The highly-anticipated game, Hogwarts Legacy, has finally arrived after years of anticipation. The game was officially revealed by Avalanche Software in 2020, although its development began well before that. Despite initial plans for a 2021 launch, the game faced setbacks pushing its release to 2023. On February 10, 2023, it will be available for gaming aficionados on the PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. Gamers who splurged on the Deluxe Edition will be able to enjoy the game even sooner through an exclusive Early Access promotion.
Hogwarts Legacy: When early access will be available on Steam?
Gamers who pre-ordered the Deluxe Edition of Hogwarts Legacy will be able to enter the wizarding world starting February 7th. Regrettably, this Early Access privilege is only available for current-gen systems such as PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5. It would have been challenging to enjoy an early play of the game on Xbox One/PS4 or Nintendo Switch anyway, as those versions are slated for release later, on April 4th and July 25th respectively.
PC players eagerly waiting for Hogwarts Legacy will finally be able to enter the wizarding world starting February 7th at 10 AM PST/1 PM EST. This early access period was recently confirmed by the Hogwarts Legacy development team and there are no plans to alter the start time at present.
The 72 Hour Early Access period for #HogwartsLegacy on console will begin on February 7th, 2023 at midnight in your region. pic.twitter.com/EHBIjnfbNq
— Hogwarts Legacy (@HogwartsLegacy) February 2, 2023
PS5 and Xbox Series X players have it even better as they can start their journey in the wizarding world right at midnight of February 7th, according to the Hogwarts Legacy development team, regardless of their location. This means that they may be able to use the “New Zealand trick” to play the game even earlier.
The question remains if players who purchase the Deluxe Edition on Xbox One, PS4, or Nintendo Switch will receive an early access period. Unfortunately, the answer is no. The official Hogwarts Legacy FAQ clearly states that previous-gen versions will not have an early access period, implying that the Nintendo Switch version will also launch without one.
How to play Hogwarts Legacy early?
Regarding pre-loading, Xbox players who pre-ordered the game can start downloading it now, while PS5 players will have to wait 72 hours before the release. Early Access players will have the chance to download Hogwarts Legacy 72 hours before the start of their 72-hour bonus window, meaning they can start pre-loading on February 4th. However, PC players will not be so fortunate. According to PCGamesN, the Steam and Epic versions of Hogwarts Legacy will not have a pre-loading feature. This means that console players will have more time with the game as they won’t have to wait for the start of the Early Access period to begin downloading it.
Aside from the 72-hour Early Access period, the Deluxe Edition of Hogwarts Legacy has more to offer. As per tradition, it will come with exclusive in-game items such as a Thestral mount, a cosmetic set inspired by the Dark Arts, and a battle arena to showcase your mastery of the magical arts. Players who want even more magical bonuses can pre-order the appropriate Deluxe Edition.
Players who pre-order Hogwarts Legacy, regardless of whether they purchased the Deluxe Edition, will receive an Onyx Hippogriff mount as a bonus. PS players will also receive access to a special Haunted Hogsmeade Shop quest, and if they pre-ordered the game, they’ll get the Felix Felicis Potion recipe. Additionally, those who buy the Deluxe Edition digitally will receive a complimentary Dark Arts Garrison hat to complement their Dark Arts cosmetic items. These bonuses will be accessible during the Early Access period as well.
Don’t forget to check out Hogwarts Legacy system requirements before you join the early access period!
