforgivable Curses are still outlawed, originally being banned in the late 1700s. Perhaps teenage Dark Wizards can get a lesser prison sentence?
It’s worth pointing out that the upcoming Harry Potter game is a full-priced release on PC and console. Locking an entire mode, even one as basic as a wave-based fighting mode, is scummy considering the game’s initial cost.
If you’re worried that you’ll miss out on any of this content, don’t worry. Avalanche is keen to point out that the Deluxe Edition content can still be purchased after release for around $10.
The Harry Potter game has been criticised heavily over the past two years. Following author J.K. Rowlings’ transphobic behaviour, the title has seen significant pushback, recently being booed at The Game Awards.
Hogwarts Legacy releases on February 10th, 2023 for PC, Xbox Series and PS5. The last-gen versions have been delayed until April with a Nintendo Switch version releasing in June.
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