How to use the Petrificus Totalus Stealth Kill in Hogwarts Legacy

Within the first couple of hours in Hogwarts Legacy, you will gain access to a list of spells that do not go on your assigned spell list. Instead, these spells either have a specific button associated with them or can only be used in certain instances. For example, you can use Protego and Revelio at any time just by pressing their assigned button. Also, you can use Stupefy at a specific time when using Protego, and not anywhere else. In addition to those common spells, Hogwarts Legacy will also gain access to another spell that’s not explained nearly as much, Petrificus Totalus.

In the introductory tutorials, you can easily miss the explanation for Petrificus Totalus. Essentially, you can only use the spell when you’re in Stealth mode, which can only be done when you cast the Disillusionment spell. You first unlock the Disillusionment spell when sneaking into the Restricted section of the Library with Sebastian Sallow during a main story quest.

While the Disillusionment spell is great for sneaking around enemies, it’s also the only way you get to cast Petrificus Totalus. We explain more in the guide below.

Using Petrificus Totalus in Hogwarts Legacy

When you cast the Disillusionment spell, you will become mostly invisible. However, not so invisible that you can remain undetected by an enemy in their line of sight. If you want to use Petrificus Totalus, then you need to have Stealth mode activated and sneak up behind an enemy.

Once you’re close enough to touch them, you will see a prompt on the screen that gives you the option of using Petrificus Totalus. Press the button the prompt says, and you will knock out the enemy cold. You can see exactly how the spell works by going to your assigned spells list and hovering over the spell in the “Essential” category at the bottom of the screen.

Unfortunately, this spell will only work on smaller enemies, such as goblins or Ashewinders. If you find a troll in the wild, then you’re stuck dealing with them in an unpetrified state. Although, if you find a pack of two or three enemies all near each other, you can cast Petrificus Totalus on all of them if you press the correct buttons fast enough. You’ll see quick prompts appear on the screen after taking out the first enemy, so get those reactions ready.

You are also able to upgrade Petrificus Totalus in the later stages of Hogwarts Legacy through the Talents menu. One Talent, unlocked at level 22, allows you to knock out two enemies at once with just one cast of Petrificus Totalus.