You're running around the South Wing, probably looking for a Field Guide page or just trying to get to Charms class without getting lost for the tenth time, and then you see it. A wall. But not just any wall—it's got a bronze button that looks like it belongs in a museum rather than a drafty castle hallway. This is the start of the Hogwarts Legacy Hall of Herodiana, a side quest that feels less like a wizarding adventure and more like a high-stakes game of Tetris with magic.
Sophronia Franklin, a Ravenclaw who is obsessed with Herodiana Byrne, is the one who puts you on this path. She’s looking for a set of legendary robes. Honestly, Sophronia is a bit intense about the whole thing, but the gear she's after is actually worth the headache. Herodiana was a master of the Depulso spell, and her "hall" is basically a series of brutal physics puzzles designed to prove you aren't a total amateur with a wand. If you've ever struggled with spatial awareness, this quest is your personal nightmare.
The Secret History of Herodiana Byrne
Most players just blast through the puzzles, but the lore here is actually kinda cool. Herodiana Byrne wasn't just some random witch; she was a Depulso specialist who supposedly taught at Hogwarts. She was famous for her "Force" charms. Think of her as the Olympic athlete of pushing things away. Her signature outfit—the one you're literally sweating to find—is a testament to her vanity and her skill.
The Hogwarts Legacy Hall of Herodiana isn't just a basement; it's a monument. You need to use Depulso and Accio in ways the rest of the game doesn't really require. Usually, you’re just shoving a goblin off a cliff or pulling a crate to reach a chest. Here? You're manipulating giant gold blocks that move along tracks, and if you stand in the wrong spot, you’re getting squashed or stuck. It's a test of logic that feels surprisingly modern for a 19th-century magic school.
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Tackling Puzzle One: The Warm-Up
The first room is easy. Seriously, if you get stuck here, we might need to have a talk about your gaming skills. You just push the blocks toward the back wall with Depulso. That’s it. You climb up, grab the chest containing the Herodiana’s Cap, and move on. It’s a bait-and-switch. The game is trying to make you feel smart before it absolutely ruins your day in the next two chambers.
Puzzle Two: When Things Get Weird
Once you enter the second chamber, the difficulty spikes. You aren't just pushing things in a straight line anymore. You've got blocks on the right and blocks on the left. Most people try to overthink it. You've got to pull the left-hand blocks over to the right side using Accio, then push the whole stack toward the exit with Depulso.
It sounds simple when you read it, right? In practice, the camera angles in these tight spaces can be a real pain. You’ll probably accidentally reset the puzzle at least once by hitting the golden orb. Pro tip: don't stand directly in the path of the blocks. I know it sounds obvious, but the hitboxes are a little chunky. Once you reach the top, you get the Herodiana’s Attire. It looks great, very "high-fashion Victorian wizard," which is exactly the vibe you want when you're busy saving the world from ancient magic.
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The Infamous Third Puzzle
Okay, the third room in the Hogwarts Legacy Hall of Herodiana is where the controllers start flying. This is the one that separates the casuals from the completionists. You have a single block and a reset switch.
- First, pull the block to the right wall with Accio.
- Push it forward toward the middle stone pillar with Depulso.
- Now, you need to use the stone pillar as a bridge. Use Accio to pull the block to the left side of the room.
- This is the "Aha!" moment: jump onto the block while it’s in that middle-left position.
- While standing on the block, hit the reset orb with a basic cast. The block returns to its starting position, but you stay where you are on the ledge.
- Now pull the block toward the exit, jump across, and grab the Herodiana’s Cape.
If you mess up the timing, you fall into the abyss and have to start the sequence over. It’s frustrating. It’s brilliant. It’s pure Herodiana.
Why This Quest Matters for Your Build
Is it worth it? Totally. Beyond the XP and the satisfaction of not letting a bunch of stones beat you, the outfit is one of the most detailed in the game. It’s a full set—Cape, Attire, and Cap. It doesn't provide special combat buffs (unless you count looking fly as a buff), but it’s a requirement for those going for the "Collector's Edition" trophy or achievement.
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Also, completing this quest unlocks more Depulso Room challenges throughout the castle. If you liked the Hall, there are two other hidden Depulso Puzzle Rooms (Room 1 and Room 2) that are significantly harder. They don't have a formal quest attached, but they contain some of the best loot in the game. Think of the Hogwarts Legacy Hall of Herodiana as the tutorial for the actual end-game puzzles.
A Few Nuanced Tips for the Frustrated
- Basic Cast is your friend. Use it to trigger the reset orb from a distance.
- Check your lighting. Some of the tracks on the floor are hard to see if your brightness settings are too low.
- The "Pull" isn't always direct. Accio pulls the block toward you, not just toward the wall you're looking at. Positioning your character is 90% of the battle.
- Ignore the gold trim. It’s just aesthetic. Focus on the actual cube faces.
What to Do Next
Once you’ve finished the Hogwarts Legacy Hall of Herodiana and showed off the robes to Sophronia, don't just go back to spamming Revelio in the Great Hall. You should immediately hunt down the "Depulso Puzzle Room 1" located near the Potions Classroom. It uses the same mechanics but turns the complexity up to eleven.
If you're feeling burnt out on puzzles, head to the Forbidden Forest to test your new look against some Spiders. Just remember that while Herodiana Byrne was a master of pushing things away, sometimes in combat, you really just want to pull enemies closer for a well-timed Incendio.
Go talk to Sophronia. Get your rewards. Then go find those other hidden rooms before you forget the patterns you just spent an hour mastering.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Locate the Entrance: Head to the Charms Classroom Floo Flame, go down the stairs, and look for the bronze button on the wall in the gallery.
- Equip the Right Spells: Make sure Accio and Depulso are on your primary spell diamond to avoid menu-swapping mid-puzzle.
- Collect the Set: Ensure you grab the chest in each of the three rooms; you cannot get the full Herodiana outfit if you skip a chamber.
- Find the Hidden Rooms: Search the Long Gallery and the Bell Tower Wing for the unlabeled Depulso Puzzle Rooms to claim high-tier legendary gear.