Hogwarts Legacy looks set to be one of 2023's biggest game successes, and its astonishing level of detail is perhaps one of the hallmarks of that success. Although the vast open-world RPG is bursting with locations to explore beyond the walls of Hogwarts, it is iconic locations like Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle itself where its strong attention to detail is most impactful. Hogwarts Legacy's recreation of Hogwarts Castle is breathtaking, and there's so much to see and discover as players wander its Halls across the changing seasons. With so much to take in, Hogwarts Legacy has a lot of little details that many players may not notice, and some players are still discovering things about the game now, months after its initial release.
Hidden or missable details around Hogwarts Castle include things like the varied volume of NPC interactions to Hogwarts Legacy's secret locations, many found within the iconic school's walls. However, it's also everyday or seemingly mundane things that enrich Hogwarts life, and many fans of the game have been eager to point out some magical, funny, or even gruesome details about Hogwarts Castle in Hogwarts Legacy that many players may have missed.
Exploring Hogwarts Castle Details In Hogwarts Legacy
Hogwarts Legacy's bathrooms are just some of the explorable areas that seem to hide a myriad of secrets, details, and Easter Eggs that are potentially easily missable. Most players might glance inside one or two stalls, but not everyone takes the time to explore them all. For instance, players can find a bubbling cauldron inside the girls' bathroom near Professor Fig's classroom, a Hogwarts Legacy Easter Egg that nods to Hermione brewing the Polyjuice potion in the girls' bathroom in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Although it's unclear what potion this is, it's a fun movie reference.
Other Hogwarts Legacy bathrooms contain different surprises like splashing water, artistic drawings, Quidditch posters, plants, and even a secret place for a sneaky slice of cake. Additionally, Hogwarts Legacy's bathtubs share gross details with most of the sinks and stalls, making some players wonder how thorough Hogwarts' elusive house elves are. It's this kind of detail that makes the world feel more believable, and no one said details have to be pretty. However, it's not just about bathrooms. There are many more enchanting or charming details or animations throughout the castle, such as magical chessboards and quills that write on parchment, however illegibly.
Easily Missed Hogwarts Legacy's Interactions And Collectibles In Hogwarts Castle
Hogwarts Castle's world-building is also brimming with life, with tonnes of NPCs chatting and wandering the corridors, albeit the number of students raises a possible Hogwarts Legacy beds plot hole. That said, the number of NPCs roaming the castle and grounds help make the magical school experience feel more believable, as there is always some NPC interaction occurring between students, professors, or ghosts and conversations to overhear. Although there are many memorable, random encounters, one standout interaction involves an NPC student being told off for theft by a Howler letter, another Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Easter Egg reflective of Ron scolded for taking the family car.
It's also worth taking the time to aimlessly explore Hogwarts castle to discover other kinds of Hogwarts Legacy hidden details, like collectible letters. For example, in the Hospital Wing, players can pick up a letter that gives some more context about canceled Quidditch in Hogwarts Legacy, and there are many more to find hidden across the castle. Overall, Hogwarts Legacy's little details are sometimes easily missable when moving between objectives, but altogether help to enrich the game world and magical experience.
Hogwarts Legacy is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, with a Switch version releasing November 14.
