Hogwarts Legacy debut: A comprehensive guide for newcomers on PS5

1. Technical aspects: graphic modes, language options, character modification
2. User interface
3. Game world navigation: walking, fast travel, broom flying and riding
4. Aesthetic changes: hairstyle, face, outfits
5. Character progression: experience points, talents

The PS5 version offers five graphic modes, with the most common being: Performance and Fidelity. Performance is designed to guarantee smooth gameplay, operating at 60 frames per second, whereas Fidelity emphasizes superior graphic quality at 30 frames per second. Moreover, Hogwarts Legacy provides additional modes: Fidelity Ray Tracing (30 FPS with RT support), Balanced (40 FPS) and High Frame Rate Performance.

Gameplay in Hogwarts Legacy begins with creating a character, subsequently developing them throughout the story, with no scope for alterations later. If a change is desired, a new wizard can be created, resetting the plot back to the start.

Each character's progress is individually saved. The list of characters is displayed in the main menu following game launch.

The section addresses the Hogwarts Legacy interface; HUD elements, visible on screen, can be disabled in the main menu.

1. Current mission objective (description opened by pressing up direction button)

2. Minimap and path to tracked target

3. No-fly icon

4. Booster (combat plant or elixir)

5. Direction and distance to target

6. Ancient Magic bars (charging allows execution of special attacks)

7. Health bar and healing elixir vial count

8. Revelio and spell menu

9. Quick spell menu

Hogwarts and its surroundings can be explored in a variety of ways. Initially, walking and using fast travel points or the Floo Network are available. Additional options become available as the game progresses.

a) Walking and using fast travel points

Walking is the simplest mode of transport in the game. However, a pressing of the up button on the DualSense will prompt the character to tear a page from his book, guiding you towards your goal in a remarkable golden trail. This tool proves useful, albeit ineffective in certain situations or in open-ended tasks.

Given the large geographical expanse of the game, walking becomes strenuous. Consequently, teleportation via the Floo Network's allocated points around the game world offers a convenient alternative. Access to these points is granted upon discovery, with discovered locations highlighted in green and undiscovered points in grey.

It's suggested to initially embark on journeys on foot, fostering an opportunity to explore the spectacular world, uncover hidden areas, and listen to engaging NPC dialogues. Furthermore, these excursions allow collection of scattered resources, enemy confrontations, and acquisition of experience points.

b) Broom flying and beast riding

After completion of the main Flying Lessons mission, access to the Spinwitches sports shop in Hogsmeade is granted. Different brooms can be purchased here, which in return enables broom flying. The broom can be upgraded by completing side tasks assigned by the sports shop salesman. However, there are certain restrictions to consider, such as the inability to fly over built-up areas. If encountered, disembarking the broom and continuing on foot becomes necessary. Areas with flight restrictions are clearly marked on the minimap.

Broom flying can prove challenging with the default DualSense settings. However, enabling the motion sensor in the settings provides a more immersive alternative, allowing control of the broom through pad movement.

In the later stages of the storyline, a flying steed becomes available. Similar to the broom, certain areas are designated as no-fly zones. Unfortunately, the magical creature doesn't provide upgradation options.

Although a single character is featured throughout the storyline, variety is maintained through extensive customization options. Aesthetic adjustments can be implemented at Madame Snelling's Beauty Empire and Gladrag's Wizardwear for Every Occasion in Hogsmeade, allowing for hairstyle and outfit changes respectively.

Clothing items can also be discovered during world exploration or granted as completion rewards for tasks. The world of Hogwarts Legacy is abundant in unique and quirky items, so be sure to collect them all for later trades or purchases.

Experience points govern the progression of the wizard. Experience is gained through virtually all in-game actions, with a certain amount leading to progression to the next level. This is vital, as certain missions and activities become available upon reaching specific character development stages.

Interestingly, clothing items follow a similar rule; certain items can only be worn upon attainment of a certain developmental stage.

Each level introduces a new talent, accessible upon the completion of the Jackdaw's Rest mission. Talents are classified into: spells, dark magic, basic, sneaking and room of wishes. Generally, each group aims at enhancing the wizard's magical abilities.

Despite the initial limited number of talents, more can be unlocked with incremental EP levels. However, selection must be taken seriously due to the irreversible nature of talent choices.

Apart from experience and talents, improvement is also achieved through outfit elements, grouped into health, offense, and defense categories. If an apparel item also provides a boost, a green highlight will be present in its description window, or within the equipment menu. Items offering no statistical contribution should be sold, reserving the obtained coins for more advantageous purchases.