It’s that time of year when the industry slows down a little and prepares for what comes next, so what better moment to lose yourself in an 80‑ to 120‑hour JRPG? Luckily, Square Enix has you covered. Octopath Traveler 0 is the third mainline entry in the series and acts as a prequel to the first Octopath Traveler.
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Octopath Traveler 0 also adapts elements from Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent, a free‑to‑play mobile title.
Gained in Translation
There’s no need to worry about its mobile origins, as the shift from free‑to‑play to premium has been handled well by DokiDoki Grooveworks. It borrows parts of its story and a few mechanics, but it stands firmly on its own and carves out its own identity.
The game is set in Orsterra and follows your custom protagonist, whose peaceful hometown of Wishvale is destroyed by legendary villains representing Wealth, Fame and Power. They are searching for a particular ring. Once the dust settles, you and your closest friend set out to rebuild the village and ultimately take revenge.
Grand Adventure
This is only the starting point of your adventure. Your quest for vengeance carries you a fair distance, but the game truly opens up hours later once the story shifts into higher gear.
Around the 15‑hour mark, the writing takes centre stage, delivering emotional character arcs, strong stakes and memorable villains. They’re some of the best I’ve seen in a game for quite a while.
A Different Beast
Gameplay is a little different from what long‑time fans may expect. Instead of forming a traditional party, you recruit characters through short quest lines, up to a total of 30, most of which sit outside the main narrative.
It may feel unusual at first, but it gives you time to learn each character and explore their stories. Some even receive follow‑up quests that neatly wrap up their personal arcs.
Combat Evolved
Combat uses eight characters across front and back rows, and you can switch them around to take advantage of buffs and boosts. This pushes the action in a more aggressive direction than past games. You’re always on the offensive, breaking enemies and building buffs to unleash huge damage.
The structure ensures you’re constantly challenged, with difficulty rising alongside your skills. It may not be quite as tough as earlier entries, but it still keeps you alert.
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Outside of combat, you’ll spend time rebuilding Wishvale. It seems simple at first, as you assign party members to roles in the town and earn small bonuses like shop discounts.
Rebuilding is a slow process, but that pacing makes progress feel meaningful as the village gradually becomes more populated. This is only a snapshot of what the game offers. There is a huge amount of content, from monster arenas to naval exploration, making it a true heavyweight of a JRPG.
Gorgeous Work
Visually, it’s as striking as ever, sticking to the series’ signature HD‑2D style, blending retro 2D pixel art with modern 3D environments and high‑definition effects.
The soundtrack is also superb. Composer Yasunori Nishiki once again mixes nostalgic 16‑bit‑style melodies with modern orchestral arrangements to create a memorable soundscape.
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Octopath Traveler 0 is a monster of a game that finally strikes a balance the series has struggled with. It delivers a strong story, engaging systems and a narrative that pulls you in.
Fans will get even more out of it, but newcomers will still find a deep, compelling and highly enjoyable adventure that you can easily lose hours to.
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