Harry Potter Wizards Unite Game Just Went Live Early

A surprise early launch of the game Harry Potter: Wizards Unite was let loose today, 24 hours earlier than expected. This game is the next in a line of AR-toting games from Niantic, the games studio that previously released and still runs Ingress and Pokemon GO. This Harry Potter game is live in select countries and regions, including Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

This game uses the same basic structure as Pokemon GO – at a VERY basic level. You're still walking around the earth, and you're still finding physical locations in the real world that, in game, give you incentives to visit. Many of the locations that are incentivized in Pokemon GO are incentivized here in Harry Potter Wizards Unite.

This game utilizes a massive amount of graphics made specifically for the Harry Potter universe. That means Wizarding World of Harry Potter universe, if you prefer, and it means you'll find a lot of imagery you've seen before. Because this game was made in collaboration with the official Harry Potter crew, it feels authentic.

When you first download the game, you'll be asked to create your own Ministry of Magic ID. Once you're in the system, you'll be sent on a string of tasks that'll earn you skills, the lot of which will eventually grant you the right to call yourself a member of whatever wizard profession you do so choose.

And don't go out expecting that you're going to pick up walking points for both Wizards Unite and Pokemon GO at the same time, because that's just nonsense. Isn't it? Let's try it out and see!

To begin, head to your local app store and search Harry Potter Wizards Unite for your Android phone or tablet or your your iPhone or iPad. If you've pre-registered for the game, chances are you've got access right this minute. If you did not pre-register, you might still have access – or else you'll just have to wait until tomorrow morning.