Octopath Traveler 0 Key Art by Square Enix

Octopath Traveler 0 vs. Octopath Traveler II: Which HD‑2D Adventure Comes Out on Top?

ByKhris Brayton

The Octopath series has become one of Square Enix’s most recognizable modern JRPG franchises, thanks to its gorgeous HD‑2D art style and a commitment to classic turn‑based combat. With Octopath Traveler 0 stepping in as a prequel and Octopath Traveler II still fresh in players’ minds, fans naturally want to know how the two stack up. Both games share the same visual DNA, but they take very different approaches to storytelling, structure, and character progression.

If you’re trying to decide which one deserves your time first — or you’re just curious how the prequel compares to the critically acclaimed sequel — here’s a full breakdown of how Octopath Traveler 0 and Octopath Traveler II differ, where each one shines, and which one ultimately delivers the stronger experience depending on what you value in a JRPG.

Storytelling and Character Focus

Screenshot of Octopath Traveler 0 Gameplay
Screenshot of Octopath Traveler 0, courtesy of Square Enix.

Octopath Traveler II: Stronger Emotional Arcs

Octopath Traveler II refined the original formula by giving each of its eight protagonists richer, more emotionally grounded stories. The cast feels more connected, and the game does a better job weaving character interactions into the overarching narrative. Even if some arcs resonate more than others, the writing feels more confident and cohesive.

Octopath Traveler 0: Bigger Cast, Broader Scope

Octopath Traveler 0 goes in a completely different direction. Instead of eight heroes, you play as a silent protagonist who recruits over 30 characters throughout the journey. This gives the game incredible flexibility, but it also spreads the narrative thin. With so many characters, it’s harder to form strong emotional attachments, and the story can feel fragmented until the late‑game chapters pull everything together.

Verdict: OT2 wins for emotional storytelling and character depth. OT0 wins for scale and customization, but sacrifices intimacy.

Combat and Gameplay Systems

Octopath Traveler II: Polished and Accessible

OT2’s combat is a refined version of the original’s Break/Boost system. It introduces Latent Powers, which add strategic depth without overwhelming players. The pacing is smooth, the difficulty curve is fair, and the game encourages experimentation without punishing mistakes too harshly.

Octopath Traveler 0: Deeper and More Tactical

Octopath Traveler 0 takes the same foundation and pushes it further. With its massive roster and expanded job combinations, the game becomes a playground for players who love optimizing builds. The combat is more demanding, especially in the late game, and rewards careful planning.

Verdict: OT2 is more approachable and polished. OT0 is deeper and more complex, ideal for hardcore strategists.

World Design and Exploration

Octopath Traveler II: A Vibrant, Cohesive World

OT2’s world feels alive, thanks to its day/night mechanic, varied regions, and strong sense of place. Exploration is rewarding, and the pacing between story chapters and side content feels natural.

Octopath Traveler 0: Mission‑Driven Structure

OT0’s world is visually stunning, but its structure is more mission‑based due to its origins as a mobile title. Exploration exists, but it’s not the main attraction. The game focuses more on battles, character recruitment, and progression systems.

Verdict: OT2 offers a richer, more immersive world. OT0 prioritizes systems over exploration.

Narrative Payoff and Endgame

Octopath Traveler II: Consistent Strength

OT2 delivers a strong endgame that ties its eight stories together in a satisfying way. It’s not perfect, but it maintains a consistent level of quality from start to finish.

Octopath Traveler 0: Slow Burn, Big Payoff

OT0’s early and mid‑game storytelling can feel scattered, but the final chapters elevate the entire experience. The payoff is dramatic and memorable — you just have to be patient getting there.

Verdict: OT2 is steady throughout. OT0 starts uneven but ends with a punch.

Which Game Should You Play First?

Choose Octopath Traveler II if you want:

  • A tighter, more emotional story
  • A smaller, more memorable cast
  • A world that feels cohesive and alive
  • A polished, accessible combat system

Choose Octopath Traveler 0 if you want:

  • Deep, tactical combat with tons of build variety
  • A massive roster of characters to experiment with
  • A late‑game payoff that ties everything together
  • A more customizable protagonist experience

Final Thoughts

Comparing Octopath Traveler 0 and Octopath Traveler II isn’t about deciding which one is “better” — it’s about understanding what each game is trying to do. Octopath Traveler II is the more emotionally resonant and polished experience, while Octopath Traveler 0 is the more ambitious and mechanically rich one. Both are worth playing, but they appeal to different types of JRPG fans.

Khris is the Gaming Site Manager for Total Apex Media, and a contributor to multiple other pages. He gives insight across many genres, particularly Gaming, Entertainment, News, and Sports. He is an avid gamer and serves as a moderator for online gaming servers. He has previously written as a fan for sports blogs on SBNation, including Over The Monster and McCovey Chronicles, giving his proposals and opinions on the direction of the teams. He is also a contributor at FanSided's Surviving Tribal, where he considers himself a reality TV superfan, and at Stadium Rant, specialising in the MLB. In his spare time, Khris enjoys camping and hiking in nature, taking nature photography, playing board games and video games, and both playing and watching sports; he also considers himself an ace mini-golfer.

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