While a full Hogwarts education traditionally spans seven years, Hogwarts Legacy does not cover all seven years of schooling. Instead, the game’s narrative begins with your character entering Hogwarts as a fifth-year student. The story spans roughly one academic year (the fifth year), taking you through various seasons—Autumn, Winter, and Spring—as you master spells and uncover an ancient mystery. In 2026, despite rumors of a sequel or expansive DLC that might continue into the sixth and seventh years, the original game remains focused on that single, high-stakes fifth-year experience. A standard playthrough typically lasts 25 to 35 hours, while completionists can spend over 70 hours exploring the castle and Highlands, but you will not personally "age up" through a seven-year curriculum during the gameplay.