Including the spells which can't be equipped such as Alohomora and Petrificus Totalus, there are around thirty spells in Hogwarts Legacy, and naturally, some appear stronger than others which can often be forgotten about or underutilized.
Not every spell has to one-shot enemies to be strong and some of the most powerful forms of magic, though often overlooked, are not meant for combat at all. Every spell has its place in Hogwarts Legacy, from those used exclusively in the Room of Requirement to those that are integral to solving the myriad of puzzles around the castle and beyond.
7 Imperio
When it comes to the three Unforgivable Curses in Hogwarts Legacy and existing Harry Potter lore, the Imperius Curse is often overlooked in terms of power. This is because, unlike the other two curses, it deals no direct damage.
However, if players are able to identify the single strongest opponent within a fight and put them under the Imperius Curse, the tide of battle can quickly swing in their favor. Using the powerful foe as their puppet, the two of them can take out the rest to create an even playing field for the penultimate duel.
6 Revelio
When strong and overpowered spells are considered in Hogwarts Legacy, non-combat spells like Revelio rarely come to mind. However, despite being underrated by most, Revelio is actually one of the most useful spells in the entire game.
Whether the player is on a quest or simply free-roaming, Revelio can always be of use. Revelio reveals hostile enemies, hidden objects, and secret entrances. It highlights which objects can be interacted with, which is extremely useful when tackling the hardest puzzles in Hogwarts Legacy. Revelio can also be used to check no loot is lost by revealing chests.
5 Depulso
Depulso, also known as the Banishing Charm, is one of the most underrated spells in Hogwarts Legacy as it doesn't deal much damage, especially when compared with the best offensive spells. However, if players are smart with their use of Depulso, it can be a powerful situational spell. If for example enemies are positioned near the edge of a cliff, one well-timed Depulso cast will send them falling to their deaths.
Depulso is also a great defensive spell, perfect for creating space when players are rushed by multiple enemies at once; this is particularly effective with the Depulso Mastery Talent. Furthermore, thanks to famed Depulso master, Herodiana Byrne, Hogwarts itself is home to some Depulso puzzle rooms which highlight the strength and creativity of the Banishing Charm.
4 Lumos
Lumos is one of the most iconic spells in the entire wizarding world, and its equally iconic sound effect has been perfectly carried over from the Harry Potter movies. Despite its beauty, Lumos happens to be one of the most underrated spells in Hogwarts Legacy.
In actual fact, Lumos is just as useful as other spells and comes in handy on many quests and puzzles in particular. Lumos can also be used to repel Devil's Snare as players walk through it and is a better option than Incendio or Confringo in such situations. On top of this, by lighting the tip of their wand, players can also reveal secrets like those to be found in the Werewolf Tapestry Room.
3 Basic Cast
The Basic Cast, while not exactly a part of canon lore, is nonetheless an extremely underrated spell in Hogwarts Legacy. Weaving in Basic Casts between other spells is taught as a key mechanic early on in the game during Crossed Wands dueling practice, but is soon forgotten about by many players.
Basic Casts have no cooldown and do more damage on top of spells that have already been applied. However, certain Talents such as Basic Cast Mastery and Basic Cast Airborne Absorption make this spell even more useful by reducing the cooldowns of other spells, and by filling up the Ancient Magic Meter when striking airborne foes.
2 Petrificus Totalus
Petrificus Totalus is one of the few spells in Hogwarts Legacy that can one-shot most enemies, and yet it often goes under the radar. The Full Body-Bind Curse, which was most famously used by Hermione on Neville Longbottom in the first book and film, can only be used while invisible in Hogwarts Legacy.
Once enemies are bound that is it for them, and they will subsequently disappear before even having the chance to fight back. When upgraded with the Stealth Talent, Petrificus Totalus Mastery, players can even bind multiple enemies at once with this underrated spell.
1 Protego
The Shield Charm, Protego, plays an integral role in the combat of Hogwarts Legacy, but while its defensive capabilities are respected, its offensive power is often overlooked. First of all, when a perfect Protego is performed, blocking an incoming projectile, the player will fire off a Stupefy spell.
Beyond this, three of the best Talents in Hogwarts Legacy, found in the Core tree, make Protego even more powerful. These are Protego Absorption which helps fill up the Ancient Magic Meter, Protego Expertise which will send two projectiles back at enemies after a perfect Protego, and Protego Mastery which releases a damaging blast that breaks shields.
Hogwarts Legacy is out now for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, with PS4 and Xbox One versions coming April 4 and a Switch release dropping July 25.