Hogwarts Legacy: Master All Merlin’s Trials with This Complete Guide!Hogwarts Legacy is an incredibly immersive open-world RPG that truly lets us live out our wizarding fantasies, right? One of the most engaging and, dare I say, addictive activities you’ll encounter throughout your journey are the numerous Merlin’s Trials . These ancient, nature-based puzzles are scattered across the vast Scottish Highlands, just waiting for a clever witch or wizard like yourselves to solve them. If you’re looking to become a true master of the wizarding world and unlock some super helpful perks, then completing every single one of these trials is an absolute must-do. Forget about just blasting spells; these trials will test your wits, your observation skills, and your spellcasting precision in ways you might not expect. They’re not just busywork, either; these challenges are directly tied to expanding your inventory slots, making them incredibly valuable for any loot-hoarding adventurer. Trust me, guys, nothing is worse than having to leave behind rare gear because your bags are full, and Merlin’s Trials are your golden ticket to never facing that dilemma again. We’re talking about a significant quality-of-life improvement that makes your entire Hogwarts Legacy experience smoother and more enjoyable. From your very first encounter with Nora Treadwell, who introduces you to these enigmatic puzzles, you’ll quickly realize that these aren’t just simple tasks; they’re a core part of exploring and mastering the magical world around you. So, get ready to dive deep, because this comprehensive guide will equip you with all the knowledge, tips, and spell strategies you need to conquer all Merlin’s Trials and become a true puzzle-solving legend in Hogwarts Legacy . Let’s get to it and uncover the ancient secrets Merlin left behind for us!## Unlocking the Magic: What Are Merlin’s Trials in Hogwarts Legacy?Alright, let’s talk about the essence of Merlin’s Trials in Hogwarts Legacy . These aren’t just random side quests, folks; they’re a fundamental part of your progression and exploration in the game, cleverly disguised as environmental puzzles. You’ll stumble upon your first trial early in your adventure, specifically after your first visit to Hogsmeade and interacting with Nora Treadwell. She’ll introduce you to the concept, explaining that these mysterious magical sites, marked by a distinctive stone basin, require a special ingredient to activate: Mallowsweet leaves . These aren’t just any leaves; they’re the key to starting the trial, and thankfully, they’re super easy to come by. You can grow them in your Room of Requirement, buy them from vendors like The Magic Neep in Hogsmeade, or even find them foraging in the wild. Always keep a good stock of Mallowsweet leaves on hand, because you’ll need one for each of the staggering 95 Merlin’s Trials scattered across the Highlands. Each trial, once activated, will present a unique magical puzzle, ranging from simple spellcasting challenges to more complex environmental manipulations.But why should you even bother with these trials, you ask? Well, here’s the kicker, guys: Merlin’s Trials are the only way to expand your inventory capacity. As you complete more trials, you’ll unlock successive tiers of inventory upgrades, allowing you to carry more gear, potions, and ingredients. This is an absolutely invaluable perk for any aspiring wizard or witch, especially given the sheer amount of loot you’ll find in dungeons, bandit camps, and hidden chests. Imagine exploring a vast goblin mine, discovering an epic legendary cloak, only to realize your inventory is full! Heartbreaking, right? By diligently completing Merlin’s Trials, you’ll ensure you never have to make that agonizing choice of what to leave behind again. The expansion of your inventory is directly tied to completing a certain number of trials; for example, completing 2 trials gets you the first upgrade, 5 gets you the next, and so on, all the way up to completing all 95 for the maximum capacity. It’s a fantastic incentive that directly impacts your gameplay experience, making exploration more rewarding and less frustrating. So, while they might seem like a diversion at first, understanding the sheer utility and essential nature of Merlin’s Trials is key to a smooth and enjoyable Hogwarts Legacy journey. These ancient puzzles are more than just a test of your spellcasting; they’re a test of your dedication to mastering the magical world and maximizing your potential as a witch or wizard. Get ready to gather those Mallowsweet leaves and prepare for some serious puzzle-solving fun!