Square Enix’s line of HD-2D games continues to be a massive success, with Octopath Traveler now eclipsing 3 million lifetime sales. Even more is on the way with Octopath Traveler 2, a new JRPG that once again brings together eight different characters and stories. While the new Octopath looks extremely similar to the first game, the story and setting look grander than ever before, and there are also a few small tweaks to gameplay on the way. Here’s everything you need to know about Octopath Traveler 2.
When is the Octopath Traveler 2 release date?
Octopath Traveler 2 was announced during the September 2022 Nintendo Direct, and surprisingly it was given a release date at the same time, with the game launching on February 24, 2023.
While the first Octopath Traveler started as a Nintendo Switch exclusive, that’s not going to be the case with the sequel. On day one the game will come to PS4, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. It’s interesting to note that the first Octopath isn’t currently available on PlayStation systems, but only on Nintendo Switch and PC.
Although Square Enix hasn’t announced a demo yet, it does seem incredibly likely closer to release. The first Octopath had a prologue demo, and most of Square Enix’s recent releases do as well, including Triangle Strategy, Harvestella, Star Ocean: The Divine Force, The DioField Chronicle, and Valkyrie Elysium.
Is there an Octopath Traveler 2 trailer?
Octopath Traveler 2 has a lengthy four-minute reveal trailer that introduces the new characters and settings. However, at Tokyo Game Show Square Enix also shared roughly 20 minutes of gameplay that shows off towns, exploration, and combat. While the game itself is in Japanese in the video, Square Enix does have an English version with translated audio.
Leading up to launch, Square Enix is releasing a line of trailers that introduce the new protagonists in pairs. The latest trailer introduces Partitio the Merchant and Osvald the Scholar, whose stories will merge via one of the game’s new “crossover” stories.
What is the Octopath Traveler 2 story?
Octopath Traveler 2 takes place in a new world called Solistia, a setting that looks very different from the previous game. Solistia appears to be in the midst of an industrial revolution, and the reveal trailer shows off cities that have more of a steampunk flair and have steam engines, horse-drawn carriages, and grand castles.
Just like the first game, Octopath Traveler 2 will let players choose from eight different protagonists with eight different stories. Although you can start as any character you’ll be able to recruit the other protagonists. One major difference this time, however, is that the hero’s stories actually intersect narratively in “Crossed Paths.” Apparently when two specific protagonists meet they can start a new story that involves both of them, so you won’t simply have other characters as voiceless party members. Here are the eight different characters, which fall into the same classes featured in the first game.
- Hikari, The Warrior (For Home)
- Agnea, The Dancer (For Stardom)
- Partitio, The Merchant (For Prosperity)
- Osvald, The Scholar (For Revenge)
- Throne, The Thief (For Freedom)
- Temenos, The Cleric (For Truth)
- Ochette, the Hunter (For Legends)
- Castti, The Apothecary (For Memories)
What’s new with Octopath Traveler 2 gameplay?
Octopath Traveler 2 uses the same formula established in the first game, with turn-based battles, a massive world map, path actions for each character, and plenty of sidequests. If you’re unfamiliar with the first game combat is standard turn-based battles, but with a twist known as the Break & Boost system.
Each turn characters gain one Boost point that can be expended to give them extra actions in a turn. At the same time, enemies have a shield gauge that lowers as you hit them with attacks their weak against. Once that gauge is depleted they enter a “Break” state and won’t be able to act for a few turns. On top of the combat mechanics of the previous game, each character in Octopath Traveler 2 will have a talent and a latent power that affects battle. For example, the merchant Partitio’s talent is “Business Partners” which can lead to buffs during battle depending on who you’ve hired. His latent power “Hoot and Holler” can instantly replenish a party member’s BP.
Path Actions, on the other hand, are specific abilities unique to each character that can be used for a variety of things, like challenging NPCs to a duel or pickpocketing. This time around each character will have two different path actions that are tied to the new day/night cycle. So far Square Enix has detailed the path actions of four different characters; Hikari, Agnrea, Partitio, and Osvald.
During the day Hikari can challenge NPCs to a duel, which can lead to him learning new skills used in battle. At night he can Bribe NPCs to get access to information and areas. Agnea’s Path Action during the day is Allure, which can be used to convince NPCs to accompany you and aid in battle. At night Agnea can use Entreat, which sometimes convinces NPCs to give you times.
As a merchant Partitio’s path action is Purchase, letting him buy items from NPCs, although he needs the money to do so. At night his path action changes to Hire, letting Partitio pay money to bring NPCs along to help in battle. Osvald, on the other hand, can use Srcutinize to glean information from NPCs, although if you fail in the action your reputation in town will fall. At night his path action becomes Mug, letting him fight characters to forcefully take items and money.
Apart from all these new path actions and the typical exploration, Octopath Traveler 2 will also introduce new ways to get around the world. Players can hop into canoes to explore rivers and bodies of water. A ferry system will also let you travel between the different continents of Solistia.
Octopath Traveler 2 launches on February 24, 2023, for PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
