As a magical creature conservationist, one of my favorite parts of Hogwarts Legacy is having the opportunity to rescue and care for the menagerie of beasts that inhabit the woods and hills surrounding the castle. Some of the most elusive and rewarding to track down are gentle mooncalves. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll lever my expertise to walk you through every step of rescuing mooncalves in Hogwarts Legacy.
All About Mooncalves: A Magical Beast Guide
Let‘s start by understanding what exactly a mooncalf is before we learn how to rescue them. Mooncalves are shy creatures that only emerge from their burrows at night under a full moon. They get their name from their moon-like round faces and eyes. Their skin is smooth and grey, they stand on four thin legs, and they have a particular talent for creative dance.
Mooncalves are considered friendly, harmless beasts in the wizarding world, but due to their wariness and nocturnal nature, have still become endangered in some areas. At Hogwarts, students are tasked with tracking and rescuing mooncalves as part of the "Beasts of Hogwarts" questline. This helps ensure the preservation of their habitats and wellbeing.
When and Where Do Mooncalves Appear?
Mooncalves are directly linked to the moon itself, as their name implies. They will only emerge from their underground burrows during a full moon or occasionally under a crescent moon. They use the moonlight to guide their rhythmic dance rituals.
According to Magizoology field reports, mooncalves generally appear in the areas around Hogwarts between 9 pm and 2 am in-game time on nights with a bright full moon. Their habitat locations are scattered throughout the Highlands and Feldcroft regions.
During a full moon, you‘re likely to encounter mooncalves dancing in wide open clearings, on cliffsides, and near bodies of water where they have a broad view of the sky.
Step 1: Change the Time to Night
Since mooncalves only emerge at night, the first step is to wait until evening within the game. Here is how to change the time:
- Open your map using the touchpad or M hotkey.
- In the bottom left corner, select the icon that looks like a moon with clock hands. This is the "Wait" feature.
- When it asks if you want to wait until night, choose Yes.
- The screen will fade to black and show a night sky, indicating you have shifted to nighttime.
| Moon Phase | Mooncalf Appearance | Night Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Full Moon | Very High | 9 pm – 2 am |
| Waxing or Waning Crescent | Moderate | 10 pm – 1 am |
| New Moon | None | None |
Now we can set out to find the mooncalves under the glow of a full moon!
Step 2: Track Down Mooncalf Locations on the Map
Once night has fallen, consult your map for icons indicating mooncalf habitats. They will appear as a blue crest with a moon and animal symbol.
I recommend setting a waypoint on the mooncalf icon so you can follow the guidance more easily. Keep an eye out for the waypoint marker and direction ribbon as you traverse the landscape.
Watch for any hazards like steep cliffs and troll dens as you track your mooncalf waypoint. I always cast a Fail-Safe Charm or use Depulso to clear obstacles.
Step 3: Creep Slowly and Use Your Nab-Sack
When you finally spot a mooncalf, move slowly and quietly to avoid startling it. Mooncalves can be skittish if approached too quickly.
Once you are within about 10 meters, you will get a prompt to use your nab-sack item. Equip the nab-sack, then use it when close enough to safely contain the mooncalf for rescue.
After capturing a mooncalf, you will get confirmation it was rescued. Take care not to nab-sack the mooncalves too forcefully or often, as they require gentle handling.
Caring for Mooncalves After Rescue
After rescuing a mooncalf, you can find them peacefully residing at the Magical Creature reserve at Hogwarts, where they are cared for by conservation experts. Ensure they have a habitat with plenty of room to dance under moonlight!
Provide them a diet of moondew herbs picked under full moons, dragon liver, and plimpy fish. With attentive care, your rescued mooncalf friends will thrive.
Let me know if you have any other mooncalf or magical creature questions! I‘m always happy to share my caretaking tips and Hogwarts Legacy guidance.
