Where does Hogwarts Legacy fit into the timeline?
If you’re hoping to spot a baby Dumbledore snoozing in a crib or stumble over a time-traveling DeLorean piloted by a confused wizard, brace for disappointment. Hogwarts Legacy is set in the late 1800s—specifically the 1890s—which places it roughly 200 years after the invention of Floo Powder (thanks, Ignatia Wildsmith) and 100 years before a certain Boy Who Lived started terrorizing garden gnomes. Think of it as the wizarding version of the Industrial Revolution, but with more owls and fewer steam engines.
So, is this before or after… literally anything?
- Voldemort? His grandparents haven’t even awkwardly held hands yet.
- Dumbledore’s reign? He’s still perfecting his baby-blue robes fashion line.
- The Marauders? More like the “great-great-great-great-grandfathers of mischief.”
The game squeezes itself into a cozy, lore-friendly gap where the only familiar faces are portraits on walls (Hi, Sir Cadogan!) and ghosts who’ve perfected their “spooky groan” routine. Even the Goblin Rebellion featured here is a separate spicy chapter from the one mentioned in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Basically, it’s a standalone adventure where you can obliviate your way through history without messing up future plotlines. Time-turner not required.
And no, you won’t find a young Grindelwald lurking in the Three Broomsticks—unless he’s undercover as a particularly dramatic barista. This era is all about original characters, fresh scandals, and magical beasts that haven’t yet been turned into meme templates. It’s like J.K. Rowling’s universe decided to host a prequel party and forgot to invite anyone you know. Bring your own chocolate frogs.
Does Hogwarts Legacy take place before or after Harry Potter?
Let’s settle this like a time-traveling wizard with a broken Time-Turner: Hogwarts Legacy is set in the late 1800s, roughly 100 years before Harry Potter ever side-eyed a Dursley. That’s right—this is the era of top hats, questionable dental hygiene, and owls delivering mail without the existential dread of Voldemort’s return. Imagine a Hogwarts where the staircases move just to mess with students, but the Dark Lord is still a glimmer in his great-great-grandfather’s mischievous eye.
Why does the timeline even matter?
- You won’t find Harry’s grandparents lurking in the corridors (they’re not even a twinkle in anyone’s eye yet).
- No Marauder’s Map—the Marauders are still just… regular marauders, probably stealing turnips from Hogsmeade.
- Professors here teach magic, not “How to Survive a Year Without a Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher.”
Think of it as a magical prequel where the biggest threat isn’t a noseless supervillain, but maybe a particularly aggressive Cornish pixie infestation. The game’s timeline is so old, the Sorting Hat probably still has its original tags. You’re more likely to bump into an ancestor of Nearly Headless Nick (Fully Headed Nigel?) than anyone from Harry’s yearbook.
But wait, does this mean I’ll spoil Harry’s story?
Only if you consider learning that Hogwarts had plumbing in the 1800s a spoiler (sorry, Chamber of Secrets conspiracy theorists). The game exists in the same universe but avoids Harry’s timeline like a Howler avoids subtlety. It’s like attending a family reunion where no one shares your DNA—familiar vibes, zero overlap. Unless you count the ghosts. Nearly Headless Nick is technically immortal, so… he’s the real MVP here.
In short: grab your wands and your Victorian-era slang, because this is Hogwarts: Great-Great-Grandparent Edition. The only “Potter” you’ll encounter is the one selling cauldrons down in the village.
Is Hogwarts Legacy before Dumbledore?
Short answer: Yes, but he’s probably busy rocking diapers somewhere. Hogwarts Legacy is set in the late 1800s (1890, to be exact), while everyone’s favorite twinkle-eyed, half-moon-spectacled headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, was born in 1881. Do the math, and you’ll realize baby Albus is technically alive during the game—just not old enough to enroll at Hogwarts. Imagine a 9-year-old future wizard prodigy scowling at his multiplication homework instead of battling trolls. Iconic, but tragically unplayable.
Wait, Could Dumbledore Pop Up as a Secret NPC?
Let’s squash this faster than a Cornish pixie in a suitcase: no. The game’s timeline is a solid 10 years before Albus starts his first year (1891). Even the devs aren’t sneaky enough to insert a toddler Dumbledore Easter egg. However, you will meet Headmaster Phineas Nigellus Black, who’s basically Dumbledore’s antithesis—a grumpy, lazy bureaucrat who’d rather nap than nurture heroes. Think of him as the “anti-Dumbledore” prototype. Coincidence? Probably not.
Key Timeline Nuggets:
- 🐣 Dumbledore’s Birth: 1881 (pre-Hogwarts, post-cradle).
- 🏰 Hogwarts Legacy Setting: 1890 (the castle’s still got it).
- 🎩 Phineas Black’s Reign: Peak “disapproving grandpa” vibes.
So, while you won’t duel young Dumbledore in a secret boss fight (unless modders go feral), the game’s era is steeped in lore that technically overlaps with his childhood. It’s like attending a concert where the headliner hasn’t been born yet—still a banger, just minus the phoenix solos. Grab your wand, and pretend you’re saving the world for little Albus’ future. He’d appreciate it… in 70 years.
How old would Dumbledore be in Hogwarts Legacy?
Ah, the eternal question: “Would Dumbledore be sipping pumpkin juice or yelling at clouds during the Hogwarts Legacy era?” Let’s math this out like a troll solving a riddle while juggling Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans. The game is set in the late 1800s (1890-1891, specifically). Meanwhile, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore—yes, we’re using his full name for dramatic effect—was born in August 1881. So, unless Hogwarts Legacy features a time-traveling bassinet or a *very* ambitious toddler, our favorite future headmaster would be… approximately 9-13 years old. That’s right: he’d be knee-deep in primary school, not yet inventing his legendary lemon-drop habit.
Wait, Would He Even Be at Hogwarts Yet?
Hold your owls! Hogwarts students start at age 11, meaning baby Albus wouldn’t arrive until September 1892. Hogwarts Legacy’s timeline (1890-1891) is like showing up to a party two years early and wondering why no one’s serving cake. So, Dumbledore’s absence isn’t a plot hole—it’s a chronological evasion. Imagine him elsewhere, probably arguing with goats in Godric’s Hollow or perfecting his “disappointed eyebrow” in a mirror.
Key takeaways for maximum absurdity:
- Dumbledore’s Hogwarts admission letter? Still stuck in a future owl’s beak.
- He’d be roughly the same age as your grandma’s *great*-grandma. Let that sink in.
- If you squint, maybe the game’s portraits are judging you *extra hard* in preparation for his eventual reign.
Could he technically exist in the game’s world? Sure, but he’d be too busy not inventing the Deluminator or not dating Grindelwald (that’s a later chapter). If you spot a precocious child with auburn hair muttering about “greater good,” just… let him enjoy his childhood. He’ll have *plenty* to do in 70 years.
