Niantic has worked really hard to make Harry Potter: Wizards Unite distinct from its other AR games and it has done that by adding several new mechanics to the game. Most of those mechanics are things you have to do in-game but some of them are simple touches that allow the company to easily add variety.
Flags have been added to the game for just that reason, and though you may have seen them around you may not know what they do.
What are flags?
Flags can be seen on the world map of Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, often in the areas populated with plenty of Inns and Fortresses — sorry rural players, we still get the short shrift — and can have various symbols on them. These symbols denote each of the "Families" that can be found in your registry.
There are 10 Families in the game right now, and they are as follows:
- Care of Magical Creatures
- Dark Arts
- Hogwarts School
- Legends of Hogwarts
- Ministry of Magic
- Magizoology
- Magical Games and Sports
- Mysterious Artefacts
- Wonders of the Wizarding World
- Oddities
How to use Flags to your advantage
Flags are essentially just that, flags. They flag an area in-game where the specific Traces that matches the family icon can be found in greater numbers. When you tap on a flag it highlights the area that is being affected and in that area Traces of that type will appear more frequently and with a higher risk than they do elsewhere.
This is a lovely addition to the game and allows you to target specific areas you want to go and fight in. If you are on your hour lunch break and you want to grab some "Ministry of Magic" traces then head over to that flag, tap it to find out the area it covers and move into it. Simple.
Harry Potter accessories we love
Hogwarts phone case ($10 at Amazon)
Show your love of the Potterverse, and protect your phone with this beautiful faux-leather case. The Hogwarts crest burns bright on the front with plenty of room inside for some cash and cards too.
RAVPower Ace ($40 at Amazon)
You don't want to run out of juice while battling baddies in Fortresses, now do you? Make sure you've got backup power with this quality but inexpensive
Hogwarts House PopSocket ($15 at Amazon)
Represent your house with a secure way to grip your phone while walking on your magical adventure casting spells and securing Foundables.
Harry Potter Over The Ear Headphones ($25 at Amazon)
Show your love of Harry Potter to the whole world, while shutting that same world out with these funky headphones from ihome.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
iOS gaming recap: PlayStation makes big moves into iOS, Streets of Rage 4
Besides some new games, a huge game maker discussed its plans to move into the mobile space, although it's unclear when. Here's what else you missed this week.
GRAMMY-winning music producer lauds his Mac Studio but still wants Mac Pro
GRAMMY-winning music producer Mike Dean, who has worked with the likes of Kanye, Selena Gomez, and Madonna has taken to Instagram to wax lyrical about his M1 Ultra Mac Studio while still lamenting the fact that he can't buy an Apple silicon Mac Pro.
Review: You really ought to check out Catalyst Black for iOS
Catalyst Black is an online multiplayer game that has teams compete against each other to score points and take down opponents. It has both sci-fi and fantasy elements since players can turn into large beasts to do additional damage.
Get the rarest gift for the Nintendo Switch amiibo collector in your life
Nintendo's amiibo lets you collect all of your favorite characters and gain some in-game benefits for having the figures. Here are some of the most expensive and hard-to-find Nintendo Switch amiibo figures on the market.