The game uses a third-person overhead or scrolling perspective across story stages and Hogwarts areas. Players guide characters through objectives based on the films, defeat enemies, gather LEGO studs, solve environmental puzzles, and use character-specific spells or abilities.

Progression comes from completing story chapters, collecting items, and unlocking additional characters and replay options. Different characters are needed to reach certain areas or interact with particular objects, encouraging revisits after new abilities become available.

Explore each area before advancing. LEGO studs, containers, and side paths often provide useful collectibles or reveal the route to optional items.

When an obstacle cannot be solved immediately, note its location and return after unlocking a character or ability suited to it. In combat, use the spell or interaction indicated by the environment rather than repeatedly attacking.