Octopath Traveler 0: What to Expect from the Highly Anticipated Prequel

Square Enix’s Octopath Traveler has been a fusion of old-style visuals and innovative turn-based combat. To some, this is an innovation when it comes to the time-honored turn-based combat. Eight main characters, eight stories, a world that binds their journeys together. The adventures across the land of Orsterra had a continuation in Solistia, through Octopath Traveler 2.

Now, it won’t be long before this innovative pixel JRPG gets a prequel in Octopath Traveler 0.

Familiar places, new story

First things first. Plot-wise, a good part of it is based on what is established in Square-Enix’s niche mobile game, Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent. Tytos, before his rise as the Master of Power, burns down the protagonist’s hometown of Wishvale. You’ll guide the main character throughout a journey across the lands of Orsterra and deliver justice to those responsible for the incident. Named characters from all over the game series will be encountered along the way.

Longer playing hours

The game promises to have more content than Octopath Traveler and Octopath Traveler 2, boasting around twice the length of either game, side quests included. The journey of restoration starts with a customizable main character. Mix and match presets to get the look you want to see as the story unfolds. This isn’t going to be solely a red-lined quest for revenge, but also of rebuilding the town that was once razed to the ground.

Fight with squadm8s

Those who have never tried the mobile game before will be in for a nice surprise, especially during combat segments. The player takes up to eight party members, putting the Octo- in Octopath Traveler to better use. Combat controls include individual action, along with the Break and Boost system, which the series is known for. What’s going to be new in this prequel is the ability to switch to a back row party member for added layers of tactical depth.

Town Sim in 2.5D

Champions of the Continent started with Nameless Town: The Ringbearer Chosen’s humble sanctuary that serves as a source of materials and extra content. Octopath Traveler 0 takes this up a notch by having the player rebuild Wishvale: buildings, townsfolk, and all. The best part of this is that the buildings can be erected and set in what will look like. With enough resources and by going far enough into the game, the new Wishvale is going to be bigger, livelier, and look better than before the burning.

Characters can be recruited and given space to live at the new Wishvale. They take with them skills and upgrades that bring new effects to the town. Buildings, treasures, and even recipes are yours for the taking, with enough good graces.

Cooking is more than just a fetch quest

Octopath Traveler 1 & 2 had ‘cooking’ side quests that involved fetching what an NPC needed. It involves retrieving recipes and ingredients from locations you’d least expect them to be. In this prequel, the cooking mechanic becomes an interactive feature. You might be familiar with this if you’ve played other RPGs, especially the recent open-world adventure titles. The movements are simple: grab the ingredients, cook as instructed, and receive bonuses and buffs that will affect your adventures in Orsterra.

Octopath Traveler 0 is the gaming upgrade this boost and break RPG needs to give it an edge over classical genre formulas.