Despite it being almost twenty years since the launch of the final book in the Harry Potter franchise, and almost as long since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II hit cinemas, a revival is very much upon us. Not only is the magical franchise expected to begin anew when HBO’s Harry Potter airs this December, but a brand-new RPG is also just around the corner.

We already know how well Hogwarts Legacy did when it became the best-selling video game of 2023, but it seems as though another RPG is on the way to steal its crown: Harry Potter: Defenders of Hogwarts.

Set to launch this October, the official Harry Potter RPG already boasts a highly successful Kickstarter campaign, and now the tabletop RPG is almost here in the flesh for its legion of backers.

Designed by MinaLima, Harry Potter: Defenders of Hogwarts received its full Kickstarter funding back in July, raising a highly impressive $1,718,956 out of its original $67,425 goal. With over 10,000 fans offering their support, it is safe to say that this TTRPG will have plenty of customers when it physically launches next month.

“In Defenders of Hogwarts, the famed school of witchcraft and wizardry has been infiltrated by Death Eaters and Dark Forces,” the official description reads. “You must make a choice: represent your house and defend your school, or join the Dark Forces to ensure Lord Voldemort’s victory. Choose wisely, for this battle will have the power to determine the fate of Hogwarts…”

Perfect for 2-5 players, Harry Potter: Defenders of Hogwarts will task players with selecting the House they wish to represent – Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Slytherin or Ravenclaw, or even becoming one of the Death Eaters and fighting for Lord Voldemort. With each round consisting of 90 minutes of gameplay, players will need to manage over 200 components and 100 beautifully illustrated cards as they navigate Hogwarts, learn spells, and defend the school against the Death Eater player who is able to navigate locked doors and barriers with a selection of Dark Art spells.

With just a few weeks to go until its launch, Harry Potter: Defenders of Hogwarts has already received positive reviews from reviewers, with one reading, “Hands down the best Harry Potter board game I’ve played. The gameplay is fantastic, the components are stunning, and every decision feels magical.”

Another said, “As a fan of both the Harry Potter franchise and MinaLima’s artwork, I could not wait to get this to the table. Defenders of Hogwarts brings a fresh look and intriguing gameplay to a beloved fantasy world.”

Cast

Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Tom Felton, Alan Rickman, Matthew Lewis, Bonnie Wright, Evanna Lynch, Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Richard Harris, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, Alfred Enoch, Harry Melling, Gary Oldman, Robert Pattinson, Warwick Davis, Oliver Phelps, James Phelps, David Bradley, David Thewlis, Katie Leung, Jason Isaacs, Imelda Staunton, David Tennant, Jamie Campbell Bower, Timothy Spall, Robbie Coltrane, Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, Katherine Waterston, Ezra Miller, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Johnny Depp, Mads Mikkelsen

Character(s)

Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Rubeus Hagrid, Dobby the House Elf, Draco Malfoy, Sirius Black, Ginny Weasley, Voldemort