Hey fellow wizards and speedrunners! Ever dreamt of soaring through the halls of Hogwarts faster than a rogue Bludger? Well, you've landed in the right place. Welcome to GamingSpeedrun.com, your ultimate hub for all things #speedrun and #gaming. Today, we're diving deep into *Hogwarts Legacy* on PS5, a game that, while seemingly vast, holds secrets and shortcuts that even the most seasoned speedrunners are just beginning to uncover.
If you're here, you're not just looking for a walkthrough; you're looking for the *fastest* way. You want to clip through walls, skip dialogue, and optimize every millisecond to achieve that coveted #worldrecord. This guide is your one-stop shop to understanding the core mechanics, known glitches, and emerging strategies for a lightning-fast run of *Hogwarts Legacy*.
The magical world of *Hogwarts Legacy* is brimming with secrets, and for speedrunners, it presents a unique challenge. Unlike linear dungeon crawlers, this RPG demands navigation through a sprawling open world. The intention behind running this game is clear: to experience the core narrative and achieve victory conditions in the absolute minimum time possible. It’s about understanding the game’s systems—from spellcasting to traversal—and exploiting them for maximum efficiency.
Choosing Your Speedrun Category
When approaching *Hogwarts Legacy* for speedrunning, the first decision is the category. The most common will likely be "Any%" – beat the game by any means necessary, using any glitches. Other categories might emerge, such as "100%" (though this would be astronomically long) or "No Major Glitches" (NMG), which restricts certain game-breaking exploits. For PS5 players looking to make their mark, understanding these categories is crucial for setting personal bests (PB) and aiming for #worldrecord status.
Route Planning: The Backbone of Any Speedrun
The core of any successful speedrun, especially in an open-world RPG like *Hogwarts Legacy*, is meticulous route planning. This isn't just about knowing where to go; it's about the *order* in which you do things.
* **Quest Order Optimization**: Identifying the shortest quest chains that advance the main story is paramount. Some side quests might be necessary for unlocking key spells or abilities required later in the main story.
* **Traversal Efficiency**: Learning the fastest methods to travel between locations is key. This involves mastering broom flight mechanics, identifying optimal updraft usage, and potentially exploiting world-streaming or loading zone tricks.
* **Dialogue Skips**: In *Hogwarts Legacy*, dialogue can be a significant time sink. Speedrunners constantly look for ways to skip dialogue sequences, either through intended game mechanics or unintended glitches.
Glitches and Skips: Pushing the Boundaries
The magic of speedrunning often lies in uncovering and utilizing glitches. For *Hogwarts Legacy*, potential exploits could include:
* **Out-of-Bounds (OOB)**: Finding ways to get outside the intended playable map to bypass sections of the game. This often involves precise movements or spell casts near specific geometry.
* **Sequence Breaking**: Performing actions out of the intended order to trigger story progression prematurely or skip entire sections.
* **Item Duplication/Glitches**: If any mechanics allow for item duplication or unintended item acquisition, these can drastically alter run times.
* **AI Manipulation**: Tricking enemy AI or NPC AI to behave in unintended ways, perhaps to skip combat encounters or trigger events faster.
In my experience, the most impactful glitches are usually those that allow for significant traversal skips or the bypassing of major story checkpoints. These are the kind of finds that can shave minutes, not seconds, off a run.
The PS5 version, with its faster loading times, offers a unique advantage for speedruns, but also means any loading screen tricks need to be incredibly precise and fast.
Combat Optimization: Faster, Stronger, Quicker
While many speedruns aim to avoid combat, *Hogwarts Legacy* often requires engaging enemies to progress. Optimizing combat means:
* **Spell Rotations**: Mastering the most damaging and efficient spell combinations. This likely involves weaving together basic spells, core curses like *Avada Kedavra* (if obtainable early and usable in runs), and powerful area-of-effect (AoE) spells.
* **Target Prioritization**: Knowing which enemies to eliminate first in any given encounter to minimize damage taken and end the fight swiftly.
* **Synergy with Gear**: If gear stats can be influenced or chosen early in a run, prioritizing those that boost damage output or spell cooldowns is essential.
Resource Management: Every Second Counts
Even in speedruns, managing resources like potion ingredients or available spells can be critical.
* **Minimalist Approach**: Only collect what is absolutely necessary. Traveling off-route to gather crafting materials is generally a death sentence for a speedrun.
* **Potion Usage**: Identifying key moments where a potion (like the Felix Felicis if it becomes available and useful for skips) can save time or prevent a run-ending death.
The RNG (Random Number Generator) in loot drops or enemy spawns can be a run killer. Learning to adapt or reset on bad RNG is part of the speedrunning grind.
Endgame Strategies and Final Splits
The final act of *Hogwarts Legacy* likely involves a series of challenging encounters and a climactic battle. Speedrunners will need to have:
* **Optimized Loadouts**: Ensuring the character is equipped with the best possible spells and gear for the final sequence, based on the established route.
* **Precise Execution**: The final boss encounters demand near-perfect execution of combat strategies and quick-time event (QTE) responses.
* **Split Points**: Understanding the key intermediate time goals (splits) throughout the run helps maintain pace and identify areas for improvement.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Even with the best route, mistakes happen. Common pitfalls for *Hogwarts Legacy* speedruns might include:
* **Getting Lost**: The open world is vast. Straying from the planned route due to unfamiliarity is a major time loss.
* **Unnecessary Fights**: Engaging enemies that aren't required for progression.
* **Failed Glitches**: Botching a tricky glitch execution can cost precious seconds or even end the run if it leads to an unwinnable state.
* **Poor Spell Management**: Running out of mana or using the wrong spells in a critical fight.
Frequently Asked Questions
*
Can you speedrun Hogwarts Legacy on PS5?
Yes, *Hogwarts Legacy* can absolutely be speedrun on PS5. The platform offers generally faster loading times compared to older consoles, which is beneficial for speedrunning.
*
What is the current world record for Hogwarts Legacy?
The speedrunning community is constantly evolving. For the absolute latest #worldrecord information, always check speedrun.com, as records change frequently.
*
Are there known major glitches for speedruns?
As of now, the community is actively discovering and testing various glitches, including potential out-of-bounds tricks and sequence breaks. Checking resources like speedrun.com and associated Discord channels is the best way to stay updated on the latest discoveries.
*
What is the most popular speedrun category for Hogwarts Legacy?
Currently, "Any%" is the most popular category, focusing on completing the game as quickly as possible using any available methods, including glitches.
*
How do I get started with speedrunning Hogwarts Legacy?
Start by watching existing speedruns, familiarize yourself with the route, practice specific segments, and join the *Hogwarts Legacy* speedrunning community on platforms like Discord to learn from experienced runners.
Mastering the broom flight is arguably one of the most critical skills for any Hogwarts Legacy speedrunner.
The journey to a world record in *Hogwarts Legacy* is long, arduous, and incredibly rewarding. It requires dedication, practice, and a deep understanding of the game's mechanics and potential exploits. Whether you're aiming for a top spot or just want to beat your personal best, the thrill of shaving off those precious seconds is what speedrunning is all about.
So, grab your controller, boot up your PS5, and start practicing those routes. The Wizarding World awaits, and the clock is ticking. Don't forget to share your PBs, strategies, and discovered glitches in the comments below! Join our Discord community to connect with other dedicated runners and become part of the #speedrun movement. Happy running!
