Hogwarts Legacy early access: How to play early & UK start time confirmed
It's a kind of magic.
Months after its release on selected platforms, the wait is almost over for Potterheads on PS4 and Xbox One! Hogwarts Legacy releases on previous generation Sony and Microsoft consoles on Friday 5th May, and us folk with older tech can't wait to finally explore our favourite magical childhood places.
However, will we get an opportunity for early access like the release on initial platforms? When it first dropped, there was a 72 Hour Early Access period for those who bought the limited edition on PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC. Will there be something similar for the PS4 and Xbox one release?
We'll share all we know about a Hogwarts Legacy early access (around the May 5th release) below.
Is there a Hogwarts Legacy early access for the PS4 and Xbox One release?
Unfortunately, this time around there won't be an early access period for Hogwarts Legacy on PS4 or Xbox One.
To quote the official website: "To get everyone in the game as early as possible, the Hogwarts Legacy Standard and Deluxe Editions for PlayStation4 and Xbox One will launch together on May 5th, 2023 without Early Access."
If you're planning to play on PS4 or Xbox One, 5th May it is!
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When was the Hogwarts Legacy early access start time the first time?
Here in the UK, for next-gen console players, Hogwarts Legacy early access started at midnight GMT as the clock ticked over to Tuesday 7th February.
So if you're a night owl (or just so excited you couldn't sleep), you could've started playing at midnight on PS5 or Xbox Series X/S.
This info was revealed in a Tweeted picture from the official Hogwarts Legacy page. We'll share the Tweet below:
If you were planning to play on PC in the UK, a different official Tweet confirmed that Hogwarts Legacy early access would begin for computer-based players at 6pm GMT on 7th February. So you'll have to wait a bit longer if you're not a next-gen console person!
How to get Hogwarts Legacy early access
To get Hogwarts Legacy early access on PS5, Xbox Series X/S or PC, you needed to have pre-ordered either the Hogwarts Legacy Deluxe Edition or the Collector's Edition.
The Hogwarts Legacy Deluxe Edition price is £74.99 on consoles — the PlayStation version is in stock at GAME, while the Xbox version is listed at Amazon — and £59.99 on PC via Steam.
On top of early access to the game itself, the Deluxe Edition also comes with:
- Thestral Mount
- Dark Arts Battle Arena
- Dark Arts Cosmetic Set
Now for the Collector's Edition - which comes in at an eye-watering £274.99, exclusively on GAME. Be warned however, at time of writing, the PS5 version was out of stock!
As well as coming in a big box, and including everything that you get with the Deluxe version, this expensive merch-heavy version includes:
- Life-Size Floating Ancient Magic Wand with Book Base
- Steel Case
- Kelpie Robe
Just to reiterate the point, though — on PS4 and Xbox One, there is no early access option, regardless of the version you buy.
Ready for more Hogwarts Legacy intel? Read more with the links below:
- Hogwarts Legacy release date - staggered launch explained
- Hogwarts Legacy cast - Simon Pegg and more
- Hogwarts Legacy house sorting quiz - take the test
- Hogwarts Legacy Character Creator - customisation revealed
- Hogwarts Legacy common rooms - tour all four
- Who is Phineas Nigellus Black? Sirius ancestor explained
- Hogwarts Legacy year - when is it set?
- Hogwarts Legacy multiplayer - is it co-op?
- Hogwarts Legacy Switch - handheld version explained
- Hogwarts Legacy PC requirements - the specs you need
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