How to Learn All Unforgivable Curses - Hogwarts Legacy Guide - IGN (2024)

Looking to embrace the Dark Arts in Hogwarts Legacy? Well, you'll be glad to know that you have the option to learn three of the most powerful dark spells in the wizarding world – also known as the Unforgivable Curses. This section of IGN's Hogwarts Legacy guide covers:

• How to learn Crucio
• How to learn Imperio
• How to learn Avada Kedavra

According to lore, the Ministry of Magic classified these three curses as Unforgivable and illegal in 1717 with strict penalties for their use; however, you can cast the Unforgivable Curses without consequence in Hogwarts Legacy. So if you're looking to dabble in the Dark Arts, this Unforgivable Curses guide will explain how to unlock all three Unforgivable Curses and exactly what each spell does in Hogwarts Legacy.

How to Learn All Unforgivable Curses

Looking to learn a particular Unforgivable Curse? Click the link below to jump to...

• How to Unlock Crucio
• How to Unlock Imperio
• How to Unlock Avada Kedavra
• How to Learn the Unforgivable Curses at a Later Time

How to Unlock Crucio

• Quest: “In the Shadow of the Study” (Suggested level: 16)

To unlock Crucio, start the quest called “In the Shadow of the Study.” When you meet Sebastian outside the Slytherin common room, he’ll tell you that only a Gaunt knows the location of the scriptorium’s entrance. You’ll need to convince a reluctant Ominis Gaunt to help. Light the three nearby braziers to open the door to Slytherin’s Scriptorium.

Once inside, you’ll approach two interactable items near a locked door. One is part of a series of notes left behind by Noctua Gaunt. You will not be able to go back once you pass through the door. To the right of the note is broken rubble – use Reparo to put it back together. Speak to Ominis to unlock the door to the next room.

There are three gates with Slytherin lock puzzles. Find the symbols on each gate to help you solve it. If you do not put in the correct symbols by the time the snake makes a full rotation, be prepared for it to attack! As you explore the maze, be sure to keep an eye out for 3 more of Noctua’s notes.

When you step through the third gate into another corridor, you’ll find the final note from Noctua near a locked door with the word ‘crucio’ written on the floor. Speak with Sebastian, who eventually will offer to teach you Crucio or cast it on you. This will prompt options for you to learn it or to refuse. Choose either the second or the third option to learn Crucio.

What the Crucio Spell Does

After completing the remainder of the quest, you’ll be able to equip Crucio to a spell slot for combat. Casting Crucio curses your targeted enemy as they recoil in pain from the tortuous spell and take continued damage over time. Cursed enemies also take extra damage from hits.

Spell Upgrade - Crucio Mastery

Spending a Talent point on Crucio Mastery enhances your spell to also release a projectile that curses a nearby enemy.

How to Unlock Imperio

• Quest: “In the Shadow of Time” (Suggested level: 17)

For a complete walkthrough, see our In The Shadow Of Time quest guide for more details.

To unlock Imperio, start the quest called “In the Shadow of Time.” Meet Sebastian at the catacomb and enter. You’ll face several spider enemies in this dungeon, so it’s useful to have fire-based spells such as Incendio or Bombarda for combat and for getting through spider webs.

Collect the Student Journal Entry, which explains the barricades that you need to pass through to get to the relic. You’ll want to use Accio to move collections of bones to build bridges or archways to move to the next room.

Sebastian will speak to you in a cutscene to discuss the Imperius Curse and offers to teach you Imperio. Again, you may choose to learn the spell or refuse. Once you learn the spell, you may equip it to a spell slot immediately.

What the Imperio Spell Does

Casting Imperio on an enemy temporarily places them under your control and forces them to fight against other enemies. During this time, they take reduced damage from other enemies. After the spell wears off, the enemy is still cursed and takes extra damage.

Spell Upgrade - Imperio Mastery

Spending a Talent point on Imperio Mastery enhances your spell so that an enemy under your control also curses other targets with each successful strike.

How to Unlock Avada Kedavra

• Quest: “In the Shadow of the Relic” (Suggested level: 28)

To unlock Avada Kedavra, start the quest called “In the Shadow of the Relic.” Speak with Ominis at the catacomb, and get ready with your fire-based spells to battle Inferi and more spiders.

As you make your way through the catacomb, you’ll face an intense battle. No spoilers, you’ll have to see what happens yourself, but one major tip is to focus on the boss because the Inferi will continue to spawn in repeated waves.

When you exit the catacomb, speak with Sebastian and choose the second option, “Everyone should know that curse.” This will prompt an opportunity for Sebastian to teach you Avada Kedavra, if you choose “Yes, please.”

What the Avada Kedavra Spell Does

Avada Kedavra kills enemies instantly, no matter the number of hit points it has - with the exception of the final boss.

Spell Upgrade - Avada Kedavra Mastery

Spending a Talent point on Avada Kedavra Mastery enhances your spell so that killing an enemy with it also kills all other cursed enemies.

How to Learn the Unforgivable Curses If You Refused to Learn the Spells

If you refused to learn any of the three Unforgivable Curses and change your mind later, there is a chance to unlock them after completing the main quest line. You can speak to Sebastian in the Undercroft (if he’s around) and ask him to teach you.