Octopath Traveler II

Octopath Traveler II is a role-playing game developed by Square Enix and Acquire and released worldwide on February 24, 2023, for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Windows. It is set in Solistia, a world divided between the eastern continent of Solistia and the western continent of Orsterra. Unlike the first Octopath Traveler, which used Orsterra as its setting, the sequel introduces new characters, locations, and conflicts while retaining the series’ HD-2D visual style, combining pixel-based characters with three-dimensional environments and lighting.

The game follows eight protagonists whose journeys can be experienced in different orders. Hikari Ku, a warrior prince from the kingdom of Ku, seeks to end a civil war and reclaim his homeland. Agnea Bristarni, a dancer from the village of Cropdale, travels to become a star like her mother. Partitio Yellowil, a merchant from Oresrush, attempts to spread prosperity after witnessing poverty caused by unequal trade. Osvald V. Vanstein, a scholar imprisoned for murdering his family, pursues the person responsible for framing him. Throné Anguis, a thief controlled by a criminal organization called the Blacksnakes, searches for freedom. Temenos Mistral, a cleric and inquisitor of the Sacred Flame, investigates a conspiracy within the church. Ochette, a hunter from Toto’haha, protects her island from a prophesied calamity. Castti Florenz, an apothecary suffering from amnesia, reconstructs her identity through clues from her past.

Each traveler has a unique Path Action that affects non-player characters and the environment. Hikari can challenge people to combat, while Agnea can allure them into accompanying her. Partitio can hire townspeople, Osvald can scrutinize them, and Throné can steal from them. These actions have different daytime and nighttime versions, allowing the same character to produce different results depending on the in-game time.

Combat uses turn-based battles built around enemy weaknesses, Boost Points, and the Break system. Striking a weakness removes shield points, and reducing an enemy’s shields to zero leaves it vulnerable. Boosting strengthens an action, while saving Boost Points permits more powerful attacks on later turns. Octopath Traveler II also adds latent powers, special abilities charged during battle, and “Crossed Paths” storylines that pair protagonists in shorter shared adventures. The final narrative connects the eight separate journeys through the mysterious figure Vide and the larger history of the world.