## Decoding Merlin’s Puzzles: The Core Mechanics You Need to KnowNow that we know why Merlin’s Trials are so important, let’s dive into how they actually work and the core mechanics you’ll need to master. Each trial begins with that distinct stone basin you’ve already seen, and as we discussed, it requires one Mallowsweet leaf to activate. Once you drop the leaf into the basin, a green magical aura will erupt, signifying the start of the trial and revealing the puzzle elements around you. This is where your observational skills truly come into play, folks! The first and most crucial tool in your arsenal for any Merlin’s Trial is the Revelio spell. Seriously, guys, spam this spell! Casting Revelio within the vicinity of an active trial will highlight all the puzzle-related objects in yellow, making them stand out from the environment. This is absolutely invaluable for spotting hidden elements, distant objects, or even the subtle clues that indicate which type of puzzle you’re facing. Without Revelio , you’ll be running around like a headless hippogriff trying to find what to interact with. So, remember: Mallowsweet to start, Revelio to reveal!Understanding the different types of magical interactions required is also vital. While the specific puzzle variations are numerous, they all boil down to manipulating objects and the environment using your spell catalogue. You’ll quickly notice patterns. For example, some trials involve moving heavy objects, which immediately tells you Accio , Depulso , or Wingardium Leviosa will be your go-to spells. Others involve lighting fires, screaming Incendio or Confringo . There are even puzzles that require repair work, meaning Reparo is your friend. The magic of these trials is that they force you to think about your spell usage creatively and practically. They aren’t just about combat; they’re about applying your magical knowledge to the world around you. Another key mechanic is the presence of environmental clues. Merlin didn’t just plop down random objects; he built these trials to be solvable with keen observation. Look for patterns, glowing elements, specific textures, or even the subtle alignment of objects. Sometimes, the solution isn’t about casting a powerful spell, but about finding the right angle or the correct order of operations. Many trials will have a central theme or object type, like a series of broken statues, floating orbs, or unique stone platforms. Recognizing these elements quickly will help you categorize the puzzle type and, in turn, select the appropriate spells and strategy. The game does an excellent job of making these trials feel organic to the world, often blending them into the natural landscape. However, once that green aura from the Mallowsweet activates, those puzzle elements will stand out, especially with Revelio . So, guys, get ready to hone your observational prowess, practice your Revelio cast, and prepare to creatively apply your spell knowledge, because mastering these core mechanics is your first step to conquering all Merlin’s Trials and becoming a true puzzle master in Hogwarts Legacy . These mechanics are the foundation upon which all the more complex puzzles are built, so a solid understanding here will serve you well throughout your entire adventure!## Essential Spells and Smart Strategies for Merlin’s TrialsAlright, let’s get down to brass tacks: what spells are absolutely essential for tackling Merlin’s Trials , and what kind of strategies should you employ to solve them efficiently? Knowing your spellbook inside and out is crucial, but some spells are unequivocally more important for these puzzles than others. First and foremost, as mentioned, Revelio is your absolute best friend. Seriously, casting Revelio as soon as you activate a trial will save you countless minutes of searching. It illuminates all interactable puzzle elements in yellow, making them easy to spot, even if they’re hidden behind foliage or at a distance. Never, ever forget to use it, guys!Next up, let’s talk about manipulation spells. Accio and Depulso are your bread and butter for moving objects. Accio pulls things towards you, while Depulso pushes them away. These are indispensable for orb puzzles, moving blocks, or clearing debris. Complementing them is Wingardium Leviosa , which allows you to levitate and precisely maneuver objects. This is particularly vital for placing cubes onto pedestals or stacking objects. Often, you’ll use Accio or Depulso to get an object into position, then Wingardium Leviosa for the fine-tuning. These three spells form the core of object manipulation.For elemental challenges, you’ll primarily be using fire spells. Incendio is great for close-range ignition, while Confringo is your long-range option. Many Merlin’s Trials involve lighting braziers, and often these braziers need to be lit quickly before they extinguish, so having both ready is key. Confringo is especially useful for those trials where braziers are spaced far apart or are elevated. Then we have Reparo , the fixing spell. A number of trials involve repairing broken statues, bridges, or other structures. If you see shattered pottery or