The Unforgivable Curses—Avada Kedavra, Crucio, and Imperio—are some of the most powerful and feared spells in the Wizarding World. In Hogwarts Legacy, you can learn and use these Dark Arts, but they are not part of the main story and must be unlocked through specific side quests.
This guide will show you exactly how to unlock Crucio, Imperio, and Avada Kedavra, and will cover the consequences of using them.
Looking for more powerful spells? Check out our Best Spells to Unlock Early in Hogwarts Legacy guide!
Warning: spoilers ahead!
Do This First to Unlock the Unforgivable Curses
Before you can start dabbling in dark magic, you’ll need to meet a few requirements:
Progress in the Main Story – Sebastian’s questline won’t be available immediately. First, you’ll need to progress far enough into the game to complete the "Welcome to Hogsmeade" quest.
Reach Level 16+ – Some of Sebastian’s quests have level requirements, so make sure you’ve leveled up.
Complete "In the Shadow of the Bloodline" – This quest kicks off Sebastian’s storyline. If you don’t complete it, you won’t be able to access the Unforgivable Curses.
With that out of the way, you’ll be on your way to learning some truly forbidden (and powerful) magic.
How to Learn Crucio (The Torture Curse)
Crucio, or the Cruciatus Curse, inflicts agonising pain on enemies. It also deals damage over time and leaves your target vulnerable to further attacks. If you want to make your foes truly suffer, this is the curse for you.
Quest: "In the Shadow of the Study"
After completing "In the Shadow of the Bloodline," Sebastian will ask for your help exploring Salazar Slytherin’s Scriptorium– a hidden chamber tied to dark magic.
Meet Sebastian outside the Slytherin common room, where you’ll need to solve a series of puzzles to progress.
Eventually, you’ll reach a door that requires the Cruciatus Curse to open, and here’s where you’ll be met with a choice.
Your Choice: To Learn or Not to Learn?
You’ll have three options when Sebastian offers to teach you Crucio:
Learn Crucio and have Sebastian cast it on you.
Learn Crucio and cast it on Sebastian.
Refuse to learn it.
If you choose to learn Crucio, it will be permanently added to your spell list. If you refuse, you can still ask Sebastian to teach it later (more on that below).
How to Learn Imperio (The Mind-Control Curse)
Imperio, or the Imperius Curse, lets you control enemies, turning them into temporary allies who will fight on your behalf. It’s perfect for crowd control and the sadistic joy of watching your enemies destroy each other.
Quest: "In the Shadow of Time"
After completing "In the Shadow of the Study," Sebastian asks you to help him explore a cursed tomb in search of a dark relic.
You’ll meet Sebastian in Feldcroft to solve puzzles and battle enemies as you venture through the tomb.
Later in the tomb, Sebastian will discuss the potential benefits of Imperio and offer to teach it to you.
Your Choice: To Enslave or Not to Enslave?
At this point, you can either:
Learn Imperio immediately and use it in combat.
Refuse to learn it.
If you accept, Imperio will be added to your spell list. If you decline, you can ask Sebastian to teach it later in the Undercroft after completing his storyline.
How to Learn Avada Kedavra (The Killing Curse)
Avada Kedavra, the most feared curse in the wizarding world, instantly one-shots enemies. Though it has a long cooldown, no other spell comes close to it in raw power. Here’s how you get it:
Quest: "In the Shadow of the Relic"
This quest becomes available later in Sebastian’s storyline. You’ll need to have completed "In the Shadow of Time" and reached Level 28.
You’ll meet Sebastian in Feldcroft and confront the… consequences of using dark magic.
After an intense battle, he will offer to teach you Avada Kedavra.
Your Choice: To Kill or Not to Kill?
Sebastian gives you a final decision:
Learn Avada Kedavra and add it to your spell list.
Refuse to learn it.
If you accept, you’ll gain the most powerful spell in the game. If you decline, you can still learn it later in the Undercroft (as long as you don’t choose to turn Sebastian in during "In the Shadow of Fate"!).
Can You Still Learn the Curses Later?
If you refuse to learn any of the curses during their respective quests, you still have a chance to learn them later:
After "In the Shadow of the Relic" – Visit Sebastian in the Undercroft before starting "In the Shadow of Fate" to pick up any missed curses.
After Beating the Game – If you didn’t turn Sebastian in, you can still find him in the Undercroft post-game to learn the curses.
Are There Consequences for Using Unforgivable Curses?
Unlike in the books and films, Hogwarts Legacy doesn’t punish you for using the Unforgivable Curses. There’s no morality system in the game, and characters won’t treat you any differently for using dark magic. This means you’re free to torture, control, or instantly kill enemies as much as you like.
However, using these spells can dramatically change your combat experience. They allow you to dominate the battlefield, especially when combined with the Dark Arts talent tree, which makes curses even stronger. And if you’re role-playing a “good” character… you’ll start to not feel so good anymore.
You’re Ready to Master the Dark Arts and Dominate Your Enemies!
If you're looking for more ways to enhance your magic, check out our other Hogwarts Legacy guides on combat strategies, talent builds, and hidden secrets throughout the Wizarding World!
Best Spells to Unlock Early in Hogwarts Legacy
How to Unlock the Best Gear & Outfits
Beginner’s Guide: Tips & Tricks for New Players