Defenders of Hogwarts vs Hogwarts Battle: Which Should You Buy?

Illustration of two decks of cards side by side

Defenders of Hogwarts and Hogwarts Battle are both Harry Potter deck-builders. They are not the same kind of game: Defenders of Hogwarts pits one player against the rest (see the rules), while Hogwarts Battle is fully cooperative. That difference decides which one fits your table.

	Defenders of Hogwarts	Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle
Publisher	MinaLima	USAopoly
Players	2–5	2–4
Play time	90 min (box); 90–180 (BGG)	Not yet verified
Age	13+	Not yet verified
Structure	One game per sitting, timed by the Dark Arts Path	Co-op campaign across seven school years
Who you play against	One Dark Arts Player against the houses; houses race each other	The game itself — everyone wins or loses together
Weight	Light (1.3)	Not yet verified
Price	£58 late pledge (≈$79.08); reported £75 UK retail	Around $25–40, widely stocked
Availability	Late pledge now, limited retail autumn 2026, shops 2027	In stock at most retailers
Best for	Groups of 3–5 who like competition	Groups who want a relaxed co-op night

The one-line difference

Hogwarts Battle asks "can we beat the game together?" Defenders of Hogwarts asks "can I get my two shields before the other houses — and before the Dark Arts Player wins?" If your group dislikes playing against each other, buy Hogwarts Battle. If a bit of rivalry is what makes game night, buy Defenders.

Pick Defenders of Hogwarts if…

You have 3–5 players and one of them enjoys playing the villain
You want MinaLima's component design and a game that ends in one evening
You don't mind waiting for shipping or for the 2027 shop release

Pick Hogwarts Battle if…

You mostly play at two, or with a group that prefers no conflict
You want something you can buy today at a normal price
You want a story that unfolds over several sessions

Verdict

They do not replace each other. If you want both, buy Hogwarts Battle now for tonight and put in the Defenders late pledge for later. More on Defenders in our review and price comparison.

Ready to choose?

Comparison FAQ

Is Defenders of Hogwarts a sequel to Hogwarts Battle?

No. They come from different publishers — Defenders of Hogwarts from MinaLima, Hogwarts Battle from USAopoly — and neither needs the other.

Which is better for two players, Defenders of Hogwarts or Hogwarts Battle?

Hogwarts Battle. At two players, Defenders of Hogwarts becomes a head-to-head duel, while Hogwarts Battle stays a full cooperative game.

Can I buy Defenders of Hogwarts in shops like Hogwarts Battle?

Not yet. As of 13 October 2026, Defenders of Hogwarts is only available through the Hive late pledge; shops follow in 2027.