crumbling stone, Reparo is your go-to. Finally, Lumos is surprisingly important for one specific type of trial: the moth puzzles. You’ll need Lumos to attract and guide glowing moths to their designated pedestals.Beyond spells, a smart strategy goes a long way. Always take a moment to survey the area immediately after activating a trial and casting Revelio . Don’t just rush in. Look for the distinct patterns of the puzzle. Are there broken statues? Spheres? Small pillars? Braziers? This initial observation helps you identify the puzzle type quickly. Sometimes, the solution requires a specific sequence of actions. For example, lighting braziers often has a time limit, meaning you need to find the optimal path to light them all before the first one goes out. For other puzzles, like the orb challenges, you might need to find all the scattered orbs first before pushing them into their designated spots. Don’t be afraid to experiment! If a spell isn’t working, try another. These trials are designed to make you think, so a little trial and error is part of the fun. Remember, guys, preparation is key. Always have those Mallowsweet leaves ready, and keep your core puzzle-solving spells assigned to an easily accessible spell set. By combining your knowledge of essential spells with these strategic approaches, you’ll be well on your way to mastering all Merlin’s Trials in Hogwarts Legacy and showing Merlin what a modern wizard can do!## A Field Guide to Every Merlin’s Trial Puzzle TypeOkay, guys, now that we’ve covered the essentials and general strategies, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty: the specific types of Merlin’s Trials you’ll encounter. While each trial might have a slightly different layout or challenge, they generally fall into distinct categories, each requiring a particular set of spells and a specific approach. Knowing these types beforehand will save you a ton of time and frustration. Let’s break them down and make sure you’re ready for anything Merlin throws your way!### The Stone Pillar Challenge: Jumping and DodgingOne of the most common and, frankly, sometimes annoying types of Merlin’s Trials involves activating a set of small, often crumbling, stone pillars that rise and fall. Your goal here is to jump across these pillars without touching the ground until you’ve successfully traversed a path. Sounds simple, right? Well, Merlin often places them over water or hazards, and sometimes they rise and fall at different speeds, adding a layer of timing-based challenge. When you activate one of these trials, you’ll typically see a series of small, moss-covered stone pillars emerge from the ground. Your task is to quickly and precisely jump from one to the next until you’ve touched the top of a specific number of them, usually all of them. The crucial aspect here is that once you step on a pillar, it might start to sink, or disappear after a short delay, forcing you to move swiftly. The Revelio spell isn’t as critical for revealing the pillars themselves, as they are usually quite visible, but it helps identify the active puzzle area. For these trials, your main tools are your platforming skills. Pay close attention to the timing of the pillars rising and falling. Sometimes, you’ll need to wait for the perfect moment to jump, especially if there’s a wider gap or a pillar that sinks quickly. A hidden trick some of these trials might present is the need for Levioso or Wingardium Leviosa . In some cases, a platform might be broken or too low, and you might need to use Reparo to fix it or Levioso to temporarily raise it before you can jump across. Always scan the surroundings for any interactable elements beyond just the pillars themselves. Don’t forget that using your sprint and dodge roll can help you cover slightly more distance or adjust your landing in a pinch. Some trials might have a slightly elevated starting point, indicating a path that needs to be taken. Others might require you to jump up a series of pillars to a higher ledge. The key to mastering these is patience, observation of the pillar patterns, and precise movement. Don’t get frustrated if you fall; just restart the trial (you’ll only consume one Mallowsweet leaf per trial, not per attempt!) and adjust your timing. Mastering these pillar-jumping Merlin’s Trials is all about getting into a rhythm and executing your jumps perfectly, turning a potentially frustrating challenge into a satisfying display of agility and control. Keep practicing your jumps, and you’ll be soaring across these magical obstacles in no time, guys!