Hogwarts Legacy immerses players in a rich world of witchcraft and wizardry, where a fifth-year student navigates the complexities of Hogwarts School. Amidst the captivating storyline, players encounter a diverse cast of characters, some offering rewarding side quests. Among these, Sebastian, Poppy, and Natsai stand out, providing engaging relationship quests that delve into intriguing mysteries. “A Basis for Blackmail,” a quest involving Natsai, presents a particularly compelling challenge, requiring players to unravel a web of secrets and navigate intricate situations. This field guide provides a thorough walkthrough of “A Basis for Blackmail,” ensuring a successful and immersive gameplay experience.
Initiating “A Basis for Blackmail”
To embark on “A Basis for Blackmail,” certain prerequisites must be met. First, the player must have successfully completed all of Natsai’s preceding relationship quests. This includes the “Mum’s the Word” quest, as well as the main quests “It’s All Gobbledegook” and “In the Shadow of the Mine.”
Location of “A Basis for Blackmail” side quest in Hogwarts Legacy.
Once these requirements are satisfied, Natsai will dispatch an owl to the protagonist, requesting a meeting outside Hogsmeade. This rendezvous marks the beginning of their joint investigation into the nefarious activities of Theophilus Harlow, setting the stage for the unfolding drama.
Gathering Intel: Speaking with Hogsmeade’s Residents
As alluded to by Archie Bickle in “The Lost Child” quest, Harlow is suspected of blackmailing Hogsmeade residents. However, concrete evidence is lacking. Therefore, the protagonist must seek out these individuals to gather proof and expose Harlow’s scheme.
Meeting with Natsai Onai to discuss the blackmail case.
The quest requires the player to engage with three specific NPCs, each marked on the minimap for easy navigation. The order in which these conversations occur does not impact the quest’s progression, allowing players to approach them at their convenience.
Daisy Rabe, a resident of Hogsmeade, revealing details about the blackmail.
The first resident, Daisy Rabe, can be found within the Three Broomsticks, located on the third floor. When interacting with Daisy, players can choose to delve deeper into the specifics of her blackmail situation or opt to conclude the conversation and move on to the next NPC.
Otto Dibble explaining his involvement in the blackmail scheme.
Otto Dibble, the second resident, is situated to the left of Gladrags Wizardwear, north of the Three Broomsticks. Similar to Daisy, Otto willingly recounts his experience with Harlow’s blackmail. After hearing his story, players can either ask follow-up questions or proceed to the final NPC.
Agabus Philbert outside his home in Hogsmeade.
Agabus Philbert, the final resident, resides on the western side of Hogsmeade, south of The Magic Neep. He stands outside his home, next to a door secured with a Level 3 Lock. The player is presented with a choice to either commend or reprimand Agabus for his actions. Regardless of the choice, the conversation leads to the same outcome. Following the conversation, the protagonist suggests reconvening with Natsai at the southern entrance of Hogsmeade.
Tracing Natsai: Following the Trail to the Ashwinder Hideout
Upon arriving at the designated meeting point south of Hogsmeade, the protagonist discovers Natsai’s absence. To locate her, they must venture to the Hog’s Head, situated in the southwestern corner of the Hogsmeade map. At the dock next to the river, they will find Natsai’s wand resting beside a wooden crate.
Searching for Natsai near the Hog’s Head inn.
Interacting with the wand prompts the use of Revelio, a spell that reveals hidden clues. Casting Revelio unveils orange footprints leading away from the docks, guiding the player towards Natsai’s captors.
Using Revelio to follow the footprints to the Ashwinder Hideout.
The footprints ultimately lead to the entrance of the Ashwinder Hideout, located just outside the Hog’s Head, beside its western wall. Interacting with the doorway allows the player to enter the hideout, embarking on a rescue mission.
The entrance to the Ashwinder Hideout.
Navigating the Ashwinder Hideout: Combat and Discovery
Inside the Ashwinder Hideout, the player must solve puzzles and engage in combat to progress. The first challenge involves manipulating barrels to open a pathway. By casting Accio on the left and right barrels, pulling them as far as possible, the center barrel will open, revealing a new area.
Using Accio to manipulate the barrels and open the passage.
Beyond the corridor, a balcony overlooks a lower floor teeming with Ashwinders. Employing stealth tactics with the Disillusionment charm and utilizing powerful spells like Petrificus Totalus can significantly aid in eliminating the enemies.
Engaging with Gwendolyn Zhou and Ashwinders.
In addition to the regular Ashwinders, players will face Gwendolyn Zhou, an Infamous Foe with significantly more health. Prioritizing the elimination of regular Ashwinders before focusing on Gwendolyn is a recommended strategy.
Uncovering Secrets: Finding the Missing Items
After defeating the Ashwinders, players can choose to search for hidden items: Otto Dibble’s love letter and Agabus Philbert’s book of poems. These items are optional but add depth to the quest and provide additional lore.
Discover Otto Dibble’s love letter location in the Ashwinder Hideout.
The book of poems is located inside a chest on the bar on the left-hand side of the room, while the love letter can be found in a chest next to the giant cage, accessible by traveling up the southeastern stairs.
Rescuing Natsai and Isko: Completing the Quest
To proceed with the rescue, the player must travel north, ascend the stairs, and enter the door at the back of the room. Inside, Natsai and Isko Rabe are held captive. Casting Revelio near the desk in the center of the room reveals a chest with a Level 1 Lock, containing Isko Rabe’s wand.
Finding Isko Rabe held captive in the Ashwinder Hideout.
Interacting with Isko allows him to use the wand to unlock the doors, freeing himself and Natsai. Isko then apparates away, and the protagonist and Natsai can leave the hideout.
Natsai freed from Ashwinder Hideout.
Outside the Ashwinder Hideout, speaking with Officer Singer concludes “A Basis for Blackmail,” rewarding the player for their efforts in uncovering Harlow’s blackmail scheme and rescuing Natsai.
