When Is Hogwarts Legacy Set?

When does Hogwarts Legacy take place? It's a question on the minds of every Potter fan eagerly awaiting their chance to walk the halls of the magical school.

Through the feed of announcements we know the game will set place in the 1800s but what exactly does that mean for the game, and are there any familiar faces we may see along the way? Here's everything we know about the Hogwarts Legacy time period and setting.

• Is Hogwarts Legacy on Nintendo Switch? Read our guide to find out.

Disclaimer: While the creator of the Harry Potter franchise was not directly involved in the creation of Hogwarts Legacy, their comments on social media around transgender people are hurtful and dangerous given the size of their platform.

We’d implore you to read our explainer of the controversy so far, and consider supporting trans rights charities where possible.

• UK:
  • Mermaids
  • Switchboard

• US:
  • The Trevor Project
  • Trans Lifeline

When Does Hogwarts Legacy Take Place: Timeline

Avalanche Software has confirmed that Hogwarts Legacy will take place in the late 1800s, before the events of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts. This means it will be its own self-contained story and something we haven’t seen before from the Potter universe. Whilst J.K Rowling is not directly involved or scripting the project, Avalanche Software has made it clear that they are working with her approval, and are staying true to the established lore of the world.

The main plot point shown in recent trailers has revealed that the story will take place amidst the Goblin Rebellion of 1890, led by the antagonist goblin, Ranrok. Although mentioned briefly during the books, when Ron struggled to remember all the names of the goblin rebels in a History of Magic test, little is known about this moment in Harry Potter history.

What has been documented, is the tense relations that goblins and wizards have always had, with goblins resenting the restrictions imposed on their magical freedoms from wizard kind. Although an interesting plot point in wizard history, the game has been criticised online for the portrayal of goblins being closely associated with anti-Semitic themes.

• For a more thorough run-down of the issues raised by the use of Goblins in Hogwarts Legacy, read our article titled Let’s Talk About Hogwarts Legacy’s Goblin Problem.

When Does Hogwarts Legacy Take Place: Story

On a more positive note, recent game footage has shown off a more in-depth character creation system that seems to be more racially inclusive. The footage also showed new professors which can be expected given the timeline.

There were, however, a few familiar faces of note, one being fan-favourite Nearly-Headless Nick the Gryffindor house ghost who is confirmed to be voiced by Jason Anthony. Jason is also voicing the infamous Sorting Hat in the game, a familiar and welcome sight for Harry Potter fans.

Veterans in the series will know about Nick’s forlorn hope and constant rejection to join the Headless Hunt, a plot that is mentioned in the newest March trailer drop. Nick is noted to say in the trailer that he hopes to join the Headless Hunt and “this offering is sure to win them over” as the player carries a plate of food beside Nick.

This could be a recreation of the infamous death-day party that Harry felt obliged to attend in the Philosopher’s Stone, which was sadly cut from the movies.

• Will there be Hogwarts Legacy microtransactions? Our guide has the details.

On the topic of ghosts and events that were cut from the movies, the trailer also showcases a very colourfully dressed Peeves the Poltergeist calling attention to a student in the restricted section. This is a great addition for long-standing Peeves fans who were disappointed he was removed from the movie’s final cut. We can only guess at the hijinks that will ensue with this troublemaking poltergeist on the loose.

According to TheWizardingWorld.com, in 1876 a plot to trap Peeves went terribly wrong and resulted in the school being evacuated for three days, whilst Peeves was armed with a multitude of weapons.

He was only called to order when the headteacher at the time, Eupraxia Mole agreed to Peeve’s terms and gave him certain privileges in the school. This being:

“a once-weekly swim in the boys’ toilets on the ground floor, first refusal on stale bread from the kitchen for throwing purposes, and a new hat – to be custom-made by Madame Bonhabille of Paris.”

Avalanche has specified that the game will commence in the later 1800s however, which is sad news for anyone wishing to see a Peeves stand-off first-hand.

Speaking of the late 1800s, a certain infamous Wizard attended the school in 1892, that being Albus Dumbledore of course. The thought of possibly bumping into a young Dumbledore at Hogwarts is a tantalizing one but not something that has been confirmed by Avalanche.

• For more information on the Legacy timeline, check out our guide on the Hogwarts Legacy Headmaster.