Hogwarts Legacy release date: Harry Potter game's staggered launch explained

This is due to the scattered release of Hogwarts Legacy. While the game was released for PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC on 10th February, the rest of the gaming community have to wait a bit longer. And some longer than others. It won't be out on Nintendo Switch until July.

But owners of PS4 and Xbox One consoles needn't wait quite so long. In fact, not long at all. Read on to find out more!

This article is part of our free Hogwarts Legacy walkthrough guide. To unlock your complete companion to the game.

When is the Hogwarts Legacy release date?

The Hogwarts Legacy release date initially arrived on 10th February for PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC players. The game then launched again on 5th May for PS4 and Xbox One.

Next up, the Hogwarts Legacy release date will be 14th November for Nintendo Switch. The Switch port was previously slated for July, but was delayed until November instead.

Players on computers and the latest consoles have been exploring the fabled castle and its surrounding areas for a couple of months now, picking up their brooms and wands, making their own potions and plants, learning spells and breeding beasts, upgrading gear and collecting Demiguise statues, chipping away at the list of chapters and ultimately working their way towards the game's multiple endings.

If you're waiting for the Nintendo Switch release, there are a few things you can do to get ready for the wizarding academic year. You can, for example, take the Hogwarts Legacy house-sorting quiz and take a look at the Hogwarts Legacy name generator to start the process of character customistation a little bit early.

What was the UK launch time for Hogwarts Legacy?

On PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, the Hogwarts Legacy UK launch time was midnight GMT as the clock ticked over to the morning of Friday 10th February. The developers confirmed this unlock time with an official Tweet.

PC players in the UK had to wait a little longer, with the game unlocking on Steam at 6pm GMT on 10th February. This was confirmed by another official Tweet.

Can I pre-order Hogwarts Legacy?

Pre-orders have indeed begun for Hogwarts Legacy. GAME and Argos are just two of the places you can head to in order to make sure you get a copy of the game on release day. You can pre-order the Switch version of the game for £49.99 from GAME, too.

In terms of the Hogwarts Legacy price, the next-gen version will set you back £69.99 GBP, while the previous-gen version is expected to go for £59.99. The differences between the two will probably include faster loading times and better graphics for the next-gen version.

You can also pre-order the Collector's Edition of Hogwarts Legacy on GAME. This version of the game will set you back £279.99 and it includes the following content:

• The game
• Life-Size Floating Ancient Magic Wand with Book Base
• Steel Case
• Kelpie Robe
• Thestral Mount
• Dark Arts Cosmetic Set
• Darks Arts Garrison Hat
• Dark Arts Battle Arena
• 72 hours early access to the game

There is also a Hogwarts Legacy Deluxe Edition, which you can again pre-order at GAME. This costs £74.99 on PS5 and Xbox Series X, £69.99 on PS4 and Xbox One, and £59.99 on Nintendo Switch. This version of the game includes the following (on top of the base game):

• Thestral Mount
• Dark Arts Battle Arena
• Dark Arts Cosmetic Set
• 72 hours early access

Pre-order through GAME, too, and you will receive the Onyx Hippogriff Mount for free.

Read more on Hogwarts Legacy:

• Hogwarts Legacy review - our full verdict
• Hogwarts Legacy potions - all recipes to know
• Hogwarts Legacy trophies - the achievements you need
• 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
• Hogwarts Legacy Deluxe Edition - price for early access

What do we know about Hogwarts Legacy gameplay?

The team from Warner Bros Games, which published Hogwarts Legacy under its Portkey Games label, revealed a 14-minute gameplay video on Thursday 17th March 2022, during one of Sony's PlayStation State of Play live-stream events.

To watch the Hogwarts Legacy gameplay footage for yourself, you can check out the video below. Make yourself a cup of tea, grab a chocolate frog, and prepare to be amazed! The developers from Avalanche Software have certainly been busy.

There are plenty of combat opportunities in the game, with the an array of fights where the player can use various spells, environmental aids and magical plants to overcome their enemies with clever combos.

You can also explore various hidden areas of Hogwarts itself, as well as venturing out into the grounds and even going as far as Hogsmeade village. Players can stumble into dangerous dungeons as well as finding puzzles that may have been placed by Merlin himself.

You can upgrade your magic spells and improve your abilities using a series of skill trees, and you can also visit the Room of Requirement to pick up handy items. You can even make your own den-like area that's tailored to your own tastes, which seems like a nice touch.

One thing you shouldn't expect is Hogwarts Legacy multiplayer, with the developers recently ruling out the idea and stressing that this is a single-player game.

What platforms can I get Hogwarts Legacy on?

Hogwarts Legacy will be available on next-generation consoles the PS5 and Xbox Series X, as well as the PS4 and Xbox One, with a PC release also confirmed. A Hogwarts Legacy Switch release has been confirmed as well.

What is the Hogwarts Legacy story?

As per the official synopsis: "Experience Hogwarts in the 1800s. Your character is a student who holds the key to an ancient secret that threatens to tear the wizarding world apart. Make allies, battle Dark wizards and decide the fate of the wizarding world."

So it's Hogwarts, but set a long time before anyone had ever heard about Harry Potter. Also, while this is inspired by the stories we have all been reading for many years now, JK Rowling herself is not involved in the game and it is not a new story from her.

From the recent gameplay video, we know that the player-character will have a customisable appearance and you will be able to pick their gender. This protagonist will have access to a mysterious lost magic that no one else can use, and they will join Hogwarts late as a fifth-year student.

During the game, your character will get drawn into conflict with Dark Wizards, as well as investigating rumours of a goblin rebellion. You'll have plenty on your plate, then, as well having to keep up with school classes and catch up to your more experienced classmates.

What spells and abilities will be in Hogwarts Legacy?

Here are the confirmed spells and abilities that will be in Hogwarts Legacy - more will likely be announced as the release date nears.

• Accio – The power to pull things towards you.
• Avada Kedavra – A spell that kills!
• Descendo – Lift an object and hit it into the ground.
• Diffindo – Cut things into pieces and rip them apart.
• Disillusionment Charm – Want to be cloaked? This is the spell to use.
• Expelliarmus – Disarm your enemy or knocks any object out of the other person’s hands.
• Incendio – Lights an object on fire.
• Lumos – Form a sphere of light to see in the dark.
• Petrificus Totalus – Leaves an opponent immobilised.
• Protego – Forms a shield and deflects spells and weapons sent your way.
• Reparo – Restore broken items.
• Stupefy – Stun foes for a short period of time.
• Wingardium Leviosa – Let's you float!

Hogwarts Legacy trailer

Revealed at the PlayStation 5 showcase event, fans of the wizarding world were instantly excited when the familiar locations came into view during this game's first trailer.

While you wait for the Hogwarts Legacy release date on your platform of choice, check out the latest trailer for yourself below.

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