One of the first things I fell in love with in Hogwarts Legacy was not a spell or a duel. It was the moment Deek handed me a Nab-Sack and told me to rescue magical beasts from poachers. Even in 2026, with so many new games fighting for my attention, the Room of Requirement's Vivariums remain one of the coziest, most rewarding systems in the game. If you are playing for the first time or returning for a fresh save, let me walk you through what a Vivarium is, how to unlock all four, and what makes each one special.

What Is a Vivarium? 🐾

A Vivarium is an enclosed magical habitat inside your Room of Requirement. It is where you keep the beasts you rescue with your Nab-Sack. Think of it as a sanctuary, a conservation space, and a petting zoo all rolled into one. After you complete your first Beasts class with Professor Howin, Deek asks you to return to the Room of Requirement for the quest The Elf, the Nab-Sack, and the Loom. That quest gives you the Nab-Sack and unlocks your first Vivarium.

There are four Vivariums total. Each one can hold up to four different species of beasts and sixteen beasts overall. There are thirteen species in Hogwarts Legacy, so you have more than enough room to house every magical creature you find. The species are: Diricawl, Fwooper, Giant Purple Toad, Graphorn, Hippogriff, Jobberknoll, Kneazle, Mooncalf, Niffler, Phoenix, Puffskein, Thestral, and Unicorn.

The Four Vivariums at a Glance 🗺️

The Original Vivarium 🌿

The first Vivarium is unlocked during Deek's quest The Elf, the Nab-Sack, and the Loom. It is a simple, open grassy area where your beasts can run freely. I still remember releasing my first Puffskein and watching it bounce around like it owned the place. This Vivarium is excellent for beasts you find in grasslands. You will follow Deek around, learn how to catch beasts, and then return to the Room of Requirement with your Nab-Sack full. Once you do, the room expands and the Original Vivarium appears.

The Coastal Vivarium 🌊

The Coastal Vivarium is unlocked during the side quest The Plight of the House-Elf. Professor Weasley sends you an owl and asks you to visit Deek, who has an urgent matter to discuss. He tells you about his friend Tobbs and a phoenix he once saw with his master. After you complete the task, the Room of Requirement expands again. This Vivarium is a beautiful coastal area with sand, water, and sea breeze. It is perfect for beasts you rescue near the coastline.

The Swamp Vivarium 🐊

The Swamp Vivarium is unlocked during the side quest Foal of the Dead. This time, Deek wants to teach you how to breed the animals you have been saving. You will need to catch a male and a female Thestral. If you pre-ordered the Deluxe Edition, you already have a female Thestral in your Nab-Sack, so you only need to capture a male. Then you buy a breeding pen from Hogsmeade. When you return to the Room of Requirement, the room expands to add this swampy Vivarium. Deek says it is the perfect place for your newly acquired Thestrals, and I agree. It has a moody, mysterious atmosphere that suits them.

The Grassland Meadow Vivarium 🦅

The final Vivarium is a gorgeous grassland meadow with ancient ruins around it. It takes quite a while to unlock. You finally get it during the side quest Phoenix Rising. Deek asks you to save a phoenix from poachers. The poachers are tracking the phoenix, and you have to stop them before they harm it. Once you return to Deek with the phoenix in your Nab-Sack, the Room of Requirement unlocks the last Vivarium. This is my favorite one for majestic beasts, and it is the only place where I want to keep my Phoenix.

Capacity and Species: What I Wish I Knew Sooner 📋

Here is the short version:

• Four Vivariums total.

• Each Vivarium can hold up to four species and sixteen beasts.

• There are thirteen beast species in the game.

• You can rescue beasts from poachers around the world.

• You can breed beasts after unlocking the Swamp Vivarium and buying a breeding pen.

• The Room of Requirement expands each time you unlock a new Vivarium.

If you are a completionist like me, you will want to catch at least one male and one female of each species. Breeding is not just for fun; it helps you complete challenges and get more materials. Just do not forget to brush and feed your beasts. Happy beasts produce materials, and happy beasts make the Vivarium feel alive.

Final Thoughts from My 2026 Save File ✨

Even in 2026, Hogwarts Legacy's Vivariums hold up as a relaxing escape from Dark Arts, dueling, and giant spiders. Whether you are a new student or a returning wizard, taking time to rescue every beast is worth it. The four Vivariums give you a safe home for Diricawls, Fwoopers, Graphorns, Hippogriffs, Phoenixes, Thestrals, Unicorns, and more. So grab your Nab-Sack, head to the Highlands, and build the magical sanctuary you wish you could live in. I know I did.