You can currently get Hogwarts Legacy on PC for just $20

When Avalanche Software released its pre-Harry-Potter-era single-player RPG, Hogwarts Legacy, it managed to do the impossible — create an engaging game that captured the magic of the scholarly wizarding world, while also offering great combat, fun castle exploration, and the ability to fly around a map. Hogwarts Legacy initially launched with a $59.99 MSRP, but right now, PC players can grab the game for just $19.99 at CDKeys, which nets them a Steam code of the game. 

Why I recommend this deal

Hogwarts Legacy – Official Launch Trailer 4K – YouTube

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So, why do I recommend Hogwarts Legacy? I’ll start off by saying that I’ve never been a massive Harry Potter fan. But, like most other people my age, I grew up reading the books and saw all of the movies. That said, this game isn’t just for Harry Potter fans; it does an excellent job of introducing the magical world to everyone. 

Many people thought it would be impossible to make a successful game like this, especially when it didn’t even star Harry Potter or his friends. However, Avalanche Software blew the assignment out of the water by providing a fun open-world adventure that offered the right amount of magic, danger, ranged combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration.  

The story takes place in the 1800s, way before most characters in the Harry Potter stories are alive. As such, the game doesn’t suffer from the same character fatigue that we see overplayed in many established franchises (cough Star Wars cough). You get to design what your character looks like and then the game starts off by having a professor escort you to Hogwarts during your fifth year (they probably chose this age because it means you’re old enough to leave the castle and visit the cities and hamlets nearby). When you arrive, the sorting hat goes on your head and you get placed in one of the four houses.

Hogwarts itself is brimming with mysterious hidden rooms and optional puzzles that you can solve to unlock items (like the Hogwarts Legacy door puzzles). What’s more, if you’re familiar with the books or the movies, you’ll notice a ton of Easter Eggs as you travel about the castle and the lands surrounding it. 

As Hogwarts Legacy’s story progresses, you learn of some diabolical things that happened in the past which are still causing trouble today. It’s your job to learn as many spells as you can, unlock more skills, and grow stronger so you can take down the various enemies you come across. I won’t ruin anything, but some parts of the game are very straightforward while others can be pretty artistic at times. Following the main questline will take you to places within Hogwarts that you’ve never seen before. Plus, following various student side quests will help you form bonds with other students while visiting familiar locales.

At some point, you’ll even unlock the ability to fly with a broom, which makes exploring the larger outdoor map a whole lot more enjoyable. 

When I first started playing Hogwarts Legacy, I didn’t expect much from combat, but it proved to be very satisfying. You’ll find yourself going up against trolls, goblins, large spiders, skeletons, magical poachers, and other creatures. Depending on what spells you’ve unlocked, you’ll be able to deflect incoming spells and cast powerful attack spells. One of my favorites turns an enemy into an explosive barrel, which you can hurl at other enemies. 

Pulling from the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them series, players can also explore the map and attempt to catch magical creatures like Unicorns, Hippogriffs, Thestrals, and more. You can then bring them home and decorate special habitats specific to different types of animals. There really is a little something for everyone.