Harry Potter: Wizards Unite is out for iOS and Android!

Move aside, Pokémon Go. Niantic has released an all-new experience that is nothing if not magical.

Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, which is based on J.K. Rowling’s beloved fantasy series, has gone free-to-play in the US and UK as of yesterday. Despite the game’s official release being June 21, it seems Niantic, like the rest of us, couldn’t keep their wands sheathed and decided to ‘smuggle’ it onto the App Store and Google Play a day early. Not that we’re complaining.

Like it’s critter-catching predecessor, Wizards Unite is an augmented reality game that feature Traces of magic and collectibles called ‘Foundables’.

Collectibles are great and all, but of course no Harry Potter game would be complete without some sparkle. Players will have to cast spells to counter the ‘Confoundable’ magic that’s keeping the Foundables in the Muggle world, and send them back to the Wizarding realm where they belong. In the process of doing so, they might discover cool ingredients that can be used to brew potions in Greenhouses.

Replacing PokéGo‘s Pokéstops are the Inns, where players can mingle with other wizards over some butterbeer. And topping off this magical cake are the ‘Portkeys’, rare items that grant players 360-degree views of iconic locations from the series. Be sure to pronounce “Diagon Alley” right, folks. Of course, there’s lots more to discover, but that’s for us to know and for you to find out. *wink*

Anyway, for those interested to get a look at the trailer, the incantation can be found on page 394…

Just kidding. We couldn’t resist slipping that one in. Here you go:

Images: Niantic