If you’ve finished your school year out in the Wizarding World and fancy a new adventure, several games can scratch that itch. Depending on what you’re after next, you can find yourself exploring beautiful open-worlds, combating evil, or getting cosy on a farm.
Enjoy a tour of Hogwarts' four house common rooms below.
We’ve got a nice selection of games for you to browse through, all of which are free to play through either Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus.
Homestead Arcana
- Where? - Xbox Game Pass
- Why? - Living a witchy life
In this cutesy indie game, you can continue on playing as a witch clearing the world of a dark miasma. You will “discover the secret behind its appearance, grow plants to power up your spells, and use nature’s magic to heal the land.” It’s up to you to craft spells, explore the land, and defend your world from darkness. As a cross between a farming sim and a light RPG, you can live out your time as an adorable witch.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
- Where? - Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus
- Why? - A gorgeous mythological world
Combining a stunning open-world with action-packed gameplay plus a wealth of creatures based on classic mythology, it’s surprising how much this game has in common with Hogwarts Legacy. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey moved away from the rigid stealth mechanics of earlier entries in the franchise which made it a little more accessible, combined with a world bursting with quests and interesting distractions, there are hundreds of hours of enjoyment here. While there are no flying broomsticks or potions classes to attend, you can find lots of dark and sinister secrets as well as wonderful buildings to explore, in search of secrets.
Persona 4 Golden
- Where? - Xbox Game Pass
- Why? - Teenage drama and angst
If you’re wanting more teenage angst then you should look no further than Persona 4 Golden, a masterpiece in the RPG genre and a game that has been celebrated by fans and critics alike since its release in 2012. While this isn’t an open-world adventure game, it does feature an all-teenage cast of characters who bring their troubles to the group rounding out the narrative in a more personal way. You’ll find that the in-game time passes through nights where battling and socialising occur, and daytimes in school. Be warned, this is a lengthy game. It will take over your life.
God of War (2016)
- Where? - PlayStation Plus
- Why? - More myth, but more mature, too
For another open-world gem, with loads of mythological characters and creatures, you have to play God of War. It’s very different in tone - this is a much more mature game. It does however feature all the magic and mysticism you could want. Much more of an action-packed adventure with various set pieces, you’ll be constantly breathless with the choices the story makes and how the narrative twists and turns. While this is a much more linear game in terms of story, you can still explore the open-world looking for secrets and chances to upgrade and improve our heroes and their weapons.
Stardew Valley
- Where? - Xbox Game Pass
- Why? - A cosy crafting and farming experience
We’re going for tone here, with another cosy game that envelops you in its world. Stardew Valley isn’t just a farming sim, though. There’s a huge amount of depth in the NPCs and your interactions with them. With the possibility of completing tasks for them, or even romancing them, your life feels like a part of a community. While there’s no magic to be found here, there is a world full of wonder and personality. Since its release, the game has had so many updates, it can provide hundreds of hours of fun, and what’s even more amazing, none of it is mindless busy work. It’s all worthwhile and part of the adventure.
Moonlighter
- Where? - PlayStation Plus
- Why? - Pixel-based adventures and shopkeeping
Part-RPG and part-shop simulator, Moonlighter is a delightful adventure game that has your hero venturing out into the world to find supplies you can sell in your shop. With a cast of villagers around you, this Zelda-like game is not only adorable in tone, but it’s gorgeous too. The pixel graphics are stunning. Another indie game that has received many updates and allows you to sink into its enchanting, looting, boss-battling, and exploration, all while running an adventurer’s shop. With a little bit of magic and a lot of adventures, this could scratch that Hogwarts itch.
Dreamlight Valley
- Where? - Xbox Game Pass
- Why? - Disney magic and wonderful characters
Lastly, we come to Dreamlight Valley, a game chosen for a different kind of magic. While yes, some spells are being cast here, the magic we’re referring to is ‘Disney Magic’. There’s something special about this game that combines Animal Crossing with Disneyland; exiting your house and seeing Mickey Mouse wandering around, or Buzz Lightyear hanging out at the restaurant, perhaps Moana has a daily task for you to complete. It’s another game based around a wonderful community you can just exist in and complete tasks, except you don’t have to worry about enemies or bosses here.
Featured Image Credit: Skybound Games, Warner Bros. Interactive EntertainmentTopics: Assassins Creed, God Of War, Hogwarts Legacy, Persona, Stardew Valley, Playstation Plus, Xbox Game Pass