Hogwarts Legacy: How To Get Crucio – Slytherin Snake Puzzles Guide

Crucio is a spell in Hogwarts Legacy. More than that, it’s also an Unforgivable Curse, where one attempt to cast it is enough to land you in Azkaban. Also known as the Torture Curse, it will leave opponents screaming in agony. Here’s our Hogwarts Legacy Crucio guide to help you with the Slytherin snake puzzles as part of In the Shadow of the Study.

Note: For more information, check out our Hogwarts Legacy guides and features hub. Likewise, please be reminded that this guide contains spoilers.

Hogwarts Legacy guide – How to unlock Crucio and solve Slytherin snake puzzles (In the Shadow of the Study quest)

The Crucio spell in Hogwarts Legacy isn’t a mandatory requirement. In fact, you can choose not to learn it. But, before we get to that, let’s talk about what you need to do to unlock the quest:

• Complete Beasts Class, Helm of Urtkot, and The Caretaker’s Lunar Lament.
• Next, you’ll have to do In the Shadow of the Estate, where you’ll talk to Sebastian in Feldcroft and battle a few Goblins.
• A bit later, you’ll receive a quest called In the Shadow of the Bloodline. This is just a short conversation with Sebastian.
• Shortly thereafter, the Hogwarts Legacy In the Shadow of the Study quest will become available.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

In the Shadow of the Study – Slytherin’s Scriptorium snake puzzles

You’ll start things off by talking to Sebastian in front of the Slytherin Common Room. Simply fast travel to Grand Staircase: Lower Grand Staircase to find him waiting for you. You’ll then be joined by Ominis, and the three of you will head to a nearby hallway. There, you’ll notice etched symbols on the wall (seen in the image above). The goal here is to use a fire spell like Confringo to light the torches. Start with the two on your right, then the one at the back.

Next, you’ll reach a small room with a ruined object. Use Reparo to fix it. Ominis will then speak in Parseltongue to open the door. After that, you’ll head deeper into Slytherin’s Scriptorium. This is where you’ll get to do the Slytherin snake puzzles for the Hogwarts Legacy Crucio spell. Here’s the gist:

• There are three snake altars with rotating dials (i.e., top and bottom). These also have multiple symbols.
• The idea is to rotate the dials so that the top and bottom symbols match the clues.
• If you take too long, an actual snake will bite you and deplete your HP.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

So, where exactly are those clues? Well, if you cast Lumos to see in the dark, you’ll spot symbols etched on doorways.

• First puzzle:
  • You’ll see this just as you enter the chamber.
  • Top – circle; bottom – snake.
• Second puzzle:
  • The puzzle itself is in a room where you’ll have to crawl past a gate. However, the clue is in a connecting corridor unlocked by the first puzzle.
  • Top – horned helm; bottom – Z.
• Third puzzle:
  • The altar is in a narrow nook past the gate unlocked by the first puzzle. The clue is in a section unlocked by the second puzzle.
  • Top – fish; bottom – triangle.

Make your choice

After solving the Hogwarts Legacy Slytherin snake puzzles, the three of you will be standing in front of a doorway with the words “Crucio” written on the floor. Here, you’re presented several dialogue options. If you want to have the spell, tell Sebastian: “Teach me the Cruciatus Curse and I’ll cast it on you.” A zigzag pattern will appear and you’ll have to trace it.

When that’s done, you’ll unlock the Hogwarts Legacy Crucio spell. When cast on an enemy, it will cause them to be wracked by pain, suffering a damage-over-time effect.

In any case, enter Slytherin’s Scriptorium and pick up some stuff, such as the Field Guide Page and the Slytherin’s Spellbook quest item. Give it to Sebastian and you’ll be able to exit using the stone plinth at the back of the room.

Hogwarts Legacy is available via Steam.