### Orb Obstacles: Guiding the Rolling StonesNext up, we’ve got the Orb Obstacles , one of the most common and satisfying types of Merlin’s Trials ! These challenges involve finding several large, magically-charged stone orbs and guiding them into specific depressions in the ground. You’ll typically find between three to five orbs, and an equal number of matching holes or indentations. The moment you activate the trial, use Revelio immediately to highlight all the orbs and their respective destination holes. This is absolutely critical, as sometimes the orbs can be scattered far and wide, or even cleverly hidden behind environmental elements. Your main spells for these trials, guys, are Accio and Depulso . Accio will pull the orbs towards you, making it easy to retrieve them from distant locations or drag them across difficult terrain. Depulso will push them away, which is perfect for nudging them into their final resting spots or pushing them around corners. You’ll often find yourself using a combination of both. For instance, you might Accio an orb close, then use Depulso for the precision push into the hole. Sometimes, an orb might be stuck in a thorny bush or behind a destructible wall. In such cases, you might need Confringo or Incendio to clear the path, or Reparo if there’s a broken barrier. These trials often require a bit of spatial reasoning. Look at the terrain between the orb and its hole. Is it a straight shot? Is there a slope? Are there obstacles? Use the environment to your advantage. For example, if there’s a downhill slope leading to a hole, a gentle Depulso might be all you need. If an orb is on a ledge, you might need to Accio it down or carefully Depulso it off. Another variant involves orbs trapped in a cage or under a rock pile. For these, Confringo or Bombarda (if you have it) will be your go-to spells to shatter the obstruction and free the orb. Remember to always clear any debris or obstacles first before attempting to move the orb, as this will make the process much smoother. The key here is patience and precision. Don’t just blindly spam Accio or Depulso ; aim carefully and observe how the orb reacts. Sometimes, a gentle tap is better than a powerful blast. Once all orbs are placed in their holes, the trial will complete, and you’ll be one step closer to maximum inventory space! These Merlin’s Trials are a great way to practice your aim and spatial awareness with your spellcasting, making them a fun and rewarding challenge in Hogwarts Legacy . Keep those orbs rolling, wizards!### Igniting the Braziers: Time-Sensitive Fire PuzzlesGet ready to feel the heat, because the Brazier Puzzles are all about speed and elemental precision! These Merlin’s Trials task you with lighting a set of stone braziers, but here’s the catch: they’re usually time-sensitive. Once you light the first brazier, a timer starts, and you need to ignite all the others before the flames of the previously lit braziers extinguish. This type of trial typically features three to five braziers scattered around the central activation point, often at varying heights or distances. As soon as you activate the trial with Mallowsweet , hit Revelio to reveal all the braziers. This is crucial for planning your route. Your primary spells for these trials, guys, are Incendio for close-range ignition and Confringo for braziers that are further away or higher up. You’ll definitely want both of these assigned to an easily accessible spell set.The strategy for these trials is all about efficiency and route planning. First, identify the locations of all braziers. Second, figure out the optimal path to light them. This often means starting with the most distant or highest brazier, or the one that’s most difficult to reach, and then working your way back towards easier, closer ones. Why start with the hard ones? Because they often require more time to aim or reposition, and you want to tackle them while the timer is most generous. If you light the closest brazier first, that timer starts immediately for the more challenging ones. Sometimes, a brazier might be on a cliff face or a very tall pillar. For these, Confringo is your go-to, as its range is superior. For braziers directly in front of you or slightly elevated, Incendio works perfectly. Remember, there’s no penalty for missing a shot, but every missed shot eats into your precious time!Practice makes perfect here. If you fail, don’t sweat it. Just restart the trial and try a different route or refine your aim. Pay attention to any environmental assists as well; sometimes a nearby raised platform or a breakable object might reveal a better vantage point. The time limit can feel a bit intense, but with careful planning and quick spell execution, you’ll extinguish (or rather, ignite ) these challenges with ease. These Merlin’s Trials are a fantastic way to sharpen your reaction time and spell accuracy, preparing you for the faster-paced combat encounters in Hogwarts Legacy . Master the flames, and these brazier puzzles will be no match for your fiery determination, my friends!