Exploring the vast magical world of Hogwarts Legacy on the Nintendo Switch becomes even more exciting once you unlock the ability to fly using a broom. Traversing the skies above Hogwarts, racing through the Highlands, and discovering hidden locations is one of the game’s most satisfying features. For many players, especially those playing on the Switch, understanding how to unlock and use a broom can be slightly different from other platforms due to unique control mappings. Learning how to properly use a broom in Hogwarts Legacy on Switch will significantly enhance your experience and make exploration feel magical and free.
How to Unlock the Broom in Hogwarts Legacy on Nintendo Switch
Before you can begin flying around the wizarding world, you’ll need to progress far enough in the main storyline to unlock the broomstick. Broom usage is not available from the very start of the game, so players must complete certain missions to gain access to flying mechanics.
Complete the Flying Class
The broom becomes available after you complete the Flying Class quest. This quest is introduced during the early part of your first semester at Hogwarts, typically after a few key story missions. In the Flying Class, you’ll be guided by Madam Kogawa, the school’s flying instructor, and will learn the basics of handling a broom.
- Attend the Flying Class quest at the Flying Class Lawn near the Bell Tower Wing.
- Complete the flight tutorial and demonstration using the school-provided broom.
- Once you finish the class, the option to purchase your own broom becomes available.
Purchase Your First Broom
After completing the class, head to Hogsmeade and visit Spintwitches Sporting Needs. This shop specializes in broomsticks and opens up once you’ve been introduced to flying. You’ll find various broom designs available, each costing around 600 Galleons.
Though all brooms have the same base performance, you can later upgrade their speed and maneuverability. Once you’ve bought a broom, it will be added to your inventory, allowing you to summon it when needed in most outdoor areas.
How to Use the Broom on Switch Controls
Using a broom on the Nintendo Switch version of Hogwarts Legacy relies on the console’s unique control scheme. Understanding which buttons to press will make your flight more comfortable and enjoyable.
Basic Controls for Broom Usage on Switch
- Summon Broom: PressLeft on the D-Padto bring up the tool wheel. Then select the broom icon to summon it.
- Take Off: Once selected, pressBto mount the broom and lift off into the air.
- Accelerate: HoldZLto gain speed while flying.
- Ascend/Descend: Use theRight Stickto tilt the broom up or down for vertical movement.
- Steering: Use theLeft Stickto steer and move horizontally in any direction.
- Dismount: Press and holdBwhile stationary to land and dismount.
Flying becomes second nature once you get used to the mechanics, and the broom is a valuable tool for reaching high places, fast travel, and even participating in side content like broom races.
Limitations and Restrictions While Using the Broom
Although flying provides freedom, there are a few restrictions you should be aware of when using a broomstick in Hogwarts Legacy on the Switch.
- You cannot use the broom indoors, inside dungeons, or in certain story-specific areas.
- There are height restrictions in place when flying near Hogwarts and other densely populated areas.
- Some fast-travel locations may be more convenient than flying long distances.
Always check the mini-map or try summoning your broom in open spaces to avoid these limitations. If your broom cannot be summoned, a message will appear on-screen indicating that flying is restricted in the current area.
Upgrading Your Broom
Upgrading your broom will improve its speed, acceleration, and overall performance. While the initial broom models are decent, upgrades help during races and long-distance flights across the map.
Upgrade Process
To upgrade your broom, follow these steps:
- Complete the side quest Sweeping the Competition given by Albie Weekes, the broom shop owner in Hogsmeade.
- Albie will request that you complete time trials to test new broom upgrades.
- Successfully completing each trial unlocks a new tier of upgrade for purchase.
Each upgrade becomes available after finishing specific broom challenges, and you’ll need to pay a fee to receive each one. These improvements make a noticeable difference in how responsive your broom feels during flight.
Broom Racing Challenges
As you explore the world, you’ll come across various broom races scattered across the map. These are optional challenges that test your flying skills and allow you to compete against other characters for rewards and prestige.
Race Features
- Fly through golden rings to increase speed and complete laps.
- Beat time goals to earn rewards or complete side objectives.
- Improving your broom helps you win races more easily.
Broom races also contribute to the game’s progression and help you unlock more customization options for your gear and appearance. If you enjoy flying, this side content adds hours of engaging gameplay.
Tips for Efficient Broom Travel
Using the broom isn’t just for fun it can also be a practical way to explore and gather resources. Here are a few tips for making the most out of your broom travel:
- Scout areas from above before landing to avoid ambushes or enemies.
- Use the broom to quickly reach elevated platforms or treasure chests.
- Collect floating items and ingredients visible from the sky.
- Plan your travel routes using the map to avoid restricted flying zones.
Switch players may want to tweak their sensitivity settings to make flying feel smoother, especially when navigating through tight or complex areas.
Enjoying the Magic of Flight
Flying with a broom in Hogwarts Legacy on Nintendo Switch captures the true essence of the Wizarding World. Whether you’re soaring past the castle towers, zooming over the Black Lake, or taking part in exciting broom challenges, this mechanic opens up a new level of gameplay and immersion. Once you’ve mastered the controls and customized your broom to fit your playstyle, you’ll find yourself choosing flight over fast travel just to enjoy the views and freedom it offers.
For fans of Harry Potter and open-world adventures, the broom adds depth and excitement to an already magical experience. With the right knowledge and a bit of practice, any player can take to the skies and explore every corner of Hogwarts Legacy with grace and style.