Octopath Traveler 0 is yet another fantastic RPG for the series, but its less Octopath than ever

Date: Wed, 03 Dec 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Octopath Traveler 0 is a different kind of Octopath game.

It still features the series distinctive HD-2D aesthetics, the tried and
tested break and boost battle system, and even returning characters and locations. It also mixes things up from the now well-understood formula.

Review info
Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release date: December 4, 2025

The plot, for example, doesnt feature the namesake eight-character storylines
the octo paths, as it were. Instead, your adventure focuses on your own player-created character for the first time, who is on a quest of retribution against the villains that destroyed their home town each embodying the vices of Wealth, Power, and Fame.

You are still joined by other adventurers over 30 in fact, though I havent unlocked them all yet however, they are along for your ride rather than you following each of their distinct journeys like we would in the other series entries.

The eight-person theme isnt wholly lost, thankfully, with combat being redesigned to feature eight-person parties a team of four in the front, and four in the back. Ill go into more details on why I love this change below,
but know that it provides a lot more depth and customisation possibilities to party composition without making fights feel too trivially easy.

Both of these changes make sense; however, when you remember Octopath
Traveler 0 isnt a new game. Its adapted from the Octopath: Champions of the Continent mobile gacha game. A free-to-play system necessitates a wide array
of characters to unlock, cant have its story focus too much on your party because you might not own those travelers, and would want to allow for bigger teams so you can use more of the cool units youve invested in financially.

Now, Octopath Traveler 0 isnt a gacha game. Im just saying you can feel remnants of the game its based on from whats presented, and it can feel a little jarring at first because it isnt Octopath as weve known it in fact,
you could convince me it's a lost 2D Final Fantasy at times.

Stick with this adventure, however, and youll see it has plenty to offer on
an engaging adventure that will keep you entertained for tens and tens of
hours no additional purchases necessary.

As I mentioned in the intro, in terms of its story, Octopath Traveler 0
doesnt feel very Octopath at all. Rather than following eight plots for eight distinct adventurers which coalesce into a finale, you instead follow your
own adventure and can recruit over 30 different heroes to your party.

You create your own custom character for this game and then must face stories focused on the corrupting influences of Wealth, Power, and Fame where you'll find the meat of the plot.

This focus on a linear story with a more limited opportunity to explore branched tracks is very different from Octopaths that have come before, but
its not a wholly negative change. My gripe is simply that the less free-form plot feels better suited to a classic Final Fantasy 2D entry rather than an Octopath adventure.

It's not a bad adventure, though, in fact, it's a very compelling one with proper villains you cant help but hate a real classic RPG story. I simply found the change of pace a little jarring for this series specifically.

There's also the Rekindling the Flame plot, which has the protagonist reconstruct their old home town by finding its surviving residents and rebuilding the long destroyed features that made it a home.

It's not as in-depth as a true cosy town simulator, but it is a delightful change of pace from the action-focused adventure. Plus, channelling your retribution into something more constructive can yield useful benefits including the ability to power up your allies. So it's worth pursuing even if vengeance is your only goal. To battle!

While the plot might not feel very Octopath, the turn-based combat feels more Octo than ever. Thats because your group now consists of eight fighters a four-person front row and a four-person back row which allows for a much
more diverse team composition than the series usual four-person limit.

Only the characters in the front row can take actions, but each hero can swap with their partner behind them so that they can take a turn, and there are unlockable skills that allow your back row to support the folks in front of them without needing to take an action, or allow your front row to use a
skill and tag out in a single move.

For example, in my currently build Ive paired up a cleric who can
automatically heal the person in front of them with my squishy spell caster
as their health can run low very quickly without support, and my tank who can provoke attacks is paired with an ally who has a skill that lets her fire her bow and instantly tag out so she can swap in for a quick damage burst and
then let my tank keep taking the hits. Best Bit (Image credit: Square Enix) Combat feels like such a step up from the previous game, thanks to the bigger party allowing for more personalization of your team than ever, and setting
off an Ultimate Technique never gets old.

The other big change is that your created character has unlocked a special skill called an Ultimate Technique. As the name implies, this charged ability (you cant just spam it all the time) allows the protagonist to perform a big burst you can unlock options like performing a mass heal or dealing a
powerful strike, among others that can turn the tide of battle in your
favor.

As you improve your town, you'll rebuild the training grounds so other party members can unlock their techniques too I told you theres a reason to play house even if your only goal is violence.

None of this is to say fights are trivial thanks to your ultimate moves and larger team. Boss battles and higher-level bouts can still present a
challenge if you dont prepare yourself. You can push your luck into higher-level locations to some extent, but for main quests, you'll find even adventures three or four levels above where you currently are can prove trickier than expected if you arent careful.

Octopath Traveler 0 is a really enjoyable RPG experience, whether it feels truly Octopath to me or not.

Because all of the changes still work. The cohesive, more solo story is an awesome adventure that feels like the fantasy epic that RPGs have taken
players on for decades, and the combat is compelling and with some many team members allows for some really creative and personal party composition.

Theres also been a simplification of path actions, which is a lot easier to follow than the confusing web of abilities offered in Octopath Traveler 2
even if it strips away the identity of each character further than their lack of a unique plot already does.

If you love the Octopath series, a new adventure through Osterra will appeal, while fans of more typical RPGs may find this entry to be more accessible
than ever, given that it follows a more standard story structure.

Ive had a delightful time on my adventure, and at the end of the day, thats
all that really matters.

Should you play Octopath Traveler 0? Play it if

You want a classic RPG
Octopath Traveler 0 feels like a classic RPG. You've got a meaty plot and robust turn-based combat system to sink your teeth into.

You like to choose your own adventure
While not quite as free and open as Octopath usually is, this entry does feature a branching plot and a wide variety of characters to customize your team around.

You crave 2D beauty
I don't care how many times I see HD 2D aesthetics; they'll always be beautiful, and Octopath Traveler 0 is as pretty as a picture.

Don't play it if

You want a cozy town builder
While rebuilding your home is a core plot of this story is still mostly
focused on combat and adventure than cozy vibes.

You want proper Octopath
If Octopaths distinct brand of RPG is what you crave, then you won't hate
this title; it just might not quite hit the spot for you.

You hate turn-based tactical combat
Turn-based combat isnt for everyone, and while Octopath's break and boost system does some things to liven up the combat, it won't make turn-based
action everyone's bag.

Acessibility

In terms of accessibility as a turn-based RPG, Octopath Traveler 0 has the advantage that players can take combat at their own pace you can take 5 seconds or 5 minutes to make a move if you need.

The cutscenes are also played out as text dialogue that you can have play automatically, one message at a time, or at a faster auto speed if you want
to rush through. Again, allowing you to enjoy the game at your own pace.

Most major cutscenes are also voiced, making it even easier to follow the
plot if you hate excessive reading (as someone whos dyslexic, voice acting is always a massive help for me).

How I reviewed Octopath Traveler 0

I played Octopath Traveler 0 on my Nintendo Switch 2 , mostly playing
undocked, but I did make sure to load the game up on my TV too to get a sense of the grander scale it has on a 55-inch QLED screen.

During my playthrough, I tried not just to follow the mainline quest but also to explore the sidequests and other adventuring opportunities to get a feel
of the whole experience Octopath Traveler 0 offers.

First reviewed November-December 2025

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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/gaming/nintendo-switch/octopath-traveler-0-is-yet-an other-fantastic-rpg-for-the-series-but-its-less-octopath-than-ever
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