Hogwarts Legacy: Guide to Unforgivable Curses

While on the subject of the three Unforgivable Curses, Mad-Eye Moody once said, “the use of any one of them on a fellow human being is enough to earn a life sentence in Azkaban.” Just as well Hogwarts Legacy doesn't actually let you acquire such unspeakable spells in its standard Dark Arts classes, then. That said, if you are curious to obtain such knowledge of said curses, then there is in fact a method for you to follow. The only caveat to pursuing such taboo intelligence, surprise surprise, is that you'll immediately receive the branding for being either an evil wizard or witch. Still here? Then let's move on.

There are three Unforgivable Curses to both learn and master in Hogwarts Legacy: Crucio, Imperio, and Avada Kedavra. It goes without saying that if you're looking to become the all-time high priest or priestess of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, then you're probably going to want to accrue such knowledge before reaching the end of your story. If you're in agreement, then be sure to read on for the full guide on how to obtain each of the three spells.

How to Unlock Crucio

Crucio is this first of the three Unforgivable Curses you can unlock in Hogwarts Legacy. Having this equipped in your repertoire of spells will stun its chosen target and deal a significant amount of damage over time. And not only this, but the spell will also curse the enemy, allowing for basic magic attacks to deal twice the amount of damage for all the while Crucio is applied.

In order to get access to Crucio, you will need to begin the Friendship Quest arc for Sebastian Sallow, a Slytherin student who tends to stay within the confines of the Hogwarts dungeons. During the fourth quest in the chain, “In the Shadow of the Study,” you will be tasked with escorting Sebastian through the Slytherin chambers in order to locate the House Scriptorium. Upon nearing the end of the quest, Sebastian will ask you if you'd like to learn Crucio, at which you need only select the correct option. Simple.

How to Unlock Imperio

Imperio is the second of the three Unforgivable Curses in Hogwarts Legacy, and the spell that lets its caster not only whittle enemies' health bars down to a pittance, but also manipulate their minds and force them to fight alongside you until you decide to dispose of them respectively. It's a neat curse, for sure, and one that will help turn the tide when the odds are evidently against your favour.

To unlock the Imperio curse, you will once again need to locate Sebastian Sallow and continue along his corresponding Friendship Quest. Once you begin the “In the Shadow of Time” arc, you will need to delve deep into the Feldcroft Catacomb. During this quest, Sebastian will suggest using Imperio as a way to aid your efforts against an army of overgrown arachnids. At this point you will want to agree to the suggestion, after which Sebastian will teach you the curse to use at your own free will.

How to Unlock Avada Kedavra

Lastly, we have Avada Kedavra, the infamous Killing Curse that, true to the history of the franchise, has claimed countless lives of both wizard and non-magic folk alike. In essence, it's a one-shot spell that ejects a huge beam of neon green light and, when met with a target, consumes its life in a minor heartbeat. Similar to the first and second Unforgivable Curses, both unlocking and utilizing Avada Kedavra is not in any way, shape, or form, required to complete the campaign itself. Also, because there is no morality system to adhere to, using it does not actually deem you an evil wizard or witch.

To unlock Avada Kedavra, you will first need to reach level 28. Acquiring XP to build your rank can be done through completing Story Quests, Assignments, Friendship Quests, Bandit Camps, and Broom Challenges. You will also accrue small amounts of XP for defeating Dark Wizards, Beasts, and a variation of other corrupt wizard folk.

Once you have surpassed the required level, locate Sebastian Sallow, the same Slytherin student who offers up the Side Quest “In the Shadow of the Relic” within the grounds of Hogwarts' dungeons. Competing this quest will unlock a dialogue option when interacting with Sebastian, at which point you will want to choose “Everyone should know that curse.” This will prompt Sebastian to teach you Avada Kedavra. Note that you cannot use the Killing Curse on students or faculty members.

Unforgivable Curses FAQ

Do you need to learn the Unforgivable Curses to beat Hogwarts Legacy?

No, you do not have to master any of the three spells to mop up the main questline. As mentioned above, each of the three spells are learned from Sebastian Sallow during the corresponding Friendship Quests. These are entirely optional, and in no way connected to the overall story arc.

Is it possible to miss the Unforgivable Curses?

Yes, it is possible to miss the opportunity to learn any of the three Unforgivable Curses. To avoid losing your chance, always be sure to select the correct dialogue option when speaking with Sebastian Sallow when discussing either Crucio, Imperio, or Avada Kedavra. Choosing not to learn the spells when offered will eliminate your chances of picking them up at a later stage.

Will using any of the Unforgivable Curses negatively impact your game?

Contrary to popular belief, casting any of the three Unforgivable Curses won't actually influence your game or lock you out of any particular endings. Bottom line is, as there is strictly no morality system to keep you in check, you needn't worry about rocking the apple cart by casting Crucio, Imperio, or Avada Kedavra.

So, what's your take? Have you managed to obtain the three Unforgivable Curses yet? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.