Magical Games To Play Like Hogwarts Legacy

Avalanche Software’s Hogwarts Legacy is easily one of the best games set in the wizarding world and has proven to be a smash hit in every way. This role-playing game is set in the late 1800s and chronicles the journey of a young wizard who enters Hogwarts as a fifth year, uncovering a sinister conspiracy in the process. Hogwarts Legacy is the Harry Potter game that fans dreamed of, allowing players to choose their Hogwarts House, visit popular locations, and explore its vast open-world environment with a wand in tow.

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Many were saddened when Avalanche Software revealed that Hogwarts Legacy would be delayed from its original release date of 2021 to sometime in 2022. While the extended wait was disappointing for some, it was clear that Avalanche Software used this time to bring the game to its full potential. Hogwarts Legacy is an exciting game that allows players to experience the wonderful world of Hogwarts as if they were students themselves.

Updated on January 30, 2025, by Mehrdad Khayyat: Being named as one of the best-ever adaptations from J.K. Rowling’s wonderful universe, Hogwarts Legacy is a game that is hard to replace with something else, featuring the same rich world-building. However, there are games that get quite close to Hogwarts Legacy in certain aspects.

Looking at its magic-based gameplay, there are many incredible RPGs out there that deliver a similar combat system, and some of them do it even better with a deeper progression system that allows players to customize their magical abilities.

23

Dragon’s Dogma 2

A Slower-Paced RPG With Solid Mage Builds

Systems

Released

March 22, 2024

Franchise

Dragon’s Dogma

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Comparing the combat system between Hogwarts Legacy and the mage build of Dragon’s Dogma 2 will not result in many similarities, but that doesn’t mean the fans of the former cannot enjoy the latter. Dragon’s Dogma 2 opts for a more realistic combat which is the reason why it is slower pace. But still, there is a good variety of spells that help players tackle the missions and defeat giants.

Speaking of similarities though, Dragon’s Dogma 2 features a big open world just like Hogwarts Legacy, where the players are rewarded for exploring it. Story-wise, Dragon’s Dogma 2 is an epic adventure and it comes with some deep and well-written questlines.

22

Tales Of Arise

An Expansive RPG Offering A Unique Hero For Every Combat Type

Systems

Tales of Arise is one of those games that can easily satisfy a variety of players, thanks to its hero system that offers multiple unique engagement types. In between the heroes, Rinwell is probably the best one to consider for players looking for spell casting, just like Hogwarts Legacy.

As a mage, Rinwell deals mid-range and long-range damages by casting different spells that each come with different characteristics, as some deal huge AOE damage and some others focus on a single target. It’s possible to chain these spells, but they feature a cooldown to prevent players from spamming spells.

21

Dragon Age: Inquisition

An Epic Fantasy RPG Where Casting Magic Is A Ton Of Fun

Systems

Released

November 18, 2014

Franchise

Dragon Age

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

The development for Dragon Age: Inquisition was anything but smooth, so fans were glad to see how competent the end product was. Inquisition broadens the scope of the Dragon Age series like nothing ever seen before, making for a tantalizing experience.

Many fans hope that Dreadwolf will build upon the success of this title and help BioWare bounce back with a return to form following a string of poor releases. Casting magic in Inquisition is more demanding and active than most people would assume, making a mage character pretty viable. Those who enjoyed the magic of Hogwarts Legacy are sure to get a kick out of this title.

20

Baldur’s Gate 3

One Of The Greatest CRPGs Ever Made With Fun Combat And Magic

Systems

Released

August 3, 2023

Franchise

Baldur’s Gate

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

The release of Baldur’s Gate 3 has been a monumental success, with this CRPG becoming an instant hit and showing just how in-depth and engaging a video game can be with a lot of love and adoration pushing developers to reach new heights.

Larian Studios has become one of the biggest players in the industry, and countless gamers can’t wait for this studio to unveil a new video game sooner rather than later. Combat in Baldur’s Gate 3 is tactical, and magic is a powerful tool in the right hands if players know how to wield it efficiently. For those looking to embrace their inner witch or wizard, the classes available in Baldur’s Gate 3 will allow them to do just that.

19

Divinity: Original Sin 2

Magic Can Turn Battlefields Into Pure Chaos

Before the runaway success of Baldur’s Gate 3, Larian Studios endeared itself to the CRPG faithful with the launch of the two Divinity: Original Sin games. The first title was an impressive foray into the genre, but what blew everyone’s minds was the sequel and its expanded scope.

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Featuring a branching narrative, tough decisions, memorable party members, and improved gameplay, Divinity: Original Sin 2 was a masterful experience in every way. Magic in this game is downright necessary, with various elements turning the battlefield into pure and utter chaos as players exploit environments to deplete the enemy’s Magical Armor before unleashing a wealth of status effects to incapacitate and render opponents useless.

