The ability to cast spells is essential in the game Hogwarts Legacy. The combat showcased during the gameplay reveal video was entirely spellcasting with the occasional backhand. While spells cast in the Harry Potter world come in two forms--spoken (very strong) and unspoken (weaker and requiring advanced training)--it is unclear whether users will need to actively decide whether or not to "speak" a spell when casting. However, there are several moments when both teachers and enemies cast unspoken versions of recognizable spells.
There are about two dozen spells that we can see and/or hear during the gameplay trailer and thus are confirmed. I've listed them here. However, there are an additional three dozens spells that appear on the walls of the charms and transfiguration classrooms which will not be included until I can confirm that they are castable by the character in game. We cover the "ancient magic" mechanic, its spells, and its finishers in another post.
Accio
This spell simply pulls the target toward the caster. Many of the puzzles in the Hogwarts Legacy gameplay reveal trailer were solved by accio. It is also possible to, instead, pull the user toward the target if the target is stationary and the caster is standing on a moving platform. This spell is also used for the acquisition of the "floating page" collectables found throughout the world. Unlike "leviosa", this spell can be used on creatures regardless of their clothed state.
Alohomora
Throughout the world users can expect to find large padlocks on doors and cages that feature a blue-purple shimmer. In order for a thief or curious 5th-year to bypass those locks, they must cast "Alohomora". Instead of simply unlocking the lock, the spell launches a mini-game--the details of which can be found on our mini-game page. It is possible that there is a locking spell (like "colloportis"), but such a spell has not yet been announced or seen.
Avada Kedavra
Known also as the "killing curse", it's appearance at the end of the gameplay reveal trailer was a shocker to say the least. It confirms a "light magic" and "dark magic" mechanic that could be part of a larger morality system--which has not been confirmed.
Bombarda
An exploding charm causes a small explosion at the point of impact.
Confringo
This spell causes a small explosion at the target's location (as opposed to "incendio", which causes the target to catch fire. While we won't know how it looks in the final game, it's worth noting that this may be the single slowest spell in the game--as the animation takes almost a full two seconds.
Depulso
On multiple occasions during the gameplay reveal trailer, the user grabs ahold of someone and then throws them into a wall or simply away from where they are standinging. While "accio" is the spell that brings them near, this spell is the one that sends them in the other direction.
Descendo
Ironically, this spell is used to loft enemies into the air as the descending that's done causes the target to bounce off the ground and then remain aloft for a short period in order to facilitate combo attacks. This causes some level of damage to enemies.
Diffindo
The "severing" jinx is considered "dark magic" within the Harry Potter canon despite its use in mundane daily tasks as casting it against an enemy can cause damage or even death.
Disillusionment Charm
No one has ever defined the incantation for this charm, so mark this up as one of the many surprises we can expect from this game. We see the user in the gameplay reveal trailer achieve "stealth" by casting a spell. The name and existence of this spell was confirmed in the January 2023 art book leak. This should be the spell that defines every stealth build, though the spell is nowhere near as powerful as an invisibility potion.
Expelliarmus
One of the most basic spells in the wizarding world, Expelliarmus simply disarms the target.
Glacius
This spell was first cast non-verbally during the gameplay reveal trailer. In January of 2023, we saw this spell used again against a spider in the cinematic trailer--this time verbally. Used to chill or freeze an enemy. It can also be used to turn water into ice.
Incendio
The narrator of the gameplay reveal trailer specifically cited this spell as a primary "roasting" combat spell, though there's no reason we can't use it for utlitarian purposes like setting spider webs on fire and lighting torches. One would assume that any flammable impedement can be dealt with using this spell.
Levioso
Throughout the gameplay reveal trailer, enemies cast the spell "levioso" in an attempt to hoist the main character into the air. Harry Potter fans may recognize "Wingardium Leviosa". For the purposes of this game, they appear to have dropped the "wingardium". It is important to understand that this spell cannot be used to pick up living creatures--only inanimate objects like clothing. This spell is also used to solve puzzles, such as the levitation statues found around Hogwarts (the guys holding the hollow balls in the air).
Lumos and Nox
The very first spell we see in the gameplay reveal trailer is Lumos. It causes the end of the users wand to glow brightly--providing illumination in dark places. In the Harry Potter universe, it must be cancelled by the spell Nox. However, that mechanic has not be confirmed for Hogwarts Legacy. Lumos is also critical for clearing away Devil's Snare--a magical weed that clogs up passageways.
Lumos is useful for the obvious reasons: it can illuminate dark areas. However, be aware that the light from your wand will tend to attract nearby moths.
While not verbalized, Nox counters "lumos" and was used at the very beginning of the gameplay reveal trailer when the main character first approaches the cliff overlooking Hogwarts at night.
Oppugno
More than just a spell, this jinx appears to be a primary mechanic of the game. Throughout the gameplay reveal trailer, over a dozen objects had an "RB" icon above them. The mechanic simply grabs an inannimate object and then uses that object to attack a target. This is what was used to grab the sword of the stone soldiers and then use their own sword against them as well as striking enemies with fire barrels, broken architectural debris, and other such environmental weapons.
Petrificus Totalus
The primary use of this in all of the preview mechanics has been during stealth. It can be used silently to instantly incapacitate a target--as evidenced by the fact that it was used within feet of a second enemy who remained unaware of the petrification happening just behind him.
Protego
This appears to be the primary defense mechanic. It creates a shield around the caster to protect from non-melee attacks.
Reparo
One of the big set piece moments was when Professor Fig and the main character approach a beautiful ruin perched atop a spire in the middle of the ocean. Professor Fig casts "reparo" to literally repair an old land bridge that would allow the two of them to cross on foot to the ruin. It has been confirmed during gameplay of the Poppy Sweeting side quest "Fire and Vice" recorded on January 18, 2022 that users can cast reparo on broken bridges.
Revelio
This is one of the most important and commonly-used spells--so much so that it has a permanent place in the controller schema. It is used to reveal hidden objects, including but hopefully not limited to hidden Wizarding guide pages and nearby chests. It is also useful in determining whether or not a wall panel or other construction has a secret passage or room behind it.
Stupefy
This stunning charm renders the target unconscious and can also be used to halt moving objects. Worth noting is that in the Harry Potter canon, there is a spell to revive unconscious people called "rennervate" but its appearnace in the game is unconfirmed at present.