Exploring the magical world ofHogwarts Legacyoffers players a deep and rewarding experience, filled with secrets, puzzles, and hidden lore. One of the most captivating features in the game is theTrials of Merlin. These trials are scattered throughout the expansive open world and offer players the opportunity to engage in clever environmental puzzles, earning valuable rewards along the way. Whether you’re a dedicated completionist or simply looking to increase your gear slots, the Trials of Merlin are an essential part of your Hogwarts Legacy journey.
What Are the Trials of Merlin?
Background and Purpose
The Trials of Merlin are a series of magical challenges designed to test the wit and spellcasting ability of witches and wizards. According to the game’s lore, these trials were created by the legendary wizard Merlin himself as a way to leave behind his knowledge for future generations. They are scattered across the Highlands and other regions of the world, often requiring keen observation and the right spells to complete.
Why They Matter
Completing Merlin Trials directly impacts your inventory space by increasing the number of gear slots available. Since gear management is a key aspect of gameplay, especially in combat-heavy or exploration-based segments, unlocking more space is a practical reward. Additionally, the trials encourage exploration and the use of various spells, promoting mastery of the magical system.
How to Unlock the Merlin Trials
Starting the Quest
The Trials of Merlin become available early in the main story once you meet Nora Treadwell, a historian who introduces you to the first trial in Lower Hogsfield. After helping her complete that initial challenge, all other Merlin Trials throughout the world become accessible.
Requirements to Activate
To start any Merlin Trial, you must have a resource calledMallowsweet. This herb is essential for initiating each puzzle. Mallowsweet can be found in the wild, purchased from vendors, or grown in the Room of Requirement using herbology pots.
Types of Merlin Trial Puzzles
Variety and Spell Usage
Each trial features a unique puzzle format, encouraging players to use a wide range of spells. Some require combat skills, while others demand a more thoughtful and strategic approach. Below are the most common types of Merlin Trials:
- Light the Braziers UseIncendioorConfringoto light torches before they submerge.
- Repair the Statues UseReparoto fix broken structures in the area.
- Roll the Ball UseAccioorDepulsoto move a large stone sphere into a designated pit.
- Platform Challenges Hop across stone platforms without touching the ground.
- Smash the Orbs Use a spell likeBasic CastorDepulsoto destroy glowing orbs on stone pillars.
- Symbol Blocks Match rune stones with their correct platforms usingLeviosoorWingardium Leviosa.
Each puzzle presents a fresh way to use your growing spell repertoire, and understanding their mechanics becomes easier with practice.
Best Spells to Prepare
Essential Spell Loadout
Before venturing out to complete multiple trials, it’s wise to set up a spell set tailored for puzzle-solving. These are some of the most useful spells when tackling Merlin Trials:
- Incendio For lighting torches and burning obstacles.
- Accio To pull objects toward you.
- Reparo Essential for rebuilding broken statues or pillars.
- Wingardium Leviosa Allows precision movement of puzzle elements.
- Depulso Useful for pushing large objects or smashing barriers.
Rotating between these spells depending on the puzzle type is key to a smooth and efficient trial experience.
Regions and Trial Locations
Exploration Across the Map
There are over 90 Merlin Trials across the game’s world, and they are spread across nearly every region. Some areas are densely packed with trials, while others may only contain one or two. Fast traveling to Floo Flames and riding your broom can help cover ground quickly.
Recommended Regions to Start
- South Hogwarts Close to early game content and great for beginners.
- Feldcroft Region A mid-game area with numerous trials and moderate enemy encounters.
- Marunweem Lake Offers scenic locations and a few trickier puzzles for advanced players.
Keeping track of completed trials through the map is helpful, especially if you’re aiming to unlock every inventory upgrade.
Rewards for Completing Trials
Gear Slot Expansion
The main reward for completing Merlin Trials is expanded gear inventory. After every few trials completed, you unlock a challenge in the Field Guide that allows you to claim a gear slot upgrade. This significantly reduces the frequency of selling or discarding items.
Progression Milestones
The milestones are structured as follows:
- Complete 2 Trials +4 Gear Slots
- Complete 6 Trials +4 Gear Slots
- Complete 10 Trials +4 Gear Slots
- Complete 14 Trials +4 Gear Slots
- Complete 20 Trials Final +4 Gear Slots
In total, you can gain 20 additional gear slots, bringing your total up to 40, which is the maximum.
Tips for Efficient Trial Completion
Stock Up on Mallowsweet
Always carry a healthy supply of Mallowsweet before heading out. Growing it in your Room of Requirement is the most efficient method since vendors have limited stock and may be hard to reach.
Group Trials by Region
Instead of jumping randomly across the map, focus on one region at a time. Clear all trials in that area before moving on to the next. This saves time and helps with fast travel efficiency.
Mark Unsolved Trials
If you find a puzzle you can’t solve yet due to a missing spell, mark it on your map and return later. As your spell inventory grows, previously confusing puzzles become much easier to handle.
Use Revelio Frequently
Many Merlin Trials blend into the natural environment. UseReveliooften to highlight puzzle elements like brazier posts, stone spheres, or broken statues.
Common Challenges and Fixes
Why Some Trials Don’t Activate
If a trial doesn’t seem to trigger, the issue is usually due to a lack of Mallowsweet. Make sure you’re standing directly over the green leaf symbol and have Mallowsweet in your inventory. Another cause can be combat if enemies are nearby, the trial won’t activate until you’ve cleared them.
Spells Not Working as Expected
Some objects are picky about spell range or angle. Step back or change elevation slightly. For instance, rolling spheres sometimes need precise positioning to get moving. Don’t hesitate to reposition yourself and try different angles.
TheTrials of MerlininHogwarts Legacyare far more than side content they are a meaningful part of progression that ties together spell use, exploration, and lore. Completing them enhances your inventory management and rewards you with a sense of accomplishment as you conquer increasingly tricky puzzles. With the right spells, a good supply of Mallowsweet, and a strategic approach to exploration, these trials become not just manageable but genuinely enjoyable. Dive deep into the magical landscape and master the ancient challenges left behind by one of the wizarding world’s greatest minds.