Hogwarts Legacy has demonstrated its ambition with as many creative mechanics as developer Avalanche Software could possibly stuff into it without it feeling horribly bloated. The resulting product is an open-world action-RPG rivaling Skyrim in terms of its exploration, while also having an original narrative that further establishes rich lore in the wizarding world. If Hogwarts Legacy receives a spin-off or sequel in the future, it will be a tough task to compete with the original due to how many mechanics in gameplay have been introduced already.
Broomstick flight was introduced as a convenient means of traversal between Floo Flames, for example, but it also lays the foundation for a potential Quidditch mini-game in the future. Because Hogwarts Legacy is already as packed with content as the player’s own Room of Requirement, it would make sense if Avalanche instead chose to pepper it with post-launch DLC in order to stack more content onto it. In this case, Hogwarts Legacy would be able to expand upon its already in-depth combat systems and perhaps offer more in the way of combat tools than its flora has contributed thus far.
Hogwarts Legacy’s Flora Tools Feel Limited Even if They’re OP
Spells are the bread-and-butter of Hogwarts Legacy’s combat. Because of how often players react to attacks with Protego or casting basic attacks themselves, it can be difficult to remember that there is a tool wheel available in the heat of battle. This tool wheel consists of any potions or plants that players have brewed or grown in their Room of Requirement, and its flora in particular are extremely overpowered when used in combat.
Chinese Chomping Cabbages and Venomous Tentacula are excellent sources of bonus damage that players do not need to supervise, while Harry Potter’s iconic Mandrake can be drawn to temporarily stun enemies. These three plants can successfully wipe out any mob of Ashwinders, goblins, or other fearsome foes without players even needing to draw their wands, but they are still limited in terms of how many options players have. This is fine when the player’s breadth of spells is considered. Regardless, another addition to the tool wheel would help accentuate optional combat items further in Hogwarts Legacy and give its possible DLC a favorable edge.
Hogwarts Legacy DLC Could Look to Zonko’s for Combat Creativity
Hogwarts Legacy’s Hogsmeade is home to many eclectic shops that players can enter, one of which is much more theatrical and interactive than others. Zonko’s Joke Shop makes the most out of optional interactions; players can test out some of the shop’s prank items, though they are not available for purchase. If DLC for Hogwarts Legacy wanted to iterate on its tool wheel more, Zonko’s Joke Shop would be its most readily accessible source of combat items. It would be exciting to see gimmicks and pranks available as items players can throw out at enemies and stun or incapacitate them, such as Dungbombs, Ever-Bashing Boomerangs, or Stink Pellets.
These products could offer a non-offensive means of combat compared to the lethality and cruelty associated with Hogwarts Legacy’s Unforgivable Curses, and give players another reason to explore Zonko’s as a new shop for wares. Otherwise, there is always potential for joke products and more to make it into a future sequel along with Quidditch and many other desired features.
Hogwarts Legacy is available now for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. It will be released on May 5 for PS4 and Xbox One, and July 25 for Nintendo Switch.
