2018’s Octopath Traveler is getting a sequel this year, continuing the story of Solistia from the perspective of eight new playable characters. Developed by Square Enix and Acquire, Octopath Traveler II uses the same HD-2D art style as its predecessor. Below, we go over everything we know about Octopath Traveler II, including when it’s coming out and who the new playable characters are.
If this new game is anywhere as good as the first, we’re in for a treat. In GameSpot’s Octopath Traveler review, Peter Brown wrote, “Despite the lackluster stories that pull you through the world, Octopath thrives on its character progression and the temptations of high-level challenges and rewards. The promise of new jobs, exciting boss fights, and powerful gear will inspire you to poke around every corner, and there are no shortage of discoveries to strive for. And all the while, you’re treated to one of the most interesting and effective re-imaginings of a retro aesthetic around.”
Release date
Octopath Traveler II is scheduled to launch on February 24. Like the original Octopath Traveler, it will launch for all regions on day one, meaning it won’t be released in Japan first and then other regions later like Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent.
What we know
In Octopath Traveler II, you move between the perspectives of eight different characters, each with their own desires and questlines. Though the eight characters have vastly different backgrounds and goals, their stories intertwine throughout the overarching storyline of the game. Octopath Traveler II takes place in the same setting as the first game, the world of Solistia, but in more modern times. It also follows a completely new cast, which is detailed below.
Octopath Traveler II Playable Characters
- Hikari, the Warrior
- Agnea, the Dancer
- Partitio, the Merchant
- Osvald, the Scholar
- Throné, the Thief
- Temenos, the Cleric
- Ochette, the Hunter
- Castti, the Apothecary
In terms of gameplay, Octopath Traveler II resembles the first game, with path action commands that allow the playable characters to shape their relationships with NPCs with different actions of varying morality. Enemies are also fought in turn-based battles.
However, the sequel makes a few changes to this formula. Notably, a new day and night cycle shapes the characters’ path actions. Hikari can only duel other characters during the day, for example. At night, Hikari can instead spend money to bribe characters for information. In terms of combat, Octopath Traveler II adds a new latent powers system, allowing you to build up energy over the course of a fight and unleash special abilities or attacks once the gauge is full.
Platforms
Octopath Traveler II will launch for Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, and PC. The original Octopath Traveler eventually made its way to Xbox One, so it’s possible the sequel could release for Xbox platforms down the road as well.
Trailers
Publisher Square Enix has released several trailers for Octopath Traveler II, including an announcement trailer, a launch trailer, and character trailers that depict the mannerisms, abilities, and storylines of the playable cast. We’ve embedded the first two character trailers below, which cover four of the eight playable protagonists and the big changes between Octopath Traveler II and its predecessors.
The first trailer introduces both Partitio, the merchant, and Ovald, the scholar. It also details the new Latent Powers battle system.
In the second trailer, you get more insight into Throné, the thief, and Temenos, the cleric. The trailer breaks down Octopath Traveler II’s updated job system as well.
Multiplayer details
Though it features eight different playable characters, Octopath Traveler II is an entirely single-player experience.
DLC/Microtransaction details
Square Enix has not announced any post-launch DLC or microtransaction plans for Octopath Traveler II. The first game didn’t have them so we imagine Octopath Traveler II won’t either.
Preorder details
Octopath Traveler II is available for preorder. There’s a $60 USD Standard Edition and a $180 USD Collector’s Edition. Preordering the game nets you a few digital in-game bonuses, like five Healing Grapes and two Revitalizing Jams, that should help make the early hours of the game a bit more manageable.
