No, players don’t need to know the Harry Potter books or movies to play the Hogwarts Legacy game. It can be enjoyed without any prior knowledge of the Harry Potter universe as it’s set in the 1800s and takes place long before the story that is explored in the books and movies.
Do I need to watch or read Harry Potter before playing Hogwarts Legacy?
Players don’t have to watch the Harry Potter movies or read the Harry Potter books before playing Hogwarts Legacy. The game can be enjoyed as a standalone experience, even by someone who has never heard the name “Harry Potter.”
However, for those already connected to the wizarding world and experienced with the story of The Boy Who Lived, the charm of Hogwarts Legacy is sure to be extra special. Wandering the Hogwarts castle and casting familiar spells is sure to provide an additional layer of nostalgia for fans.
Put simply, though, gamers who don’t want to read or watch movies can certainly still play and enjoy the new Harry Potter game, Hogwarts Legacy.
For other Hogwarts Legacy guides, here’s the concrete info on whether or not the game is coming to Xbox Game Pass for launch. And here’s the complete list of all spells that players can learn in the game.