Harry Potter: Wizards Unite

Wands at the ready! Niantic, creator of Pokémon: Go, released a mobile app for the Harry Potter franchise.

How does it work?

A world of magic is brought to life in Wizards Unite using GPS to track users’ movements. Real landmarks, such as parks or statues, are designated on a virtual map as Inns, Fortresses, or Greenhouses. Visiting one can give players energy to cast spells, ingredients for potion making, or opportunities to battle with friends against foes.

Optional augmented reality (AR) allows the player to see virtual elements with a real life background. The only drawback to the AR is that it consumes a lot of battery, so players will want to use it sparingly. It does make using portkeys more fun, though!

There are a lot of features, including professions that allow you to train specialized skills, an evolving new story, and potion making.

More features are expected to be added by Niantic, but let’s talk about how the game rates so far.

Will this broomstick fly?

Harry Potter: Wizards Unite is a good game, but it has some quirks.

It is hard to gain and store energy.

In Pokémon: Go, the equivalent ‘pokeball’ is easier to get and a player’s starting capacity to hold them much higher.

The daily quest is difficult to complete

Taking a detour to find a fortress to battle each day is a big ask, especially when players also need to visit two inns as well.

No experience for brewing potions

It’s kind of a bummer that potion making doesn’t contribute more towards leveling. The potions are useful and you can get a title for brewing a lot, but it feels like Niantic can do more with this mechanic.

Cannot send gifts to friends

At least, not yet… this was a feature introduced later on in Pokémon: Go, so it may be on the table but not ready yet.

Despite the quirks, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite is a fun game with a lot of potential. It’s exciting to dream how this technology may one day be used.

I’m personally curious to see the game play when visiting Harry Potter World in Orlando. Are there special features when visiting, and does it enhance the overall experience? We’ll have to find out!

Wizards Unite allows us to carry around a window to the Harry Potter universe in our pockets. Download it for free from the Apple or Google app stores today!

Logo and screenshots courtesy of Niantic and https://harrypotterwizardsunite.com.