### Moth Mayhem: Guiding the Luminous InsectsPrepare to shine a light on one of the more charming and often visually distinct Merlin’s Trials : the Moth Puzzles ! These trials involve finding groups of glowing moths or butterflies and, using the Lumos spell, attracting them and guiding them to a specific stone pedestal. Each trial of this type usually features three sets of moths and three corresponding, usually unlit, pedestals or statues that need the moths’ light. When you activate one of these trials, Revelio will highlight the empty pedestals, but not always the moths themselves, which can be the tricky part!Your main spell for these trials, guys, is undoubtedly Lumos . When you cast Lumos near a group of glowing moths, they will be attracted to the light at the tip of your wand. Once they’re following you, you simply walk them over to one of the empty pedestals. As you approach, the moths will detach from your wand and illuminate the pedestal, completing that segment of the puzzle. You’ll need to repeat this process for all the moth groups and pedestals.The challenge with Moth Puzzles often lies in finding the moths. Unlike other puzzle elements, they can be surprisingly elusive, tucked away in bushes, inside small caves, or perched high on ledges. This is where your exploration skills truly come into play. Always look around the immediate vicinity of the trial’s activation point, and don’t be afraid to venture a little further out. Sometimes, a moth group might be hidden behind a destructible barrier that requires Confringo or Incendio , or even inside a small structure that needs Depulso to open a path. Use your senses! If you hear a faint buzzing or see a subtle glow, you’re likely close to a moth group. Also, remember that you can usually only guide one group of moths at a time . Once you’ve delivered a group to a pedestal, you’ll need to go find the next group. The path you take to guide them is important; avoid tight spaces or overly complex routes that might cause them to get stuck or disperse. They tend to follow quite reliably, but sharp turns or obstacles can sometimes mess them up. If they do get lost, just re-cast Lumos nearby to re-attract them. These Merlin’s Trials are generally less about speed and more about careful observation and patient guidance. They offer a peaceful break from the more action-packed challenges and serve as a delightful reminder of the whimsical magic that permeates the world of Hogwarts Legacy . So, light up your wands, embrace your inner moth whisperer, and guide those luminous insects to their homes!### Reparo and Rebuilding: Fixing Broken Statues and WallsAlright, time to dust off your Reparo skills, because some Merlin’s Trials are all about putting things back together! The Reparo and Rebuilding Puzzles involve finding a set of broken objects – typically statues, large urns, or sections of stone walls – and using the Reparo spell to restore them to their former glory. These trials usually feature between three to five broken items that need your magical touch. When you activate one of these trials, Revelio is your absolute best friend, as it will highlight all the shattered pieces and the overall outline of the broken objects in yellow. This is crucial because sometimes the broken pieces can be quite small or scattered, making them hard to spot without the spell’s aid.Your primary spell for these trials, guys, is Reparo . Simply target a broken object with your wand and cast Reparo . With a flash of blue light and a satisfying sound, the object will magically reassemble itself, often even showing you a cool animation of the pieces flying back into place. You’ll need to cast Reparo on each individual broken object until all designated items for that trial have been mended.The challenge with these trials often lies not in the casting of Reparo itself (it’s a pretty straightforward spell), but in finding all the broken pieces . Merlin often likes to hide one or two of the shattered items in less obvious places. They might be partially obscured by foliage, tucked away behind a larger rock, or even on a slightly elevated ledge. This is why thorough use of Revelio and careful scanning of the environment are so important. Don’t just look for obvious large pieces; sometimes a trial will consist of several small, broken pots that are easy to miss if you’re not paying close attention. It’s also worth noting that some of these trials might involve more than just a single cast of Reparo . For instance, you might encounter a larger broken structure that requires multiple applications of Reparo on different sections, or a broken bridge that needs several casts along its length. Always make sure the puzzle element completely disappears from your Revelio highlight after you’ve cast the spell, indicating that it’s fully repaired and counted towards the trial’s completion. These Merlin’s Trials are a great way to practice a practical, everyday use of magic. They emphasize observation and precision over combat, offering a calming and methodical puzzle-solving experience. So, whenever you see shattered stone or crumbling pottery near a Merlin’s Trial, grab your wand, cast Reparo , and show Merlin that you’re not just a duelist, but a master restorer in Hogwarts Legacy !