In Square Enix's Octopath Traveler 0, players are taken back to the world of Orsterra - this time as a prequel. It features a stylish HD-2D design, fresh mechanics, city building and emotional storytelling.
Another game from the Octopath franchise, known for its distinctive "HD 2D" aesthetic, is being released: Octopath Traveler 0. As the name suggests, this prequel ties in with the main series and the mobile game Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent, expanding on it with new content and narrative twists.
This JRPG promises a tale of restoration and retribution centred on divine rings and spanning the entire kingdom of Orsterra. As the first instalment in the franchise, players can customise their own protagonist and rebuild their hometown. Players can invite companions and allies to live in this town. The residents and their skills in the relevant establishments influence the growth, offerings and prosperity of the city, giving this component a strategic depth. The number of building blocks varies depending on the platform: 500 on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S; 400 on Switch 2 and PlayStation 4; and 250 on Switch 1.
Octopath Traveler 0; Square Enix & Dokidoki Groove Works / Square Enix
As in previous instalments, players will not be alone on their journey. They can recruit more than 30 companions, but only eight characters can be in the team at any one time - with both a vanguard (front row) and a rearguard (back row), each with their own Boost Points. Players can choose to command either the four heroes in the front row or the four in the back each turn, which opens up new strategies. Square Enix promises diverse interactions with other characters through path actions.
As is typical of the series, combat takes place in turn-based mode with the strategic Break & Boost system. The new skill system allows players to equip action skills, which can be learned by allies and passed on to others. Square Enix: "The 'Break and Boost' battle system returns, now offering even more strategic depth than before. It’s based on exploiting enemy weaknesses to remove their shield points. Once these are at zero, your hapless foe is stunned and will take more damage for a turn. To help you break your foe, you earn Boost Points (BP). You can spend these to attack multiple times in a turn, strengthen a big hit, increase the effectiveness or duration of abilities and more. Knowing when to conserve your points and when to spend them can be the difference between a quick win or a brutal defeat."
Octopath Traveler 0 is set to launch on 04 December 2025 for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Windows and PC (Steam).
As always, Octopath Traveler 0 is stylish and comes with great enhancements.
