Image source: Portkey Games
No beginner wizard or witch is complete without their wand, and so as you might imagine there’s an important decision to be made at the start of Hogwarts Legacy. Which wand core is the finest fit for your magical style? The choice is ultimately up to you but we’re here to provide a little guidance on which wand core is best in Hogwarts Legacy.
Wand selection becomes available during the “Welcome to Hogsmeade” chapter at Ollivander’s Wand Shop (location can be found on our interactive map). There are all sorts of customization elements, including wand style, wood, length, flexibility, and core at your disposal. However, the game restricts these choices after this segment, allowing only the wand handles to be altered subsequently. Told you there was a big choice to be made!
Choosing a Wand Core & Impact on Gameplay
Luckily, that choice isn’t actually as consequential as it might at first appear. Wand cores don’t actually directly impact the gameplay in Hogwarts Legacy. It’s primarily a cosmetic choice, akin to other wand customizations such as wood types, color, and wand handles. Regardless of whether you opt for Dragon Heartstring, Unicorn Hair, or Phoenix Feather, your wand’s damage output, spell-learning capability, and the ability to cast Dark Arts remain unaffected. Every wand core allows you to unlock all the spells in the game.
While the gameplay remains unaffected, there’s lore associated with each wand core, so if you care about the role-playing experience it’s still something worth considering carefully. Here’s what the canon of the Wizarding World has to say about each of them:
- Unicorn Hair Wand Core – This core is known for “producing consistent magic”. Wands with Unicorn Hair cores have a strong connection with their first owner and are the most he most faithful of all wand types. These wands are least likely to mishap when casting spells, making them a safe choice for those who want to avoid accidents. In Hogwarts Legacy, the best wand core is a crucial choice that defines your magical journey.
- Dragon Heartstring Wand Core – Dragon Heartstring cores are known for their power and adaptability. They are the most potent among the three types and learn spells faster. However, their powerful magic is also temperamental, making them prone to accidents. These wands are the easiest to sway towards the Dark Arts, making them a good fit for those who seek power and aren’t afraid of a little risk. When considering the best wand core in Hogwarts Legacy, the Dragon Heartstring stands out for its raw power and versatility.
- Phoenix Feather Wand Core – This rare core is capable of producing a wide range of magic. Phoenix Feather wands are hard to tame and picky when it comes to choosing a potential owner. They are the hardest to turn docile and the most difficult to secure loyalty from, making them a challenging, but rewarding choice for those who are up for the task. When it comes to wand core selection in Hogwarts Legacy, the Phoenix Feather offers a unique and challenging path for aspiring wizards and witches.
Now that you’re familiar with the lore and gameplay implications of each wand core in Hogwarts Legacy, let’s delve into some practical considerations:
Replicating Famous Wands: If you wish to emulate the wands of popular Harry Potter characters, Dragon Heartstring is closest to Hermione Granger’s wand, Unicorn Hair to Ron Weasley’s and Draco Malfoy’s wands, and Phoenix Feather to Harry Potter’s and Voldemort’s wands.
Roleplay: If you’re keen on roleplaying, choose a core that aligns with your character’s personality. For example, a Unicorn Hair core may be suitable for a steadfast and loyal character, a Dragon Heartstring for a power-seeking character, and a Phoenix Feather for a character who likes challenges.
Remember, the wand core you select in Hogwarts Legacy reflects your character’s identity and magical style. So, choose something appropriate and let your wand mirror the wizard or witch you aspire to be. As the famous Mr. Ollivander once said, “The wand chooses the wizard.”
