Hogwarts Legacy 2 Needs to Finally Make Your House Matter

Hogwarts Legacy 2 is a matter of if, not when, so it’s only natural that fans have been firing off their ideas for the next entry in the franchise. Some players want to see proper choices and consequences for using the Unforgivable Curses, others desire a greater focus on class, and many wish for more challenging combat with increased weapon variety. But above all else, many players have shared their desires for a deeper House system in Avalanche Software’s follow-up to its 2023 megahit.

The original Hogwarts Legacy’s take on Houses wasn’t terrible, just limited. The House Cup was awarded to the player’s chosen House upon completion of the Field Guide, making an iconic aspect of Hogwarts feel largely unearned. Not all the House-exclusive quests felt like they were created equal, and one House even lacked a companion questline entirely. While some aspects of the original game’s system can certainly remain the same — House choice impacting clothing options was fun and immersive — there is plenty Avalanche can do to elevate the four iconic factions of Harry Potter.

Hogwarts Legacy 2 is expected to release in 2027 or 2028, as WB has stated its biggest game franchises will return in these years. With the Harry Potter HBO series coming next year, and Avalanche Software hires ramping up fast, this window certainly seems viable.

How Hogwarts Legacy 2 Can Fix Its House Problem

A meaningful House Cup
House vs. House competitions
Bonus House-specific choices and details
House-exclusive spells
Romance/deeper bonds with housemates

First and foremost, making the House Cup something extra to strive for as opposed to just a guaranteed unlock would be a neat mechanic to make House choice matter. To accomplish this, a simple points mechanic could be introduced, with players earning points for everything they do in their playthrough. Every difficult enemy defeated, side quest completed, and animal rescued could raise the score of the player’s chosen house, while deaths, mean dialogue choices, and the use of curses could detract from the score. If classes in Hogwarts Legacy take on a more meaningful role in the sequel, arriving late or on time could impact one’s points, while success or failure in the mini-games could also alter the standings.

Who’s That Character?

Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.

Who’s That Character?

Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.

Easy (7.5s)Medium (5.0s)Hard (2.5s)Permadeath (2.5s)

The House Cup could also rely on winning House-specific competitions. Obviously, quidditch is the most prominent example of House battles within the Harry Potter universe, and it will hopefully be playable in Hogwarts Legacy 2 even though Quidditch Champions exists. Beyond this, House vs. House broom races, combat tournaments, collect-a-thon mini-games, and so on could be held from time to time, again giving players a chance to gain or lose points. If there’s a real-time scoreboard, players could also keep a close eye on which House is in second place, going out of their way to stop them from getting points.

Outside the House Cup, Hogwarts Legacy 2 has a few ways to make House choice impact the core gameplay loop. If dialogue choices are introduced, they could open up extra solutions to situations — perhaps choosing Gryffindor could open up a courageous side path that shortens a combat encounter, while Slytherin being the player’s House of choice could open up some sneaky ways to avoid enemies. Housemasters could teach players a House/exclusive spell to make playthroughs a bit different, while spending extra time with the companions from one’s chosen House could unlock exclusive relationship and/or romance rewards.

Hogwarts Legacy 2 Has to Avoid Its Ravenclaw Mistake

While a House Cup, special dialogue and choices, and exclusive spells would go a long way to making Houses better, the most important thing Avalanche Software can do is make sure all Houses feel equal. If House-exclusive main quests return, making sure no player feels left out — many were jealous of Hufflepuff’s trip to Azkaban in the first game — is key. Exclusive story quests need to be equally enjoyable next time around, or they really aren’t worth pursuing at all. Every House needs a companion questline, too; in the original game, Ravenclaw had nothing, so this time around, it needs its own version of Polly, Sebastian, and Natsai. If this clear weak point is addressed, and steps are taken to make the House Cup feel less tacked on next time around, then one’s House choice could be truly exciting as opposed to just serving as a gateway to a change of clothes and a different common room.