Defenders of Hogwarts

Defenders of Hogwarts

AdventureExplorationFantasyLicensed / Adapted
Players
2-5
Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
4 players
Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
180 min
AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
13+
ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
1.3 / 5
Year
2026

About the game

Defenders of Hogwarts puts the castle under siege as Lord Voldemort's forces close in, splitting players between loyal Hogwarts students and secret members of the Dark Forces. Players spend the game honing spell-casting skills, exploring the castle grounds, and preparing for a decisive final confrontation between good and evil. MinaLima, the graphic designers behind the Harry Potter film universe, bring their visual style to every card and board in the box.

Hobbli's Notes

Defenders of Hogwarts casts the castle under siege, splitting players between loyal students defending the grounds and Dark Forces working to bring it down, with MinaLima's signature visual style carrying a lot of the appeal. The semi-cooperative traitor mechanic gives every session real tension about who's secretly working against the group, and the three-hour scope lets the siege build gradually across the castle's grounds. Early community reception has landed below average, though, with a rules-light system stretched across a long playtime proving a mismatch for some players' expectations.

What we like

  • MinaLima's visual design brings genuine Wizarding World atmosphere to the table.
  • Semi-cooperative traitor mechanic adds real tension about hidden loyalties.
  • Three-hour scope lets the siege of Hogwarts build gradually and dramatically.
  • Licensed theme will strongly appeal to dedicated Harry Potter fans.

Keep in mind

  • Early community rating has landed well below average for the genre.
  • Rules are relatively light for a three-hour playtime, which some find mismatched.
  • Semi-cooperative structure depends on a group willing to embrace hidden-traitor tension.

Who it's for

Best for Harry Potter fans willing to commit to a long semi-cooperative siege, ages 13+, in groups of 2-5.

Mechanics

Action / EventMovementDeck / Bag BuildingFinale EndingRole PlayingScenario / Mission / Campaign GameSemi-Cooperative Game

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