Released early in December 2025, Octopath Traveler 0 is a prequel to the original Octopath Traveler, which was released back in 2018. This JRPG was developed by Square Enix and is also a console adaptation of the mobile only Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent.
Like most prequels, Octopath Traveler 0 is set before the events of the first game and serves as a foundation for the lore and storytelling that followed in the sequels. That being said, 0 is its own game with a dedicated cast and gameplay intricacies, making it stand out on its own.
Octopath Traveler 1 and Octopath Traveler 2
Both games follow classic JRPG tropes and feature similar elements (in lieu of the two games being part of a series). With that in mind, though, Octopath Traveler 2 does feature quite a few refinements over the original that serve to enhance the gameplay loop.
Octopath Traveler (2018)
Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of Octopath Traveler as a whole is its HD-2D art style. This technique blends together traditional, 2D sprites under layers of depth and modern post-processing effects, giving it a rather unique look unlike any game to this day.
The 2018 version also has a total of eight protagonists on offer, with a staggered approach to its storytelling.
You are free to choose and recruit any character to your liking, and then gradually expand your way to other characters as the story draws to a close. Each character has four individual subchapters, offering an extra layer of depth to the storytelling.
Like traditional turn-based Square Enix titles, Octopath Traveler also features a similar concept. Players take turns ‘breaking’ through an enemy’s defenses, which is followed by a series of attacks to take advantage of the enemy’s weakened state.
Octopath Traveler 0 features the ability to fine tune jobs to expand over other roles as well. Each Octopath Traveler character starts with a primary ‘Job’, which cannot be changed. However, it is possible to swap to a different sub job with wildly varying results compared to stock configurations.
Octopath Traveler II (2023)
Octopath Traveler 2 has more or less the same as what was offered in Octopath Traveler 1, but with a few key evolutions across the board. The first and most notable change would be in the addition of a day and night cycle to the game, as opposed to the fixed schedule in the first title.
This also extends into overall gameplay, and characters gain specific Path Actions depending on the time of day. This can lead to some wildly different gameplay strategies in general.
There’s also the Latent Powers mechanic, which allows characters to execute a special move once they reach the Limit Break.
What’s New in Octopath Traveler 0
Despite being a prequel, Octopath Traveler 0 is the third entry in the franchise, and brings with it many needed quality of life improvements and additional gameplay enhancements as well.
Town-Building System
Unlike previous entries, Octopath Traveler 0 lets players build a permanent base that scales with the player’s progression. The base also features multiple facilities, including a Smithy that can be used to craft and upgrade weapons, and a Tavern, which is used to manage the entire roster of 30 characters.
Upgrading your Town also has many benefits that apply to the whole party, such as being able to gain more EXP from battles and hastening overall exploration progression. In a nutshell, it is a very important part of the core gameplay and something you should heavily consider investing in.
Recruit Up to 30 Characters
There are 30 playable characters in Octopath Traveler 0, which makes it quite a fair bit more expansive when compared to the other two games. This also allows for more wacky, experimental party combinations, which is a net positive.
New Combat Upgrades
Combat remains largely unchanged from the first two games, although there is a certain degree of refinement and scale attached to it this time around. For starters, you have eight characters in play here – with two designated rows (4 characters each).
This lets you deal with challenges better and effectively retire and un-retire a hero from the two rows to better suit your strategy.
Another big change is the introduction of Ability Mastery over subjobs. It is now possible to slot in certain specific skills from alternative classes into your own, allowing the character to learn more abilities that aren’t restricted to their class origin.
New Path Actions
The Path Actions system in 0 has several tweaks over the ones present in 1 and 2. For starters, the protagonist has access to all Path Actions, whose effectiveness is based off of your Influence Levels (that is, Wealth, Power and Fame).
None of the Path Actions can be equipped by your companions here, which is a big change.
Story & World Differences
There are also quite a few differences in terms of story, presentation, and execution.
Set Before Octopath Traveler 1
For starters, Octopath Traveler 0 is set before the events of the 2018 game. 0 also has a grander scope in general, where players take off against the horrors set about by the villains of Orsterra from the very start of the game.
The whole game also follows a linear approach, with an overarching quest instead of eight separate stories for each hero. The overall tone of the game is also a lot darker and tragic.
One Main Hero Instead of Eight
Another way Octopath Traveler 0 differentiates itself from other entries is in its use of a singular, custom protagonist. In stark contrast, Octopath Traveler 1 has 8 heroes to build and customize, with each character having their own overarching story and subplots.
Larger World and Exploration
Unlike the 2018 title, Octopath Traveler 0’s exploration is entirely non-linear and has you progress at your own pace. Furthermore, the map scale in 0 is also a lot larger, letting players survey more areas with relative ease.
You can also recruit NPCs in Octopath Traveler 0, and have them join your Town.
Graphics, Sound, and Presentation
As far as this bit is concerned, it is practically unchanged from the other two entries, save for a few minor changes.
HD-2D Visual Style
0 inherits the characteristic HD-2D art style of the previous two entries, albeit with some minor visual improvements. This doesn’t seem to be affected by weaker hardware in the slightest, ensuring a clean presentation all around.
Music & Voice Acting
As is the case with most premium Square Enix titles, the music and voice acting are simply superb and need no introduction. The game’s OST has been composed by the mighty Yasunori Nishiki, who has returned for the prequel.
Platforms, Release Date & Versions
The Octopath Traveler 0 worldwide release date was December 4, 2025 and is a console port of Champions of the Continent, with massive changes and reworks to reflect the same.
Octopath Traveler 0 is available for the following platforms as of the time of writing this article:
- Nintendo Switch
- Nintendo Switch 2
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X/S
- PC
All versions are virtually identical, save for the Nintendo Switch version, which features a much lower fidelity (720p) and a base target frame rate of 30 FPS (as opposed to 60 on other platforms). The game does feature a Switch 2 version though, so you can always ‘upgrade’ later down the line.
Who Should Play Octopath Traveler 0?
Octopath Traveler 0 is an easy recommendation for those who have played the prior two entries in the franchise. The game offers a fresh take on an already predefined system, and it does so remarkably well. It’s also a great way to experience more of what the world of Octopath Traveler has to offer.
It is a great game in its own right as well, and rather easy for newcomers to jump into.
Final Verdict on Octopath Traveler 0
Overall, Octopath Traveler 0 is a fantastic JRPG that both improves and refines over the first two games, despite being set as a prequel. The game’s HD-2D artstyle, music score and intriguing turn based combat make it a no brainer for those who have already played through the franchise earlier.
For newcomers, it is also a solid pick on account of not requiring players to play the prior entries in order to understand the story.
