What are the Dark Arts?
The dark arts are considered within the Wizarding World to be a dangerous field of magic for one to study. Even at Hogwarts, one of the greatest centers of magical learning in all of Europe, few students are allowed to explore anything remotely connected to the Dark Arts. The closely-guarded restricted section of the Hogwarts Library is filled with stacks of heavy volumes containing all sorts of knowledge deemed too risky for any but the most advanced students to peruse. Setting aside superficial reasons, like some of the imagery and language being too scary for young students, many of the spells can produce disastrous unintended consequences if cast inexpertly. The harm they can cause through deliberate misuse (as you’ll find out for yourself in Hogwarts Legacy) can easily make one a threat to the entire wizarding society. Even the wisest practitioner should be wary in casting such enchantments.
The three most infamous dark spells are referred to collectively as the Unforgivable Curses. These spells include Avada Kedavra, the killing curse, Crucio, the torture spell, and Imperio, a mind-controlling spell. The use of any of the three will result in a life sentence in Azkaban. Well…at least, that’s how it works in the books. It’s a bit different in Hogwarts Legacy.
Can you use Dark Arts spells in Hogwarts Legacy?
The player is perfectly free to take full advantage of the destructive power of the dark arts, in their quest to overcome whatever opposition they may find in their way. The developers over at Avalanche Software have repeatedly assured fans that should they choose not to utilize the Dark Arts, they can do so. Likewise, if you follow the line of thought that a dead enemy is the best kind of enemy, that is an equally viable path. The absence of a strict morality system, as seen in many other RPGs, is that the player will not face explicit consequences for committing such actions. Some characters, including your companions, definitely may not appreciate your merciless attitude and may chastise you firmly, or be biting nervously on their fingertips, but you’re not likely to find yourself expelled from Hogwarts as a result of your deeds.
While you can unleash your dark powers on a multitude of enemies throughout the game’s campaign and open world, you will not be allowed to run around murdering Hogwarts staff and students. Whether you choose the path of the light or that of the dark, Hogwarts is your home, so there are probably a few good reasons why you should get along with others there, or at least, place some finite limits on your flagrantly homicidal tendencies.
