Pixel Sundays: Octopath Traveler – Retrospective and Future of a Modern Cult JRPG Franchise
Today, our Pixel Sundays article focuses on the Octopath Traveler franchise. The core idea behind the franchise was a classic JRPG with turn-based combat, focusing on eight character stories. Hence “Octopath,” as Octo = Eight. The franchise features a charming 2D pixel look combined with 3D environments.
Summary
- Octopath Traveler – Eight Paths Through Orsterra
- Octopath Traveler II – More Connections, More Emotions
- Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent – The Mobile Prequel
- Octopath Traveler 0 – From Gacha Prequel to a “Proper” JRPG
- Gameplay Evolution – From Eight Solo Journeys to a Tactical Ensemble
- Outlook – Where Do the Paths Lead After Octopath Traveler 0?
- Conclusion: Why the Series Never Loses Its Magic
The Octopath Traveler franchise comes from Square Enix and is considered one of their trademarks. In total, there are two main series games, a mobile sequel, and recently a new prequel released for PC and consoles. That makes now the perfect time to look back at the franchise and, of course, cast a glance into the future.
Octopath Traveler – Eight Paths Through Orsterra
The franchise started in July 2018 with Octopath Traveler. The game takes you to the continent of Orsterra in a classic yet atmospheric fantasy setting. The world offers a mix of medieval kingdoms, trading cities, desert regions, and snow-capped mountains. The different regions in the game feature independent cultures; every location has its own music, architecture, and problems. Yet, dark forces are at work in the background—subtle and not overly omnipresent. Thematically, the game touches on many mature elements like greed, identity, guilt, revenge, and abuse of power.
Octopath Traveler features eight main characters, each with their own storyline, motive, and tone. Each character has a unique story separate from the others, making it feel more like eight mini-RPGs, even though the characters fight together. However, you can decide the order in which you play the chapters, making the progression non-linear. Every character has a different narrative; some are tragic dramas, adventure tales, detective stories, or classic knightly plots. You can easily find a favorite character and build an emotional bond with them.
Each character can perform different actions with NPCs. For example, Therion can steal, Tressa can buy specific items, Primrose can allure enemies and temporarily add them to the party, Olberic can challenge NPCs to duels, and Cyrus can scrutinize for information. This creates a true role-playing feel, and depending on who you have in your party, you can solve problems differently. Through these actions, you can find alternative paths to items, side quests, story bits, and hidden information.
The combat consists of classic turn-based JRPG battles with modern depth. Every enemy has specific weaknesses, and hitting them fills the Break bar. Once full, the enemy takes more damage for a turn. Additionally, you gather Boost Points each turn, which you can strategically use for abilities. Many boss fights therefore require planning buffs, debuffs, timing, and precise use of Break windows.
Each character has a fixed class like Warrior, Scholar, Dancer, or Thief, but sub-jobs allow you to customize your team flexibly. This makes many builds possible, like a tanky Warrior with healing abilities, a support Dancer with magic, and many more. There are plenty of variation possibilities, giving the game high replay value.
Octopath Traveler II – More Connections, More Emotions
Octopath Traveler II takes you to the new world of Solistia. The game brings you to two large continents, East and West, which are culturally distinct. The game is set during an era of early industrialization with steam power, mechanical machines, railways, and factories, offering a mix of fantasy and emerging modernity. There is a much stronger focus on seafaring and exploration. Both continents have different political, economic, and social developments.
There are again eight playable figures, but with even clearer roles, emotional conflicts, and distinct motivations. The structure of the story and chapters is similar to Part 1. However, the characters belong together more, as there are new “Crossed Paths”—short duo chapters between specific figures. The general story also feels less isolated, featuring a shared finale and overarching threats. There is also greater interaction between characters, making them feel more like a real team.
Octopath Traveler II addresses several socially relevant themes such as injustice, class conflicts, abuse, and exclusion. Yet, there is a stronger focus on compassion, hope, and second chances despite the dark aspects. The stories are also more emotional and personal, as many figures deeply reflect on their decisions and pasts.
The Break/Boost mechanic from the predecessor remains the core of the game, but fine-tuning has made battles more fluid and readable. A new mechanic is “Latent Powers,” individual special abilities that provide strategic highlights. Each figure now also has two Path Actions—one for night and one for day—enormously expanding interaction with the world. Boss fights now feature more complex phases, shifting weaknesses, and more visual flair. Dungeons are also more structured and varied.
Graphically, the world looks even better; it’s denser, with better lighting, atmospheric shadows, and stronger color contrasts. Cities are more detailed, and there are more dynamic camera angles. The soundtrack also helps build the atmosphere, achieving status as one of the strongest JRPG scores in recent years—emotional, diverse, and thematically perfectly tuned.
Octopath Traveler II fixes many criticisms of the first game; there is a better-connected story, emotional characters, and systemic improvements. The game feels less like eight short stories and more like a connected saga. At the same time, it preserves classic Octopath strengths.
Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent – The Mobile Prequel
Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent is a Free-to-Play mobile spinoff for iOS and Android. The game takes place a few years before the first Octopath Traveler and focuses on the same 2D aesthetic. Since it was developed for mobile, maps are more compact, menus faster, and it features touch controls. The game takes you back to Orsterra but shows different regions and focuses on different figures.
The story revolves around three antagonists symbolizing Wealth, Power, and Fame. These figures control large parts of the world both politically and economically. You collect heroes who oppose this corruption and fight moral decay. The game handles many small narrative arcs (mini-arcs) that are self-contained but contribute to a larger, overarching picture.
Since it is a free mobile game, there is unfortunately a Gacha system used to randomly unlock characters. The game comes with different Rarity tiers affecting strength and skills. Additionally, there are daily events, login bonuses, and limited-time challenges. Of course, you can also spend money to get more pulls and progress faster, or buy bundles.
Octopath Traveler 0 – From Gacha Prequel to “Proper” JRPG
A few days ago, on December 4, 2025, the newest game Octopath Traveler 0 was released for Switch, Switch 2, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. This game is the first to launch directly on multiple platforms at release. It is another prequel, but this time not a mobile spinoff for console—no, it is a full-fledged console title. Square Enix positions Octopath Traveler 0 as a reboot intended to define the future of the franchise.
However, Octopath Traveler moves slightly away from the original principle; there are no longer eight fixed characters. Instead, you create your own protagonist, customizing appearance, voice, and more. The plot begins with the destruction of your hometown, Wishavale, and the hero embarks on a “Journey of Restoration” with goals of revenge, rebuilding, and justice. Themes from the mobile predecessor—Wealth, Power, and Fame—remain central antagonists and serve as motives for conflict and narrative. However, there is no Gacha or anything similar anymore.
But the number eight must appear somewhere. That’s why the game allows you to form a party of up to eight characters, using front and back rows for tactical depth. In total, over 30 recruitable companions are available, each with their own skills and roles, creating strategic variety. The proven Break/Boost combat system also returns, supplemented by new elements like Ultimate Techniques, along with support roles and clearly tactical fights.
A major new feature is the rebuilding of the town of Wishavale as a gameplay mechanic and narrative engine. You can build houses, shops, infrastructure, and more with different capacities and benefits. Town Building influences your bonuses, game progression, and even the game’s ending, creating a mix of JRPG and town-building simulation.
Gameplay Evolution – From Eight Solo Journeys to a Tactical Ensemble
The core of the gameplay has always been turn-based, tactical battles with the Break and Boost mechanic. This has run through all parts of the series, ensuring tactical gameplay based on enemy strengths and weaknesses. These mechanics were expanded further in subsequent games—in Octopath Traveler 2 through Latent Powers, and in Octopath Traveler 0 (referred to as OT9 in source, corrected to 0 contextually) the party size was expanded from 4 to 8. Now, thanks to all these mechanics, every fight feels like a small strategy game.
In Octopath Traveler 1, every recruitable character had a fixed class and role profile with typical Path Actions. Thieves steal, Merchants trade, Clerics heal, etc. In OT2, Path Actions were expanded by the day-night cycle. But Octopath Traveler 0 handles this quite differently. Path Actions are no longer strictly tied to preset figures; instead, you get your own character, and interaction systems have been reworked to be context-dependent and more flexible.
Outlook – Where Do the Paths Lead After Octopath Traveler 0?
Octopath Traveler 0 is the perfect entry point for newcomers, allowing anyone to start the franchise now. Square Enix also views it as a fresh start for the franchise with new mechanics and a shift away from the eight separate stories. With many new fans, a new title will likely be developed. Whether it will be called Octopath Traveler III or move away from the standard numbered series is unclear. Presumably, it will be a mix of the second game and this new installment.
Conclusion: Why the Series Never Loses Its Magic
The Octopath Traveler franchise has proven in recent years that classic JRPGs remain not only relevant but can also be interpreted in a modern way. The series combines nostalgic pixel art with strong themes, unique narrative structures, and constantly growing gameplay ideas. From eight loose stories in Orsterra to the emotionally connected journey through Solistia and finally the bold reboot with Octopath Traveler 0. Each game has expanded the formula without losing its core.
Together, they form a complete picture that keeps evolving: deeply tactical battles, strong characters, and worlds that feel both familiar and fresh. With OT0, Square Enix opens the doors for a new generation of fans and sets clear signals for the future. Whether you’ve been there since 2018 or are just jumping in now, the journey through this world remains something special and feels like it’s only just beginning.
Hey, I’m Kilian, but online you’ll probably know me as “Tux1243.” I've been part of the team for almost two years now, always trying to keep you in the loop with the latest and coolest gaming news. I also have a huge passion for doing deep dives and detailed analyses of entire game series and franchises. I love getting to the bottom of things and exploring the little details and backstories that make game worlds so fascinating.
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