Octopath Traveler 0 Introduces Innovative Storytelling Approach

The Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase featured trailers for previously announced games for the Nintendo Switch 2 and introduced some new titles. Among the new games is the third installment in the Octopath Traveler series, named Octopath Traveler 0.

Octopath Traveler 0 serves as a prequel to the original Octopath Traveler game, which was released on the Nintendo Switch in 2019. This turn-based RPG introduces a significant change by allowing players to create their own protagonist instead of selecting a character to play. Players will take on the role of the hero, tasked with rebuilding their hometown and battling formidable enemies alongside over 30 recruitable characters.

A distinctive aspect of the Octopath Traveler series is its eight playable characters, each originating from different parts of the world of Osterra. These characters possess unique jobs with abilities, and their individual storylines converge with those of other heroes. The franchise is known for its HD-2D graphics and the Break and Boost battle system. Players have Boost points in battles, which can be used to quickly incapacitate a character or saved to deal more damage to broken enemies. This results in fast-paced combat.

Octopath Traveler 0 is not the only prequel in the series. In 2022, Square Enix released a free-to-play gacha game for Android and iOS titled Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent, serving as a prequel to the original game. The connection between Octopath Traveler 0 and the series timeline remains unclear.

The release date for Octopath Traveler 0 is set for Dec. 4 on both the Switch and Switch 2 platforms.