How to unlock Unforgivable Curses in Hogwarts Legacy: Avada Kedavra, Crucio & Imperio

Nathan Warby
Hogwarts Legacy player using Avada Kedavra

You can learn powerful spells like the three Unforgivable Curses in Hogwarts Legacy, so here’s how to potentially summon the dark wizard in you and unlock Imperio, Crucio, and Avada Kedavra in Hogwarts Legacy.

In Hogwarts Legacy, players can go on a magical journey through the Harry Potter universe, visiting iconic locations like Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest, the Black Lake, and more as well as meeting recognizable characters along the way.

You can also wield some of the Wizarding World’s most powerful spells in the game, among which are the three Unforgivable Curses, which Harry Potter and his friends became all too familiar with through the books and films.

For players who want to lean towards their dark side, here’s how to unlock the Unforgivable Curses in Hogwarts Legacy.

What are the Unforgivable Curses in Hogwarts Legacy?

There are three Unforgivable Curses in Hogwarts Legacy; Crucio, Imperio, and Avada Kedavra. As fans will know, each one has a devasting effect on those unlucky enough to be on the receiving end.

Although in the franchise, Hogwarts students are usually warned against using them under any circumstances but that’s not the case in Hogwarts Legacy. Here, you can not only learn but use the spells on your enemies without facing any consequences or going to Azkaban.

You can see each Curse and its effect below:

  • Crucio (Cruciatus Curse) – Known as the ‘Torture Curse,’ it inflicts excruciating pain on any living thing.
  • Imperio (Imperius Curse) – Places the enemy under your control.
  • Avada Kedavra (Killing Curse) – Instantly causes a quick and painless death.

Once unlocked, these lethal spells can become incredibly powerful tools in your magical arsenal, so let’s go over how to learn each one.

Hogwarts Legacy players using spellThe Unforgivable Curses are devastating spells for those who dare to use them.

How to unlock Crucio in Hogwarts Legacy

Each Unforgivable Curse is earned through Sebastian Sallow’s chain of side missions, and the Crucio Curse can be unlocked by completing the ‘In the Shadow of the Study’ quest. If you’ve completed a few of Sebasatian’s objectives and reached level 16, the quest will become available and can be done at any time.

This particular side activity takes you into Slytherin’s Scriptorium, where you will be met by a door that can only be opened with an Unforgivable Curse. Here, you will be taught how to cast the spell and Crucio will be permanently added to your skills.

How to unlock Imperio in Hogwarts Legacy

In order to learn the Imperio Curse, players must tick off the ‘In the Shadow of Time’ mission, which takes place further into Sebastian’s quest line. Simply keep progressing through the main story, and you will receive an owl to grant you the quest.

This time, the Slytherin student has you searching an eerie catacomb for an old relic before being confronted by Omnis Gaunt. During this exchange you will learn Imperio, meaning you’ll have mastered two out of the three Unforgivable Curses in Hogwarts Legacy.

There’s a whole host of different spells to learn in Hogwarts Legacy.

How to unlock Avada Kedavra in Hogwarts Legacy

The final Unforgivable Curse, Avada Kedavra, is awarded for completing the ‘In the Shadow of the Relic‘ quest. Players can only access this mission once they have hit level 27 by completing parts of the campaign or grinding side objectives.

In the quest, Sebastian will perform the Killing Curse right in front of you and offer to teach it. Simply follow his lead and you’ll become powerful enough to rival Voldemort himself.

That was everything you need to know about how to unlock all of the Unforgivable Curses in Hogwarts Legacy. For more on Hogwarts Legacy, check out our other guides:

Every classic Harry Potter character in Hogwarts Legacy | Can you play Quidditch in Hogwarts Legacy? | Does Hogwarts Legacy have multiplayer or co-op? | All Hogwarts Legacy PlayStation-exclusive content: Hogsmeade Shop Quest & cosmetics | Hogwarts Legacy Vivarium explained: How to access special location | Hogwarts Legacy PC requirements: Minimum specs & size 

About The Author

Nathan is a Senior Writer at CharlieIntel. He’s an expert in EA Sports FC, Call of Duty, and Overwatch, as well as superhero games, including Marvel’s Spider-Man. With a master's degree in Magazine Journalism from Nottingham Trent University, he worked as a Trainee Reporter for Derbyshire Live before moving into games media, with bylines at Dexerto, Cultured Vultures, and more. You can contact Nathan by email at [email protected].