### The Cube Conundrum: Levitation and PlacementLast but certainly not least in our field guide to Merlin’s Trials is the Cube Conundrum ! These trials are all about precise object manipulation, specifically moving large, often moss-covered stone cubes onto corresponding pedestals. You’ll usually find between three to five cubes and an equal number of matching, usually empty, pedestals in the vicinity. The trick here is that sometimes the pedestals have a specific symbol on them, and the cube might also have symbols on its faces, requiring you to not only place it but also orient it correctly . As always, guys, activate the trial with Mallowsweet and then immediately cast Revelio . This will highlight all the cubes and their designated pedestals in yellow, making your job significantly easier. Without Revelio , finding all the pieces can be a real headache, especially if a cube is well-hidden or a pedestal is camouflaged by the environment.Your primary spells for these challenges are Wingardium Leviosa and Flipendo . Wingardium Leviosa is absolutely essential, as it allows you to levitate the cubes and then, using your basic attack button, move them precisely in any direction. This fine control is vital for carefully lowering a cube onto a pedestal without knocking it off. Once a cube is hovering, you can walk it over to its pedestal and gently set it down. Flipendo comes into play if the pedestals have symbols. Many of these trials require you to match a specific symbol on the face of the cube with a symbol carved into the top of the pedestal. Once the cube is levitating over the pedestal, you can cast Flipendo on its different faces to rotate it until the correct symbol is facing downwards and aligns with the pedestal. It’s like a magical game of Tetris!The challenge in these Merlin’s Trials can be multi-faceted. Sometimes, a cube might be on a higher ledge or in a difficult-to-reach spot, requiring you to use Accio or Depulso to move it closer before you can grab it with Wingardium Leviosa . Other times, a cube might be trapped behind destructible obstacles that need to be cleared with Confringo . Always scan the area for any environmental factors that might impede your progress. Furthermore, remember the symbol matching! If a pedestal has a symbol, ensure you rotate the cube with Flipendo until the matching symbol is on the underside, facing the pedestal. If you just drop the cube without matching, it won’t count. These puzzles require a keen eye for detail and precise spell control. They’re a fantastic way to hone your Wingardium Leviosa skills beyond just combat scenarios. Master the art of levitation and orientation, and these Cube Conundrums will be effortlessly solved, bringing you closer to completing all Merlin’s Trials in Hogwarts Legacy . Good luck, and happy levitating, my friends!## The Grand Payoff: Why Completing All Trials is Worth It!Alright, guys, we’ve walked through every type of Merlin’s Trial and discussed the spells and strategies needed to conquer them. But let’s circle back to the biggest question: why go through all this effort to complete all 95 Merlin’s Trials in Hogwarts Legacy ? The answer, my friends, is simple yet incredibly impactful: inventory expansion and the sheer satisfaction of mastery. As we’ve touched upon, the primary and most immediate benefit of completing Merlin’s Trials is the progressive increase in your inventory capacity. This isn’t just a minor convenience; it’s a game-changer for your entire Hogwarts Legacy experience. Initially, you start with a rather limited number of gear slots. As you complete a certain number of trials (2, 5, 10, 16, 25, 36, 49, 64, and finally all 95), you’ll unlock successive inventory upgrades, culminating in a significantly larger carrying capacity. This means less time backtracking to sell off unwanted gear, less agonizing over which valuable item to discard, and more time actually playing the game, exploring, and delving into dungeons without worrying about a full bag.Imagine venturing into a challenging beast den or a hidden ancient ruin, fighting off formidable foes, and discovering a legendary piece of gear. With a fully expanded inventory thanks to Merlin’s Trials, you can confidently pick it up, knowing you have the space. Without those expansions, you might have to leave it behind or fast travel back to Hogsmeade, breaking your immersion and flow. This quality-of-life improvement alone makes every single trial worth the effort.Beyond the practical benefits, there’s the undeniable allure of achievements and personal satisfaction. Completing all 95 Merlin’s Trials will unlock the