If you told Harry Potter fans just 10 years ago that the future contained a game allowing you to live out your wildest dreams as a student at Hogwarts, the reaction would have been overwhelmingly positive. Hogwarts Legacy is just such a game, but its release is clouded by controversy due to the transphobic actions of Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling. Many fans of the Wizarding World made the decision to boycott the game as a way to show support to the trans community and disavow Rowling’s harmful opinions.
Reviews of the game are mixed, but largely positive, making the decision to boycott more difficult for some die-hard fans. Hogwarts Legacy is already one of the most-played games on Steam, and many gamers may find it challenging to sit out what feels like a cultural moment. If you’re committed to following through on your boycott, here’s a list of 10 magical alternatives to play while you’re sitting out Hogwarts Legacy.
Fictorum
Fictorum is a fun game for gamers looking to master challenging spells and become spell casters capable of wielding unfathomable power. In this action RPG, players begin the game as a powerful magic-user, bypassing the typical phase of discovering their magical potential. Due to its relatively low budget, Fictorum‘s mechanics feel a bit dated, but there is a load of fun to be had with the game despite these limitations. Magic is customizable and destructive in this world, leaving players with the ability to wipe out entire cities fairly early on. For its magic alone, Fictorum is worth checking out.
Forspoken
If you’ve ever wanted to wake up with magical powers in a different world (let’s face it, we know you have if you are/were a Harry Potter fan), Forspoken will allow you to indulge that fantasy. In this game from Square Enix, the company behind Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts, protagonist Frey is transported from her life in Manhattan into a new world. She finds herself with newfound magical abilities in a world stricken by a blight known as “The Break.” Equipped with new powers and a talking bracelet named Cuff, Frey is ready to take on the Break and the monsters causing it. The battle animations are beautiful and Frey is a refreshing protagonist who curses just as much as we would if we suddenly found ourselves in a magical world.
The Elder Scrolls
The entire Elder Scrolls catalog is a great alternative for any who want to immerse themselves in a world filled with magic. These games take place in an open-world environment and give players the opportunity to fight dragons, do side-quests, and master spells. Like Hogwarts Legacy, players have a lot of options when it comes to customizing their characters and picking the best armor and weapons to suit their needs. Elder Scrolls rewards players for exploring and trying new things, and serves as a great alternative for those who crave freedom in their gaming experience.
Little Witch Academia: Chamber of Time
Based on the anime of the same name, Little Witch Academia: Chamber of Time is a sweet escape for those seeking a magical school to get lost in. This RPG is perfect for fans of the anime or as an introduction for those unfamiliar with the original material. Chamber of Time follows a crew of witches at Luna Nova Magic Academy as they find themselves stuck repeating the same day over and over. As Akko and friends look for a way out of this predicament, players will master spells and traverse the campus. The story telling and voice acting is delightful and, despite some repetitive gameplay, Little Witch Academia: Chamber of Time is a treat.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
If you’re looking for the perfect balance of daily boarding school life and magical combat, look no further than Fire Emblem: Three Houses. This game might not be an open-world RPG, instead favoring a tactical turn-based style, but the academic setting gives players a similar Hogwarts-like vibe. Some of the best moments in this game are spent socializing with students in the school’s halls (and romancing them, as problematic as that might be in real life). Unlike Hogwarts Legacy, you play as a teacher in Three Houses, but the magical elements combined with the school setting make this a great alternative.
Avencast: Rise of the Mage
Avencast: Rise of the Mage is a 2007 action RPG with an extensive magic-casting system. In this game, you play as a mage who must battle demonic monsters attacking your once-peaceful academy. To keep battle from getting too repetitive, players can cast personalized spells using a variety of key combinations. The story is a bit cliché, but there’s no denying the simple pleasure of a straightforward action RPG, particularly one sporting enough variety in magic types to make a highly customizable battle experience.
Spellcaster University
For those who enjoy life simulators like The Sims and Animal Crossing, Spellcaster University is a great magical option. This game sets itself apart by allowing players to create their own magical academy. Instead of entering the school as a student, players run their own Hogwarts-adjacent school and choose the subjects, decor, and even which students to accept. In addition to personalizing your school, the game takes things a bit further, and allows users to manage students’ daily lives and take care of magical creatures. The game allows for a lot of customization and even throws some fun RPG-like elements into its interactions. Spellcaster University is a unique approach to a popular genre, and sports an adorable art style to boot.
Ikenfell
Ikenfell is an adorable turn-based RPG that leans on the classic set up, posing players as a character with newly discovered magical abilities. Armed with a group of friends, users will embark on an adventure to save the magical school of Ikenfell from danger while uncovering mysteries along the way. The game is animated in a charming, pixelated 8-bit style, and sports a diverse cast of LGBTQ+ characters. Ikenfell‘s storytelling is heartfelt, and the game’s soundtrack is fantastic — leaning on the talent of Steven Universe composers. Just in case you still need more convincing to play Ikenfell, the game also uses cats as save points.
Mages of Mystralia
In Mages of Mystralia, players approach the story as girl named Zia who discovers her innate magical ability. Unfortunately, she lives in the kingdom of Mystralia, where all magic is banned. After suffering exile from her village, Zia must set off on a journey to teach herself how to utilize her newfound powers. Along the way, players will encounter other secret mages, battle monsters, and delightful puzzles, each of which helps to shed light on Mystralia’s dark secrets. Mages of Mystralia is an exciting adventure RPG with a satisfying plot and unique magic system, sure to entertain even the pickiest of gamers.
Witchy Life Story
For would-be wizards who are tired of battling monsters and just want a cozy magical game, we present Witchy Life Story. Your character is the youngest member of a prominent magical family in the town of Flora and, unfortunately, you’re not very well-liked. In order to remedy that reputation, your grandmother gives you and your crow familiar the task of saving the town’s harvest festival — hopefully proving you’re a stand-up witch in the process. The game comes with diverse, customizable character designs and a fun narrative gameplay laid-back gamers are sure to enjoy.