Octopath Traveler II
HD-2D turn-based JRPG (Square Enix + Acquire, Feb 24, 2023 PS4/PS5/Switch/PC) — 8 protagonists with unique storylines in continent of Solistia. Sequel to 2018 Octopath Traveler; introduces Day/Night cycle, Path Actions, EX Skills. 1.5M+ units in first month.
What is Octopath Traveler II?
Octopath Traveler II is the HD-2D turn-based JRPG sequel to 2018's Octopath Traveler — developed by Acquire + published by Square Enix. Released February 24, 2023 for PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and PC (Steam). Set on the continent of Solistia (unrelated to first game's Orsterra) — 8 protagonists each with unique 4-chapter storyline: Ochette (Hunter), Castti (Apothecary), Throné (Thief), Osvald (Scholar), Partitio (Merchant), Agnea (Dancer), Temenos (Cleric), Hikari (Warrior). Player selects starting character; recruits others from home cities. Introduces Day/Night cycle affecting Path Actions (each character has 2 Path Actions per Day/Night — e.g., Ochette Provoke/Befriend, Osvald Study/Ambush). Adds EX Skills unlocked via job mastery. Retains signature HD-2D visual style + Yasunori Nishiki score. 1.5M+ units in first month; strong critical reception praising improvements over first game.
Quick facts
Category
Video Games
Type
Individual
Players
1–1
Duration
~60 min
Where played
indoor
Country of origin
🇯🇵 Japan
Estimated origin
Released Feb 24, 2023 for PS4/PS5/Switch/PC
Olympic
No
Popularity
major
How it works
Objective
Complete all 8 protagonist storylines + optional Crossed Paths + final crossroad battle.
Match structure
Single-player 8-storyline JRPG; each protagonist has 4-chapter arc.
Rules
Basic rules
8 protagonists with unique storylines
Ochette, Castti, Throné, Osvald, Partitio, Agnea, Temenos, Hikari — 4 chapters each.
Break + Boost system
Break enemy shield with weapon type/element; Boost points enhance attacks.
Path Actions per Day/Night
Each character has 2 Path Actions (1 Day, 1 Night) for town interaction.
Advanced rules
Job + subjob system
8 base jobs + 4 secret jobs; each character can equip subjob for skills.
Crossed Paths (2-character optional stories)
Once you have 2 protagonists, unlock optional Crossed Paths side stories combining their backstories.
EX Skills via job mastery
Master job to unlock EX Skill — powerful signature move.
Scoring
8 protagonist storylines + Crossed Paths + secret jobs + final crossroad boss.
| Action | Points |
|---|---|
| Story completion (per protagonist) | 4 chapters credits |
Win condition · Complete all 8 stories + final crossroad; 100% = all Crossed Paths + all secret jobs + all EX Skills.
Equipment
PS4/PS5, Switch, PC
Multi-platform; Switch runs 30 FPS docked, other platforms 60 FPS.
Standard controller or M+KB (PC)
Turn-based combat with any input.
Positions & roles
8 protagonists (Ochette, Castti, Throné, Osvald, Partitio, Agnea, Temenos, Hikari)
×4Rotating 4-character party from 8-protagonist pool.
Officiating
Single-player only.
- Speedrun.com moderators
Penalties & fouls
Penalties
Party wipe (all HP 0)
Reload autosave; no permanent loss.
Failed Path Action (e.g., Provoke KO)
Path Action resets; character reputation may take hit in town.
Strategies
Break turn-order manipulation
Break enemy just before their turn to skip their action + set up combos.
Path Action town efficiency
Use Day + Night Path Actions on same townspeople for combined rewards.
Secret job unlock chain
Recruit specific NPCs + complete side quests to unlock 4 secret jobs (Inventor, Arcanist, Armsmaster, Conjurer).
Terminology
- Path Action
- Character-unique town interaction ability
- Break
- Shield destruction leaving enemy vulnerable + skipping turn
- Boost
- Points spent to enhance attack strength
- Latent Power
- Character-specific super mode charged via combat
- Crossed Path
- Optional 2-character side story
Major competitions
Speedrun.com Octopath Traveler II leaderboards
ongoing · global (community) · since 2023
Where it is played
Governing bodies
Square Enix Holdings
Founded 2003 · Tokyo, Japan
Acquire Corp
Founded 1994 · Tokyo, Japan
Famous names & records
Famous athletes
- Community speedrunners establishing Any% + 100% All Chapters leaderboards
Records
1.5M+ units first month
Square Enix — 1.5 million+ units sold in first month across all platforms (2023)
HD-2D visual style pioneered
Acquire / Square Enix — Continues HD-2D style pioneered by Octopath Traveler (2018) + Triangle Strategy (2022) (2023)
Learn this sport
beginner
- 1
First protagonist Chapter 1
Pick starting character; learn Break-Boost combat + Path Actions.
intermediate
- 1
Recruit all 8 + complete Chapter 2-3
Build 4-party rotation; complete mid-game storylines + start Crossed Paths.
advanced
- 1
All chapters + secret jobs + speedrun
Complete all 8 storylines + 4 secret jobs + final crossroad boss.
Frequently asked
Is Octopath Traveler II connected to first Octopath?+
No direct story connection — new continent (Solistia), new characters. Familiar mechanics + HD-2D style. First game not required.
Do all 8 protagonists' stories connect?+
Each has independent 4-chapter arc, but optional Crossed Paths side stories connect 2-character pairs. Final crossroad chapter unites all 8.
Sources & provenance
- Wikipedia — Octopath Traveler II— Wikipedia