How to cast Petrificus Totalus in Hogwarts Legacy

Sometimes, it's better to be sneaky.
Hogwarts Legacy
Image via Avalanche Software

You’ll learn various spells throughout your journey in Hogwarts Legacy that can be used against enemies in combats. One of the most powerful spells in the game is Petrificus Totalus, which allows you to perform a stealth kill and move forward unnoticed. However, the unique mechanics behind this spell make learning how to use Petrificus Totalus a little confusing.

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Here is everything you need to know in order to stealth kill using Petrificus Totalus in Hogwarts Legacy.

When do you unlock and learn Petrificus Totalus in Hogwarts Legacy?

You’ll learn the spell Petrificus Totalus during the main quest “Secrets of the Restricted Section,” in which you’ll have to sneak into the restricted section of Hogwarts Legacy’s Library alongside Sebastian Sallow and steal the key from the librarian’s desk and enter the restricted section.

But to cast Petrificus Totalus in Hogwarts Legacy and perform a stealth kill, you must follow some specific steps.

How to use Petrificus Totalus in Hogwarts Legacy

While the Hogwarts Legacy stealth kill mechanic might be a bit confusing at first, it becomes second nature once you get the hang of it.

Here’s how to stealth kill using Petrificus Totalus, step-by-step:

  1. Before you can cast Petrificus Totalus on an enemy, you must use the Disillusionment spell, which is also obtainable in the quest “Secrets of the Restricted Section,” and your character will become invisible.
  2. Sneak behind an enemy that is unaware of your presence and you’ll notice that Hogwarts Legacy will prompt you to cast Petrificus Totalus.
  3. When prompted, simply press X on Xbox Controller, Circle on the PlayStation controller, or F in case you’re playing with a keyboard and mouse to cast Petrificus Totalus on that enemy and kill them.

Related: All spells in Hogwarts Legacy

If you successfully cast Petrificus Totalus and eliminate your target, you’ll remain in stealth mode and therefore won’t need to use the Disillusionment spell again. You’ll only leave stealth mode if another enemy looks directly at you and detects your presence.

What enemies can you kill using Petrificus Totalus?

Petrificus Totalus will allow you to get rid of smaller enemies like goblins and medium-sized foes like wizards, but a bigger or higher-level enemy can’t be killed instantly with Petrificus Totalus. Instead, you’ll notice their health bar will diminish considerably.

Can you use Petrificus Totalus on multiple enemies at once?

Yes! If you cast Petrificus Totalus in an area with two or more enemies close to each other, you can take them out too if you press X, Circle, or F fast enough.

How to upgrade Petrificus Totalus in Hogwarts Legacy

If you want, you can upgrade Petrificus Totalus after you unlock the Talents section. You can obtain Petrificus Totalus Mastery with a Talent Point after you reach level 22 in Hogwarts Legacy. Having Petrificus Totalus Mastery will allow you to kill two enemies by just casting the spell at once.

Related: Best spell combos to use in Hogwarts Legacy


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Author
Leonardo Biazzi
Staff writer and CS:GO lead. Leonardo has been passionate about games since he was a kid and graduated in Journalism in 2018. Before Leonardo joined Dot Esports in 2019, he worked for Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte. Leonardo also worked for HLTV.org between 2020 and 2021 as a senior writer, until he returned to Dot Esports and became part of the staff team.