The official launch of Hogwarts Legacy is not until Friday, but Warner Bros. Games announces the launch of the Early Access for those who pre-purchased the Digital Deluxe Edition of the Harry Potter prequel game. Those who made this advance commitment for the Windows edition can now play it on Steam. The previously released Official Launch Trailer accompanies the news. Here's word:

In Hogwarts Legacy, players join Hogwarts as a new fifth year student. At the onset of their adventure, players can customize their character’s appearance with a range of options to be the witch or wizard they want to be. They will join or be sorted into one of the four Hogwarts houses – Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Slytherin -- meet up with housemates in their common rooms and attend classes such as Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, and Potions where they will meet their professors, learn to cast spells, grow magical plants, brew potions and more.

In addition to classes and spells, players will have access to a deep set of upgrades, talents and skills to aid their progression as a witch or wizard. They can complete challenges throughout the world as one opportunity to earn experience and level up their abilities. In between classes, players will be able to explore a fully realized Hogwarts Castle where they will attend classes, discover dungeons, secret passageways, and challenging puzzles. They will grow their character’s abilities while mastering powerful spells and hone combat skills to help them face off against deadly enemies.

The open-world game allows players to freely roam Hogwarts Castle and the surrounding overland, including new and familiar Wizarding World locations like Hogsmeade and the Forbidden Forest. It is full of action-packed immersive magic where players fly broomsticks, tame and ride magical beasts, and battle against enemies such as trolls, spiders and dark wizards. Along the way, they will uncover an expansive world filled with perilous dangers tied to the Wizarding World’s long forgotten past and an unusual ability that only they possess. Players will also encounter missions and scenarios that will pose difficult choices and determine what they stand for.