Hogwarts Legacy made quite a splash in the gaming world, especially among the casual players who might not usually delve into action RPGs. This eagerly awaited game, set in the beloved Harry Potter universe, soared to the top of the sales charts in 2023. It not only captured the hearts of fans but also solidified the continuation of the Harry Potter legacy in the realm of interactive media.
There’s little doubt that Hogwarts Legacy’s success will inspire a sequel. However, fans might need to be patient as these projects can take time to come to fruition. Meanwhile, both indie developers and big-name studios are likely to try and ride the wave of Hogwarts Legacy’s success, similar to how various creators scrambled to cash in on Harry Potter’s popularity in the 2000s. While this could lead to some lackluster attempts, it also opens the door for passionate projects that might not have seen the light of day otherwise. A standout among these is Witchbrook, an indie game set to launch this winter.
Witchbrook blends elements reminiscent of both Hogwarts Legacy and Stardew Valley to create a new and enchanting experience. The game is set in a world where magic is woven into everyday life, much like the familiar urban fantasy setting of Harry Potter. Players find themselves in the charming seaside town of Mossport, attending a witchcraft college named Witchbrook. Here, they can immerse themselves in various social interactions and romance, developing their character along several different spectrums. The pixel art style and cozy atmosphere are evocative of Stardew Valley, complete with changing seasons and unique holidays.
But Witchbrook isn’t just riding on its charming aesthetics. The game promises an engaging and thorough experience, allowing players to attend classes, build romantic relationships, and personalize their very own quaint woodland cottage. Alongside this, there are plenty of mini-games and side activities, including some light farming, as hinted by the “garden” feature mentioned on Steam. What’s more, Witchbrook offers a co-op mode, making it possible to share the adventure with up to three friends.
By focusing on academics and cooperative play, Witchbrook might excel in areas where Hogwarts Legacy received criticism. The latter has been noted for not fully embracing its school-life aspects, and many players have long wished for a collaborative multiplayer function in the vast world of Hogwarts. Moreover, Witchbrook’s emphasis on romance and social interactions fills a gap that Hogwarts Legacy left unexplored.
Whether or not Witchbrook matches Hogwarts Legacy’s level of quality or any potential sequel, its mere existence demonstrates a vital point: no single narrative owns the concept of a magical school. While Witchbrook may lack the action-packed combat or high-definition graphics that a hypothetical Hogwarts Legacy 2 might boast, its cozy charm and focus on academic life could make it an appealing alternative for some fans.
Set to release in 2025, Witchbrook will offer an ESRB rating of Teen, featuring online co-op with up to four players. Although its compatibility with the Steam Deck is still unknown, PC gamers can look forward to diving into this magical world soon.