18

Immortals Of Aveum

Use Magical Spells Of Varying Colors And Power Against Tough Enemies

Systems

Released

August 22, 2023

Developer(s)

Ascendant Studios

OpenCritic Rating

Fair

Many people were surprised to see EA push a new IP so much, with Immortals of Aveum looking fairly interesting with its previews. However, it was released around a time when most players were waiting for the next best thing, and the rock-paper-scissors gameplay was far from imaginative.

However, while Immortals of Aveum may not set the gaming world on fire, it’s a decent game with magic at its core that fans of Hogwarts Legacy should still check out. The world and characters are pretty decent, but the poor sales of this title mean that these facets of the title won’t be fleshed out anytime soon.

17

Dark Messiah Of Might And Magic

Combine Stealth, Magic, And Action In An Immersive Sim-esque Game Developed By Arkane Studios

FPS

Action

Narrative

Fantasy

Systems

Released

October 24, 2006

Franchise

Might and Magic

Dark Messiah of Might and Magic is one of the most underrated single-player action video games that not many people have checked out. The fact that this title was made by Arkane Studios is sure to turn some heads.

The combat of this title is easily its best part, and it’s a shame that the title isn’t balanced to the point where all three skill trees are equally effective in combat. Direct melee attacks seem to be more effective as opposed to using stealth or magic, but skilled players can still game the system, especially if they unlock certain magical spells that can decimate their foes in no time flat.

16

Elden Ring

The Magic In This Game Is Extremely Effective And Powerful If Used Correctly

Systems

Released

February 25, 2022

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

It can seem pretty challenging to use a magic build in Elden Ring, but veterans of FromSoftware games know just how easy most of the game’s encounters become with this build. Given how many people consider this developer’s first open-world Soulsborne game to be the easiest of the bunch, using Sorceries or Incantations in this title will be a blast in every way.

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From healing the player to dealing wide area-of-effect damage that can take out most foes with the greatest of ease, it’s easy to see why Elden Ring veterans love to use magic to take out the game’s many tough enemies. While most people love using Sorceries for their brutal offensive power, those who want to enjoy a healthy balance between offense and defense can put more points in Faith instead of using the many Incantations present in the game.

15

Forspoken

An Isekai RPG With Excellent Traversal And Magical Combat

Systems

Released

January 24, 2023

OpenCritic Rating

Fair

There’s no denying that Forspoken was easily one of the most disappointing AAA releases around, coming around the time when Square Enix was infamous for mistreating its Western IPs and had sold them off to Embracer for a mere pittance, relatively speaking. The game was poorly optimized, had a really poor introduction to combat, and didn’t use its isekai setting all that well.

The result is a game that could’ve shot for the moon but ended up failing to live up to its potential. That being said, there’s no denying that Forspoken has its fair share of positives as well. The game’s traversal system is a blast, and combat opens up once players decide to bear the early slog, with Frey’s repertoire of spells increasing as the game progresses.

14

Blade And Sorcery

A VR Combat Game That Makes The Act Of Casting Magic Incredibly Fun

Fans of VR titles are already pretty familiar with Blade and Sorcery, namely because of how immersive and engaging its combat is. The game is regularly updated and brings with it a wealth of new content that is a blast to explore in every way. It’s full to the brim with a wealth of amazing combat interactions, with both regular combat and magic being a blast to use.

Fans of Hogwarts Legacy will love what this game brings to the table, with the magic system being quite excellent in every way. Using a vast horde of spells to incinerate and shock foes makes for a great time, and players can also download a wealth of mods to personalize the combat according to their interests.

13

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Parts 1 & 2

Turns The Magical Combat Of Harry Potter Into A Cover Shooter With Mixed Results

• 	Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows – Part 1	Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2
  Platform(s)	Microsoft Windows, Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3	Microsoft Windows, Wii, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 3
  Released	2010-11-16	2011-07-12
  Developer(s)	EA	EA
  Genre(s)	Action-Adventure, Third-Person Shooter	Shooter, Puzzle, Adventure

Unsurprisingly, the best games to play while waiting for a sequel to Hogwarts Legacy are the existing Harry Potter games. Like the movie where the games are based, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was released in two parts, with the first installment coming in 2010 and the second part arriving in 2011. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 is set primarily in Hogwarts and follows the film’s events from Harry Potter’s perspective.

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However, one thing that separates this game from other tie-in titles to the movies is that Deathly Hallows implemented a new direction to suit its growing audience, focusing on action-packed combat via casting various spells.

12

Wizard101

A Free-To-Play MMORPG Set In A Magical World With Turn-Based Combat

Although Hogwarts Legacy brings a huge magic-based schooling experience with it, players have been flocking to Wizard101 for years to get their “magical learning” experience. This free-to-play MMO is available on Steam, and it’s been around since 2008. Although it’s a bit dated to some, Wizard101 features a great cartoony art style and is safe to enjoy with almost the whole family (Rated E10+) thanks to its friendly themes and rating.

Players will embark on their journey, collecting new spells and engaging in a fun turn-based combat system that uses cards and flashy magical attacks. Those looking for a fun magic-based experience that they can enjoy with friends should put this free-to-play release at the top of their list.

