The situation surrounding the Hogwarts Legacy release date just got a little bit more complicated, with delays announced for the PS4 and Xbox One versions of the game.

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That's right, folks. If you've already pre-ordered the previous-generation version of Hogwarts Legacy from GAME, Argos or anywhere else, you'll now have to wait a little while longer before the game drops through your letterbox like a Hogwarts acceptance letter.

It feels like we're standing on the platform and the Hogwarts Express just hasn't arrived on time. It's like turning up to Gringotts and finding that it hasn't opened yet. It's like... OK, that's probably enough painfully stretched similes. You get the idea.

Not meaning to rub it in, but we said in our Hogwarts Legacy PS5 review: "It's been a long wait for Hogwarts Legacy but we're pleased to say that it's a truly magical experience. Sometimes it leans too far into nostalgia for this writer, but other fans will love spotting all the Easter eggs and familiar family names.

"It feels good to be back in Hogwarts, and this feels every bit like the game that Harry Potter fans have been calling out for over the last few years."

If you want to know more about when exactly players can start Hogwarts Legacy on all of those other platforms, read on to find out the essential details about this intriguing release date schedule.

When is the Hogwarts Legacy release date?

Hogwarts_legacy
Hogwarts Legacy. Avalanche Software/Warner Bros. Games

Factoring in the latest delays, the Hogwarts Legacy release date will now be staggered across these dates:

  • 10th February for PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC
  • 5th May for PS4 and Xbox One
  • 25th July for Nintendo Switch

It's also worth noting that 72 hours of Hogwarts Legacy early access were offered to players that bought the Deluxe Edition. Owners of that version, on PC and next-gen consoles, got to jump in early on 7th February.

Players on computers and the latest consoles have been exploring the fabled castle and its surrounding areas for a little while 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 PS4, Xbox One or 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 is 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, it looks like 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:

What do we know about Hogwarts Legacy gameplay?

The team from Warner Bros Games, which will publish 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.

It looks like there will be plenty of combat opportunities in the game, with the video above showcasing an array of fights where the player can use various spells, environmental aids and magical plants to overcome their enemies with clever combos.

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

Players will be able to upgrade their magic spells and improve their abilities using a series of skill trees, and you will also be able to visit the Room of Requirement to pick up handy items. You'll even be able to 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 release
Avalanche Software/Warner Bros Games

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.

Hungry for more gaming? Visit our video game release schedule, or swing by our hubs for more Gaming and Technology news.

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