Avada Kedavra, widely known as the Killing Curse, stands out as one of the most formidable spells in Hogwarts Legacy. Its reputation precedes it – a single cast is enough to instantly defeat almost any enemy. This immense power means Avada Kedavra is not easily acquired; it’s a spell learned much later in the game, through a specific questline involving Sebastian Sallows, a complex companion. This guide will walk you through the precise steps to unlock Avada Kedavra, detailing the necessary quests and choices, and also touch upon the in-game implications of wielding such dark magic.
Unlocking Avada Kedavra: Step-by-Step
To embark on the journey of learning Avada Kedavra, you’ll need to progress through Sebastian Sallows’ relationship questline. The pivotal quest that unlocks this curse is aptly named “In the Shadow of the Relic“. Hogwarts Legacy recommends reaching at least level 28 before attempting this quest, suggesting the challenges within are geared towards more experienced players.
Before “In the Shadow of the Relic” becomes available, you must ensure you have completed the following prerequisites:
- “In the Shadow of Hope”: This is a preceding relationship quest in Sebastian’s storyline, essential for progressing his narrative arc.
- “Lodgok’s Loyalty”: This main story quest needs to be completed to advance the overarching plot and unlock subsequent questlines, including Sebastian’s more advanced quests.
Image: Making a crucial dialogue choice to potentially learn Avada Kedavra during Sebastian Sallows’ questline in Hogwarts Legacy.
Once you reach “In the Shadow of the Relic,” progress through the quest until you find yourself in a dialogue with Sebastian outside a dungeon. During this conversation, a crucial prompt will appear, presenting you with a choice regarding the knowledge of the curse:
- “No one should know that curse.”
- “Everyone should know that curse.”
To proceed towards learning Avada Kedavra, you must select the second option: “Everyone should know that curse.” This choice signals your willingness to explore darker magic and keeps you on the path to learning the Killing Curse.
Image: Sebastian Sallows offers to teach the player Avada Kedavra after the player expresses interest in learning the curse in Hogwarts Legacy.
Following this pivotal dialogue choice, Sebastian will then offer to personally teach you Avada Kedavra. Another choice will appear, this time directly asking if you wish to learn the curse:
- “Now is not the time.”
- “Yes please.”
To finally learn Avada Kedavra, confidently choose the second option: “Yes please.” Sebastian will then impart the knowledge of this forbidden spell, adding it to your arsenal.
Learning Avada Kedavra Later: Second Chances
If you initially hesitate or choose not to learn Avada Kedavra during “In the Shadow of the Relic,” there’s still a chance to acquire it later in the game. This opportunity arises through further progression in Sebastian’s questline, specifically during the quest “In the Shadow of Fate“.
Image: A tense conversation with Ominis Gaunt about Sebastian Sallows and unforgivable curses in Hogwarts Legacy, influencing future learning opportunities.
During “In the Shadow of Fate,” you will engage in a conversation with Ominis Gaunt. You’ll be faced with a decision regarding Sebastian’s actions and whether to report him:
- “We should turn Sebastian in.”
- “We must not turn Sebastian in.”
To keep the option of learning Avada Kedavra open, even if you declined earlier, it is crucial to choose the second option: “We must not turn Sebastian in.” Choosing to turn Sebastian in might lock you out of learning Avada Kedavra from him later.
After selecting this option and fully completing Sebastian’s entire relationship quest line, a final opportunity to learn missed unforgivable curses will present itself. You can find Sebastian in the Undercroft. Speaking to him there will prompt him to offer teaching you any of the unforgivable curses you might have previously declined, including Avada Kedavra. This serves as a safety net, ensuring that players who initially hesitated can still access this powerful spell if they later desire to.
Consequences of Wielding Avada Kedavra
Despite its dark reputation and status as an Unforgivable Curse, Hogwarts Legacy does not implement a morality system that punishes players for using Avada Kedavra. You won’t face in-game penalties or negative story consequences for casting this spell.
However, the game does acknowledge the gravity of using Unforgivable Curses through companion reactions. When you cast Avada Kedavra (or any Unforgivable Curse) in the presence of your companions, they will react. Characters like Natsai Onai, Ominis Gaunt, and Amit Thakkar are known to disapprove and express their discomfort or disapproval. Despite their reactions, these actions do not negatively impact your relationships with them or alter the overarching narrative of Hogwarts Legacy. These reactions are purely cosmetic, adding a layer of narrative flavor and acknowledging the dark nature of these spells without imposing gameplay restrictions.
It’s worth noting the real-world context surrounding the Harry Potter franchise. J.K. Rowling, the creator of the Harry Potter universe, has publicly expressed views on transgender issues that have been widely criticized and condemned as transphobic by LGBTQ+ organizations and allies. While Warner Bros. Interactive, the publisher of Hogwarts Legacy, has stated that Rowling was “not directly involved” in the game’s development, her continued financial benefit from the franchise remains a point of ethical consideration for some players. This real-world controversy has led some players to boycott the game, a decision that reflects broader discussions about supporting creators who express views considered harmful. For a deeper understanding of this ongoing controversy, resources like Polygon’s breakdown offer further insight.
Ultimately, within Hogwarts Legacy, learning and using Avada Kedavra is a matter of player choice, offering immense power with minimal in-game repercussions, allowing players to explore the darker facets of magic within the game’s world.
