Hogwarts Legacy allows players to experience the magical world of Harry Potter like never before. As you explore the hallowed halls of Hogwarts and the mysteries around the grounds, you may come across a curious trail of floating candles beckoning you to follow. Use this comprehensive guide to uncover the treasure at the end of the candle trail!
The Lore Behind the Floating Candle Map
The floating candles have sparked much speculation and intrigue within the Hogwarts Legacy fan community. Leading theories suggest the candle map may have been created by a former student exploring forbidden magic, or perhaps a secret admirer looking to guide their loved one to a romantic forest picnic.
Some fans tie the "Ghost of our Love" quest name to the tragic story of the Bloody Baron, believing his enchanted candles now lead players to treasures he left behind for his beloved Helena Ravenclaw. The candles could be a manifestation of ancient magic tied to the forest‘s mystical roots that only appear under certain conditions. Their true origins remain shrouded in mystery.
When and Where to Find the Floating Candle Map
The elusive floating candle map can only be accessed at night when exploring the Forbidden Forest in Hogwarts Legacy. Reaching the forest is no simple task itself, requiring significant progress in the main story quests.
Specifically, the Forbidden Forest remains locked until reaching Year 2 and advancing far enough to unlock the Owlery Tower Floo Flame fast travel point. I recommend completing key Year 1 quests such as In the Shadow of the Relic, Dark Secrets, and The Elf, the Nab-Sack, and the Loom to access the Owlery Flame.
Owlery Tower Floo Flame fast travel point
Once unlocked, the Owlery Tower acts as the optimal starting point to find the candle trail. From the Owlery, head west into the forest on foot to begin your search.
Based on my experience, the candles may take several nights to first appear. Have patience and persist in your forest exploration after year two begins. The floating candle map will emerge under the right conditions.
Preparing for the Forbidden Forest Journey
Before venturing into the Forbidden Forest to seek the candles, I highly recommend gathering ingredients and brewing a few beneficial potions.
Stock up on Night Vision potions to illuminate the dark forest trail ahead. Felix Felicis liquid luck potions may also help reveal the elusive map. And bring Wiggenweld potions to restore health and magic as needed along the journey.
I used Spidersbane potions on early attempts to avoid attacks from acromantula lurking in the woods. Strong healing potions are also essential in case you stumble into centaurs or other formidable forest foes.
Potion ingredients to stock up on
Beyond potions, equip your strongest magical gear, learn mobility and shield spells, and upgrade stamina for navigating the forest’s challenging terrain.
Casting Lumos to Follow the Floating Candles
Once night falls in the Forbidden Forest, you’ll need to use the Lumos spell to illuminate the path ahead. Have Lumos equipped and ready to cast. Slowly wander the forest until you spot a trail of small, bobbing candles appear floating in the darkness.
Casting Lumos at night in the forest
Stay alert as the dim candle glow may be easy to miss. Once spotted, slowly follow a few paces behind wherever the candles float. They move at a deliberate, calm pace. Rushing ahead may cause the trail to flicker out and vanish.
Listen closely for a gentle chiming sound as you follow behind the candles – this pleasant tone indicates you are going the right direction. Keep a steady pace and don’t veer off the path as it winds through thickets and across streams. Recast Lumos as needed to spot upcoming candles.
Optimal Route Through the Forest
In my experience following the candles multiple times, the trail tends to spawn on the western side of the Forbidden Forest, north of the Owlery Tower.
Once the candles appear, let them lead you generally north and west through the woods. Watch for the ruins of a stone tower, then head down a slope to cross a stream. Stay vigilant passing a ruined camp and continue into thicker woods.
The candle trail seems to purposefully avoid larger threats, but be ready to defend yourself against roaming predators. With persistence, the luminous candles will navigate through the dense forest for several minutes before culminating at the treasure location.
Arriving at the Hidden Forest Treasure
After following the candles for some time, you‘ll enter a wooded clearing containing a lone treasure chest. Approaching the chest completes the unmarked “Ghost of our Love” side quest.
A banner with a heart motif marked “Ghost of our Love” floats eerily above the chest resting atop a faded picnic blanket. Loot the chest to obtain your reward.
Treasures Within the Mysterious Chest
The chest itself contains gold and useful loot worthy of the effort to complete the candle trail. Key treasure items found inside include:
- Treasure Seeker‘s Scarf – Marks nearby chests and secrets on the map
- Felix Felicis Potion Recipe – Unlocks stronger liquid luck potion brewing
- 200 Galleons
- Various crafting materials
The Treasure Seeker‘s Scarf is particularly valuable, making subsequent exploration around Hogwarts much more rewarding. Having the ability to see chests on the map helps uncover many hidden collectibles.
Return to Hogwarts Triumphant
Once you‘ve acquired the loot, the candles will dissipate. Use your newfound treasures and fast travel back to the Owlery or directly to Hogwarts castle to continue your adventures.
The floating candle map and “Ghost of our Love” quest only need completing once to reap the rewards. But the experience of discovering the mysterious trail and clearing stays exciting and unique across multiple playthroughs.
Additional Tips and Notes
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The candle trail is easiest to spot and follow using a Night Vision potion, but other visibility spells like Incendio to light braziers also work.
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Beware of centaur camps and acromantula nests lingering off the main candle path. Give them a wide berth.
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Lower level players may want to wait until Year 3 or 4 before braving the forest, when your spells and gear improve.
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Occasionally backtrack if you lose sight of the trail to rediscover the last visible candle and correct your route.
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Exploring at earlier night hours seems to provide clearer guidance from the floating candles.
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Leave your companion NPC outside the forest, as they can struggle to keep up with the candles.
Let the cryptic floating candles illuminate your path to hidden treasure in the Forbidden Forest night. This atmospheric adventure remains a highlight in Hogwarts Legacy for intrepid wizard treasure hunters.
Further Hogwarts Legacy Reading
If you enjoyed uncovering this forest secret, some other guides on magical adventures within Hogwarts Legacy include:
- Tips for Defeating the Dark Wizard in the Forgotten Vault
- Locating All Demiguise Statues and Rewards
- Puzzle Solutions for the Merlin Trials
- Brewing Recipes for Powerful Wiggenweld Potions
May your map lead you to fortune and glory, young wizard.