An MMORPG Set In The Magical Fantasy World Of The Elder Scrolls Series

Systems

Released

April 4, 2014

OpenCritic Rating

Fair

Honestly, any of The Elder Scrolls games could be a great fit for someone looking to sling some spells around, but The Elder Scrolls Online allows players to team up with friends and other like-minded magic users as they explore the vast reaches of Nirn. New characters are free to choose their destiny in The Elder Scrolls Online, which includes crafting a skillset that relies completely on magic and spellcasting. There are different types of magic for players to specialize in, and they can even increase their power and skills with buffs via alchemy.

The Elder Scrolls Online is a great choice for those who want the freedom to specialize in specific sorts of magic while also having the option to wield various weapons and armor.

10

Spellcaster University

A Simulation Game Where Players Run A Magical University

Being a student at a magical school is one thing, but running a magic-based university is something entirely different. Players who are more interested in the ins and outs of being the headmaster of a prestigious wizarding school should check out Spellcaster University. This engaging indie release tasks players with creating a successful magical school but twists things up by offering randomness in the form of strange events and a card-based building system.

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Players will need to be careful to manage their resources and keep their students safe while also offering them a great education. Those who want to navigate the chaos of owning and operating a special magical academy like Harry Potter attended should give Spellcaster University a try.

9

Fable

A Unique Action RPG With An Epic Scope And Fun Magic-Casting

Systems

Released

September 14, 2004

Although it’s a bit dated compared to some recent releases, the first Fable game (and the Fable series in general) is a great title for those who want to live in a magical world and make their own decisions. The player isn’t just a run-of-the-mill hero given a specific destiny; instead, they are free to craft their adventure and abide by their moral compass. Fable even comes equipped with a karma system that will warp the player’s appearance (positively or negatively) depending on the choices they make during their travels.

The original release (and its sequels) also feature magical items, weapons, and spells for those who want to live their life as a wizard.

8

Potion Craft

A Game Focused On Alchemy And Crafting Potions For Various Clientele

Systems

Released

December 13, 2022

Developer(s)

niceplay games

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

There were many facets to Harry Potter’s education throughout the Harry Potter universe. Not only did “the boy who lived” have to learn new magical spells and wand usage, but he also found himself collecting ingredients and brewing potions. Those who felt more drawn to the Alchemical side of Hogwarts might want to check out the indie game Potion Craft.

This charming release is incredibly straightforward and simplistic in its graphical design but offers quite a bit of depth for those who want to create their potions. Players will be given different tasks from “customers” and must brew a variety of concoctions to aid them. The game also features sections in which aspiring brewmasters need to collect specific resources to create different (or stronger) potions.

7

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Explore A Dark Fantasy World Filled With Monsters and Magic

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an open-world action RPG set in a dark fantasy world inspired by Slavic mythology. In this sequel, players take on the role of Geralt of Rivia, a seasoned monster hunter – also known as a Witcher. Witcher Geralt’s quest revolves around tracking down a dangerous sorceress and her child, who are prophesied to bring about the end of the world.

Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters, completes side quests, and engages in intense battles with monsters and other foes. Given the perfect balance of swordsmanship and magic, anyone who loves Hogwarts Legacy will thoroughly enjoy the adventures of Geralt in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

6

Academagia: The Making Of Mages

A Magical Adventure Where Players Attend A School Of Magic And Learn Spells

Although Academagia: The Making of Mages is not the most popular game on this list, it still includes several similarities to the Harry Potter franchise. For the uninitiated, Academagia: The Making of Mages takes players to an ancient wizarding school where students attend classes, bond with classmates, and explore various locations.

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From that description alone, Academagia: The Making of Mages is the perfect game for players to feel what it’s like to study and live in Hogwarts. However, players should note that Academagia: The Making of Mages has a steep learning curve, but once gamers overcome its controls, the experience is fun and magical.

Dragons, Magic, And An Endless Nordic Adventure

Another one in the Elder Scrolls series, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is perfect for witches and wizards who are looking for a magical game like Hogwarts Legacy. As a Dragonborn, a mortal with the soul of a dragon, players have to defeat dragons that have found their way back to Skyrim.

Skyrim features a complex magic system, with a variety of spells and enchantments to learn and use. To learn spells, players need to join the College of Winterhold, a prestigious institution dedicated to the study of magic. Once they graduate, the entire Nords’ realm is theirs to conquer. Players can freely roam the open world, travel to discovered cities and villages, interact with NPCs, and engage in battles with mythical creatures. With countless side quests, satisfying combat, customizable characters, and a rich lore, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is an unforgettable experience for any gamer seeking adventure and magic.

4

Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets

A Beloved Video Game Adaptation Of The Second Harry Potter Story

Another Harry Potter game on this list is Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Out of all the tie-in games launched alongside the Harry Potter films, Chamber of Secrets is the one that most players can look back with fond memories. In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, players are given a huge level of freedom, allowing them to explore Hogwarts and discover its secrets and dark mysteries.

Overall, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets may not have aged well in terms of graphics, but it is still worth checking out, especially for those looking to explore more of the wizarding world of Harry Potter.