The Zweite Prüfung or Second Trial in Hogwarts Legacy marks a pivotal moment in the main storyline, offering a rich blend of magical puzzles, combat sequences, and deep lore exploration. This trial is part of the ancient magic arc, where the protagonist continues to uncover secrets tied to the Keepers and their powerful knowledge. Designed to test the player’s skills in spellcasting, problem-solving, and strategic thinking, the second trial can be both exhilarating and confusing if approached without preparation. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about the Zweite Prüfung from how to begin it, what to expect inside, and how to overcome every challenge it presents.
Starting the Zweite Prüfung Quest
The second trial becomes available after progressing through the main questline, specifically after completing the first Keeper Trial and reaching a certain level, usually around 17 to 20. The mission begins with a visit to the Map Chamber, where you meet another Keeper who reveals the location and purpose of the second test. This time, the trial is connected to Charles Rookwood, one of the ancient magic users whose memories are essential to understanding your own mysterious power.
Location and Preparation
- Recommended Level: 18+
- Trial Location: Felcroft Region, in the ruins near Rookwood Castle
- Suggested Spells: Accio, Levioso, Confringo, Glacius, and Reparo
- Essential Gear: Wands with upgraded traits, healing potions, and damage-boosting gear
Before entering the trial, make sure you are stocked up on Wiggenweld Potions, as the challenge features multiple combat sequences. It’s also advisable to slot in control and damage-dealing spells for flexibility during fights and puzzle-solving.
Entering the Second Trial
Once you reach the ancient structure where the trial begins, you’ll activate a magical gateway by channeling your ancient magic. The architecture is beautifully eerie, with glowing patterns and towering stone statues. Upon entering, you’ll find yourself transported to a magical dimension filled with shifting platforms, arcane mechanisms, and combat arenas.
First Puzzle Rotating Platforms
Early in the trial, you’ll encounter a puzzle involving rotating stone platforms. These platforms can be manipulated using Accio or Levioso, depending on the orientation. Your goal is to create a pathway to the next room by aligning platforms to form a solid bridge.
- Use Accio to pull platforms closer to each other.
- Levioso can be used to elevate hidden steps or raise parts of the bridge.
- Look for magical sigils that glow when the correct position is achieved.
Timing and observation are key here. One wrong rotation may trap you or reset progress. Take your time and align the platforms logically.
Combat Encounter 1 Animated Statues
After solving the first puzzle, you’ll face a wave of enchanted enemies. These include animated statues that use both melee attacks and ranged magical strikes. Their movements are slow, but their damage is high. Use your spells tactically:
- Glacius: Freeze the larger enemies and focus damage on one target at a time.
- Confringo: Deal explosive damage to groups.
- Dodge Roll: Avoid slow but powerful melee swings.
Once defeated, the door to the next section opens, revealing another magical chamber.
Second Puzzle Light Bridges and Magic Orbs
This room challenges your spatial awareness and spell precision. You’ll need to activate magical orbs that form light bridges across vast chasms. Some orbs are hidden behind destructible walls or floating platforms.
How to Solve:
- Use Revelio to highlight hidden interactables.
- Use Depulso or Confringo to remove barriers covering orbs.
- Stand on elevated platforms to get a clear line of sight for spellcasting.
After activating all orbs in the correct order, a glowing bridge appears, granting access to the final combat arena.
Final Boss Fight Guardian Sentinel
The climax of the Zweite Prüfung involves a battle with a massive Guardian Sentinel, an ancient magic construct with several deadly phases. The boss is slow but has devastating combos and magical AoE attacks.
Boss Abilities:
- Ground Slam: Jumps and slams the ground, causing shockwaves. Dodge or time Protego perfectly.
- Arcane Beam: Fires a sustained magical beam; break line of sight behind pillars.
- Summon Adds: Summons lesser constructs during certain health thresholds.
Combat Tips:
- Use Ancient Magic attacks when available to deal large chunks of damage.
- Concentrate on dodging, then cast high-damage spells when the Sentinel pauses.
- Eliminate summoned adds quickly to avoid being overwhelmed.
This fight requires patience. The boss has three distinct health phases, each with more aggressive attack patterns. Heal often and maintain mobility to outlast its endurance.
Completing the Second Trial
After defeating the Guardian Sentinel, a memory pool opens, allowing you to witness another piece of the Keeper’s past. In this vision, you learn more about Charles Rookwood’s views on using ancient magic responsibly, contrasting with Victor Rookwood’s villainous ambitions. This scene reveals key motivations behind the Keepers and adds depth to your character’s growing involvement in the ancient magic mystery.
Rewards and Progression
- XP reward based on level and performance
- Unlocks new spells or ancient magic charge
- Advancement in the main storyline
Completing the trial also gives access to more interactions with the Map Chamber, where the Keepers guide you toward your next destination. The Zweite Prüfung is more than just a trial it’s a narrative bridge that expands both the gameplay and the lore of Hogwarts Legacy.
Tips for Replaying or Mastering the Trial
If you’re a completionist or want to explore hidden secrets, consider replaying the trial after acquiring more advanced spells. Look for optional chests and hidden rooms that may contain rare gear or lore scrolls.
- Use Alohomora: After unlocking this spell, return to explore locked doors in the trial area.
- Equip gear with Ancient Magic boosts: Increases your performance against high-health enemies like the Sentinel.
- Experiment with different spell sets: Try crowd control combinations for a smoother experience.
The Zweite Prüfung in Hogwarts Legacy is a balanced mix of exploration, combat, and storytelling. It’s one of the game’s most rewarding main quests, both in gameplay challenge and narrative impact. By preparing properly, understanding puzzle mechanics, and using spell combinations strategically, players can emerge victorious and continue unraveling the secrets of ancient magic. As the trials become increasingly complex, mastering each one prepares you for the greater destiny your character is meant to fulfill in the wizarding world.