Summary
ThoughHogwarts Legacyfocused on a narrative-driven single-player experience, there is still potential that a future update or sequel could introduce some multiplayer elements inspired by existing features within the current game. In spite of the opportunity that a multiplayerHarry Pottergame presents, Avalanche Software had been clear thatHogwarts Legacywas going to be an immersive albeit individualized gameplay experience. But since Avalanche Software has worked on multiplayer games before, it’s possible that itdialed back its focus forHogwarts Legacyto ensure the wizarding world’s return to PC and console gaming was a success.
Now thatHogwarts Legacyhas proven itself with impressive salesand favorable reviews, it’s likely that moreHarry Pottergames are soon to follow with the hope being that these can push the format further than Avalanche Software’s initial scope. As multiplayer functionality is arguably the largest drawback toHogwarts Legacyoverall, this should be the first thing a new game or update improves upon. But instead of being limited to the likes of an MMO with players forming a crowded Hogwarts' student body, the franchise’s next game needs to only look toHogwarts Legacy’s Owlery for the blueprints of a simple yet effective multiplayer feature.
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Hogwarts Legacy’s Owlery is the Perfect In-Game Messenger
Though in-game messengers and player bulletin boards have gradually been retired thanks to the likes of Discord or Mumble, they can still occasionally be found in certain games in one form or another. For example, theDark Soulsgames became infamous when players co-opted the games' emotes into a makeshift language, while Nintendo has continued to use its own in-game system where players can leave drawn messages for one another such as inSuper Mario Maker 2andSplatoon 3. So while it might be a little outdated compared to other games, the Owleryarea could be updated forHogwarts Legacyto provide something similar.
Just as fellow witches and wizards would send letters to one another traditionally via owls,Hogwarts Legacyor a futureHarry Pottergame could utilize the in-game Owlery to allow players can keep and customize their own owl through which they can send messages to other players. As the delivery of mail via owls was such a common recurring element ofHarry Potterboth in the books and films, it’s already a missed opportunity to not include the same feature inHogwarts Legacy. Even if full multiplayer functionality isn’t included in the next game, this small update could be the next best thing forHarry Potterfans.
The Owlery Could Take Hogwarts Legacy’s Multiplayer Even Further
If given the chance,Hogwarts Legacy’s Owlery does have the potential to take this multiplayer interaction beyond just exchanging messages between players. For example, owls deliver parcels and packages as well as letters, as some of the earliestHarry Potterbooks and films specifically showcase this, such as Harry’s Nimbus 2000 or Neville Longbottom’s Remembrall. With this in mind, the same function could be worked intoHogwarts Legacy’s Owlery delivery system to allow players to send items to one another. This could range from useful resources such as Ingredients and Potions to cosmetic items like Wand Handles or Brooms.
However, shouldHogwarts Legacyor its sequelactually attempt to include online or co-op gameplay, then the Owlery could still be how Avalanche Software achieves this. Returning to the example ofDark Souls, allied players can be summoned during single-player gameplay via in-game signs to help with challenging fights.Hogwarts Legacycould replicate this approach by allowing players to magically call upon friends or allies throughout the game via their owls, as this could be introduced to players through Hogwarts' new and improved Owlery while simultaneously preserving the core single-player experience.
Hogwarts Legacyis out now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, with a Nintendo Switch version releasing on June 15, 2025.
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