So, you’re flying over Hogwarts Valley, the wind is whipping through your wizard robes, and you’re looking for those circular stone pads that everyone keeps talking about. Honestly, it’s one of those tasks in Hogwarts Legacy that sounds way easier than it actually is. You’d think a giant stone platform would be easy to spot from the air, right? Wrong. They blend into the terrain like they’re wearing an invisibility cloak, and if you aren't looking at the right angle, you’ll breeze right past them.
Landing platforms are basically the unsung heroes of the exploration challenges in the game. Unlike Merlin Trials or Ancient Magic Hotspots, they don't show up with a handy little icon on your map. You have to actually use your eyes. Or, you know, spam Revelio until your finger hurts.
Why Hogwarts Valley Landing Platforms are Sneakier Than You Think
Hogwarts Valley is a massive chunk of the map. It’s that central hub that connects the school grounds to the southern regions, and it’s packed with verticality. That’s the problem. Most players fly too high. If you’re soaring near the clouds, the Hogwarts Valley landing platforms just look like random rocks or part of a ruined wall. You’ve got to stay low.
There are three specific platforms in this region. Just three. But finding them feels like a chore because the valley is so cluttered with trees, bandit camps, and those annoying medium-sized hills that block your line of sight.
The first one is tucked away near the northern part of the valley. If you head south from the West Hogwarts Valley Floo Flame, you’ll find yourself looking at some ridges. Look for a platform perched on a cliffside overlooking the river. It’s not just about finding it; you have to actually land on it. And not just land—wait for the gears to turn and the torches to light up. If the fire doesn't start, it doesn't count. I've seen people fly off too early and then wonder why their Quidditch Captain uniform hasn't unlocked yet.
The Reward is Actually Worth the Hassle
Why bother? Because of the gear. If you’re a completionist or just someone who wants their character to look like they actually know how to fly a broom, the Landing Platforms challenge is the only way to get the Quidditch Captain set.
- The Captain's Helmet
- The Captain's Outfit
- The Captain's Cape
It’s a tiered system. You need two platforms for the first piece, then more for the subsequent ones. Since there are 20 in total across the entire world map, missing the ones in the valley puts you at a serious disadvantage for that final transmog.
Tracking Down the Northern Hogwarts Valley Platform
Let's get specific. You want to start at the West Hogwarts Valley Floo Flame. Hop on your broom—I personally prefer the Ember Dash, but you do you—and head south-southeast.
You’re looking for a ridge. Not the highest one, but one that juts out over the lower greenery. It’s basically situated between a couple of Merlin Trials. If you see the icon for a trial on your minimap, stay in that general area and look up. Most people make the mistake of looking down into the grass. These platforms love elevation.
Actually, it's kinda funny how many people forget that Revelio works while you’re flying. If you’ve upgraded your Revelio range in the Talent menu (which you absolutely should have done by now), the platform will glow blue even from a decent distance. It makes the hunt significantly less frustrating.
📖 Related: Finding the Perfect PlayStation BloodRayne 2 PC Cover Art 600 x 900 for Your Digital Library
The Mid-Valley Platform Near the River
The second one is a bit more devious. It’s located further south, closer to the central part of the valley. If you find the Keenbridge area, you’re getting warm.
Head northwest from Keenbridge. You’ll see some ruins on a hill. It’s not in the ruins, but it’s very close to them. Specifically, it’s on a flat-topped ridge near a bandit camp. Sometimes you'll hear the bandits yelling at you while you're trying to land. Just ignore them. Or descend, blast them with a few Confringos, and then claim your platform in peace.
The key here is the broken castle structures. The developers loved placing these near visual landmarks that draw your eye away from the platform itself. You’re looking at the cool ruined tower, and the platform is sitting right behind you on a boring ledge.
The Southernmost Platform: The Final Stretch
The third of the Hogwarts Valley landing platforms is way down south. It’s near the border where the valley starts to transition into the South Sea Bog area.
If you find the Mine's Eye—the massive goblin mine—you've gone slightly too far east. Back up and look at the cliffs bordering the bog. This one is perched quite high up. It’s arguably the most scenic one in the valley, giving you a clear view back toward Hogwarts.
I’ve found that this one is easiest to spot during the day. At night, the shadows in the valley get really "inky," and the grey stone of the platform perfectly matches the grey stone of the cliffs. If you’re struggling, go to your map and hit the "Wait" button to cycle to morning. The natural light makes the circular pattern on the stone pop.
💡 You might also like: GTA San Andreas PS4 Cheats: How to Keep the Chaos Fun Without Breaking Your Game
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't just "touch" the platform. I can't stress this enough. You need to walk to the center. The mechanism is pressure-sensitive in a way. You’ll hear a mechanical grinding sound, and then two braziers will ignite.
- Landing on the edge and immediately taking off. (Doesn't count).
- Thinking the platform is a Merlin Trial. (It's not).
- Looking for an icon on the map. (It will never appear).
Wait for the animation. It takes maybe three seconds. If you fly away before those flames are high, you’re going to be sitting at 19/20 platforms at the end of the game, tearing your hair out trying to remember which one you "missed."
Technical Issues and Progress Tracking
Sometimes, the game glitches. It’s rare, but it happens. If you land and nothing happens, try fast-traveling away and coming back.
To check your progress, don't look at the world map. Open your Field Guide, go to Challenges, then Exploration. Scroll down to Landing Platforms. This is the only way to see exactly how many you’ve "officially" completed. If the number didn't go up after your last landing, go back and stand on it again.
The Strategy for a Clean Sweep
If you want to be efficient, don't just hunt these three. Hogwarts Valley is bordered by the Feldcroft Region and the South Hogwarts Region.
- North: One near the Quidditch pitch (South Hogwarts Region).
- West: Several scattered across the Feldcroft cliffs.
- East: A couple near the coastal mine area.
Basically, if you’re doing a "loop" of the valley, you can knock out about six or seven platforms in ten minutes if you know where the borders are.
Honestly, the landing platforms are one of the most relaxing parts of the game once you stop stressing about the map icons. It’s pure exploration. It forces you to actually look at the world the artists built instead of just following a golden line on your HUD. The Hogwarts Valley ones are particularly rewarding because the verticality of the terrain makes the flight path feel much more dynamic than the flat bogs or the cramped forests.
Actionable Steps for Your Hunt
Get your Revelio range upgrade first. It’s in the "Core" talent tree. Without it, you practically have to be standing on the platform for it to glow.
Start from the West Hogwarts Valley Floo Flame and fly a zig-zag pattern toward the south. Keep your altitude at "medium"—high enough to clear the trees, but low enough that you can see the texture of the cliff edges.
📖 Related: Stardew Valley: Why We Are Still Obsessed With This Farm Game Years Later
Check your Field Guide after every landing. It takes five seconds and saves you hours of backtracking later. Once you finish the three in the valley, head straight into the Feldcroft region to keep the momentum going, as that’s where the density of platforms is highest.
Once you've touched down on all three in the valley, you'll be well on your way to that Quidditch Captain set. Just remember: stay low, use Revelio, and wait for the fire.