Summary
As an open-world game, there are naturally many things that players can do inHogwarts Legacyand one of the most rewarding pastimes is capturing magical creatures to keep them out of the hands of poachers. While in a perfect world, this wouldn’t be necessary and the beasts could thrive in their natural habitats, the poaching problem surrounding the late 19th-century area of Hogwarts calls for drastic measures.
After gaining access tothe iconic Room of Requirement, players will then be able to talk to Deek and engage inThe Elf, the Nab-Sack, and the Loomquest, at the end of which they will gain access to the first vivarium. Vivariums are safe havens for beasts, whereHogwarts Legacyplayers can feed and brush their pets, play ball games, and even breed them. Throughout the game, players will unlock more vivariums each with its own distinct biome, aesthetic, and background music. Players can alsobuild in these vivariums and create truly beautiful retreats.
Updated June 18, 2025 by Joe Grantham:With Hogwarts Legacy soon to be released on the Nintendo Switch, a new wave of Hogwarts students and budding Magizoologists are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Among other things, new players will be eager to find outhow to unlock more vivariums in Hogwarts Legacy, how they work, and which vivariums are the best.
There are four vivariums available throughout the game and each can hold up to twelve different beasts, with four unique species allowed per vivarium. This means that eventually, players will have to allocate different species to vivariums that are best suited to them. Each vivarium also has three hidden Collection Chests, with building props inside.
Thestrals, Unicorns, and Giant Purple Toads
Collectibles
Low Wall, Low Raised Floor, and Medium Raised Floor Corner
While the Swamp Vivarium might not be the best inHogwarts Legacy, especially for building, it is easily the most unique. After completing both theCharles Rookwood Trialand thePlight of the House Elfside quest, players will be able to starttheFoal of the Deadside quest, which involves capturing and subsequently breeding Thestrals. The dark ambiance of the Swamp Vivarium which is unlocked after completing this mission then serves as the perfect habitat for Thestrals, particularly Sepulchria, who happens to be one ofthe best mounts inHogwarts Legacy.
Unicorns also look great in the eerie beauty of the Swamp Vivarium, and the water naturally makes it a great habitat for any Giant Purple Toads that players may have picked up. Despite also featuring beautiful piano music which matches the ambiance perfectly, the darkness of the Swamp Vivarium can also be its downfall as any building done here can be hard to see.
Graphorns, Hippogriffs, and Jobberknolls
Low Arch, Tall Pillar, and Archway
For seaside lovers, the Coastal Vivarium is the best place to catch some sun. Before they can watch the tide go in and out though, players will need to have collected 10 beasts and started thePlight of the House Elfside quest and then wait for Autumn. By exploring this vivarium, players will also be able to find a cave that will naturally remind them of the hiding place of Voldemort’s Locket Horcrux.
While many magical creatures look great in the Coastal Vivarium,the strongest beasts inHogwarts Legacy, Graphorns, are easily one of the best inhabitants of this biome. After all, the mountable Graphorn is known as The Lord of the Shore. The open air of the beach is also great for Hippogriffs who can spread their wings while soaking in the sun. As buildings are rarely made on sand, expansive designs can look slightly out of place in the Coastal Vivarium, but the odd tower or statue can still look great.
The Elf, the Nab-Sack, and the Loom
Kneazles, Puffskeins, and Nifflers
Floor, Lower Wall, and Low Stone Stairs
The Forest Vivarium is the first to be unlocked but remains one of the most beautiful throughout the entire game. To gain access to the Forest Vivarium and vivariums in general, players will need to completeThe Elf, the Nab-Sack, and the Loomquest. As it is the first to be unlocked, the Forest Vivarium can be considered one of the best to build in, as players have more time to add to their designs.
The cozy nature of the Forest Vivarium makes it the perfect retreat forthe cutest beasts inHogwarts Legacy, from adorable Kneazles and Puffskeins to mischievous Nifflers. The most magical music can also be found in this vivarium, making every second spent here feel special. For the best view of their magical creatures, players can head up to the ridge on the left side of the vivarium, which also happens to feature a small waterfall.
Phoenixes, Mooncalves, and Hippogriffs
Wall, Medium Raised Floor, and Short Pillar
The Grassland Vivarium is the last to be unlocked inHogwarts Legacy, but it is more than worth the wait. To get their hands on the Grassland Vivarium, players will have to complete thePhoenix Risingquest which is initiated by talking to Deek after finishingNiamh Fitzgerald’s Trial. Fittingly, the Phoenix that players rescue on this quest is best at home in this biome.
The first thing players will notice as they step out into their new vivarium for the first time is the beauty of the mountainous valley they find themselves in. On the right, the ruins of an ancient castle loom over the entire vivarium and can even be explored by players. One of the best things about the Grassland Vivarium is the Scottish Highlands soundtrack that plays while players tend to their magical creatures,many of which were never seen in theHarry Pottermovies.
