Get ready to cast some Harry Potter spells in Harry Potter: Wizards Unite!

The highly-anticipated app started appearing in the U.S. Apple iOS and Android app stores on Thursday morning, a day earlier than scheduled. The early release may be a “soft” launch to help spread out the number of people coming into the game for the first time.

The AR game is considered the Wizarding World version of Pokemon Go since both games were made by iOS/Android developer Niantic. Similar to how the Pokemon Company made Go in partnership with the app developer, the official Harry Potter video game studio Portkey Games worked with Niantic on Wizards Unite.

The game works similarly to Go: As you walk the real world with your phone open, you’ll find magical objects, creatures, and beings that need recapturing. Or else, the secrets of the Wizarding World risk exposure to the Muggles. If you’ve read Harry Potter, you know there’s an International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy that needs protecting.

Speaking at an exclusive Wizards Unite event which took place in Los Angeles on Tuesday (June 18), Niantic Labs CEO John Hanke announced that Harry Potter: Wizards Unite will officially be released this Friday, June 21.

Notably, June 21 is the 16th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix being published. It is also the Summer Solstice — the official start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.

While the release date is obviously the biggest piece of news to come out of the event, it sounds as though Hanke let those in attendance in on a few other interesting tidbits.

YouTube creator The Potter Collector, who was in attendance at the event, revealed in a series of tweets that fans can expect a game that is “as life like as possible,” and also teased that those who play may encounter some werewolves and other enemies.

A brand new launch trailer for the game also revealed some interesting features players will be able to encounter.

Clocking in at a three-minutes, the action-packed trailer features a female player chasing down dementors, battling death eaters, making clever use of a portkey, firing off a spell with Hagrid’s pink umbrella, and much, much more!

Watch the launch trailer for Harry Potter: Wizards Unite below!

Thirsty for more Wizards Unite content? Catch up on everything we know about the game below!

Original Story (3/11/19): The forthcoming Harry Potter app for iOS and Android, Wizards Unite, has finally revealed a proper look at the Pokemon Go-style game.

Made by the same folks behind the wildly popular Pokemon app, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite sends fans outside and on a journey through their neighborhoods to contain “a Calamity that has befallen the wizarding world.”

“Witches and wizards from across the globe must come together to cast spells and return Foundables – artefacts, creatures, people, and even memories – trapped by Confoundable magic, to their proper place in an effort to keep magic hidden from Muggle eyes,” they write.

Screenshots and video clips from the game released today reveal a similar style to Pokemon Go — you’ll be checking your phone for things to do around you.

“As players journey across the world, they’ll discover Inns [seen above] that replenish their Spell Energy, magical ingredients for brewing special potions, Portkeys that unlock AR portals into iconic wizarding world locations and much more.”

And there’ll be battle against non-playable characters, but you’ll have to work with other fans to defeat them. “Combat skills will be tested when witches and wizards visit real-world locations called Fortresses, key areas that play host to Wizarding Challenges. These real-time multiplayer battles against dangerous foes encourage players to join forces with fellow witches and wizards to take on higher level threats and unlock rare magical rewards.”

New compared to Pokemon Go is the addition of immersive environments, which can be accessed via Portkey. “Make sure to also keep an eye out for Portmanteaus, which can be unlocked to reveal Portkeys that whisk you away to iconic wizarding world locations. For the first time you’ll be able to step into a full 360-degree Advanced AR immersive experience in places like Ollivander’s Wand Shop.”

Familiar faces from the series will also be making appearances. Below, you see a user helping Harry fight off a dementor.

An updated website for Wizards Unite also says you’ll be able to choose a wizarding profession to enhance your skillset. “Aurors, Magizoologists, and Professors each have their own unique skills and abilities that will come in handy at different times, particularly during Wizarding Challenges. Team up and strategize with witches and wizards from other Professions to tip the scales in your favor.”

WB CEO Kevin Tsujihara recently said that Harry Potter: Wizards Unite will be released this summer. Can’t wait!