Is Dumbledore In Hogwarts Legacy?

Is Dumbledore in Hogwarts Legacy? Hyped fans of the upcoming Hogwarts Legacy can't get enough of a familiar face, as for the first time they will be able to explore a highly detailed recreation of Hogwarts wizarding school in this expansive RPG.

Players will come across iconic locales and even uncover some long rumoured mysteries as they explore Hogwarts and its surrounding areas, but what about Dumbledore? The famed Headmaster is known to reach a ripe old age before he meets his demise in the books/films, but will he be around in this prequel? Let's find out if Dumbledore is in Hogwarts Legacy.

• Will you be able to explore Hogwarts while on the go? Head on over to our guide on the Hogwarts Legacy Nintendo Switch release. 

Disclaimer: While the creator of the Harry Potter franchise was not directly involved in the creation of Hogwarts Legacy, their comments on social media around transgender people are hurtful and dangerous given the size of their platform. 

We’d implore you to read our explainer of the controversy so far, and consider supporting trans rights charities where possible.

• UK:
  • Mermaids
  • Switchboard
• US:
  • The Trevor Project
  • Trans Lifeline

Will Dumbledore Appear In Hogwarts Legacy?

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Warner Bros. Interactive

With Avalanche still keeping the magical veil down on Hogwarts Legacy, it means we don't know who any of the characters appearing in the game will be. We know that some familiar characters such as Nearly Headless Nick will show up, but with its late 1800s settings, most of the teachers are new to fans of the series.

We know customisation will be key, and alongside transgender options, you'll be able to tweak your character to however you want them to look or identify. Games like Fallout 4 and Cyberpunk 2077 have made it so your imagination is your only limit, meaning the days of your MVP being a generic Mario, Doomguy, or Crash Bandicoot, are long gone.

Alongside your titular character, NPCs are sure to be a part of Hogwarts Legacy's main story. Avalanche has told us that the game will be set in the "late 1800s", but stopped short of confirming exactly when that is. Remembering that Dumbledore first came to this wonderful school of Witchcraft and Wizardry in 1892, there's definitely a chance he could appear.

There was plenty going on a Hogwarts in the late-1800s. Dumbledore joined in 1892 with a dark legacy hanging over his family name. His father, Percival, had just been imprisoned in Azkaban for protecting Dumbledore's sister (Ariana) from three Muggle boys. During his early years, Dumbledore became close with Ellphias Doge, Bathilda Bagshot, and Nicolas Flamel - who could all have their own parts to play.

• Dumbledore might not be around, but what about a friend? Discover whether Hogwarts Legacy multiplayer is on its way. 

Should Dumbledore Appear In Hogwarts Legacy?

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Warner Bros.

Away from whether Dumbledore will appear in Hogwarts Legacy, there's an argument for why he should/shouldn't appear. Namely, we've already seen a lot of Albus. As well as being a major character of the books and movies, he's also been introduced into Fantastic Beasts with Jude Law's portrayal. With the danger of Dumbledore saturation, do we really need to shoehorn him into Hogwarts Legacy too?

While we're not totally against the idea of Dumbledore appearing in Hogwarts Legacy, the fact his story is fixed by the events of the expanded Harry Potter lore means players won't be able to influence his arc. By the time Dumbledore leaves Hogwarts in 1899, he's Head Boy.

However, the big twist is the death of his mother, Kendra, when Ariana kills her in an outburst of magic the same summer. It means Dumbledore's story is a little too linear for Hogwarts Legacy's open-world promise.

There is a way to work around our Dumbledore dilemma. Looking at how games like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order introduced brand new creations like Cal Kestis and the Second Sister alongside already established characters like Darth Vader and the Emperor, new creations can sit alongside Dumbledore. Even if Dumbledore isn't a prominent NPC in the story, he could also be saved for a last-minute cameo to set up a sequel.

Added to this, there's plenty to be said for the idea of a DLC. If Hogwarts Legacy is as big as we expect, Avalance is surely going to go beyond the main game. It's easy to imagine where a sequel or expansion could go next, with there being plenty of stories to be told between the 1800s and the modern era of Hogwarts where Harry and co. walking these hallowed halls.

So while we don't know for sure if Dumbledore will show up in Hogwarts Legacy, the potential for it is certainly there.