Octopath Traveler 0 Review – Osterra Calls Again

When Octopath Traveler launched on the Nintendo Switch in 2018, it was more than a JRPG—it was a visual revelation. Square Enix proved that HD-2D wasn’t just a stylistic experiment but a full artistic identity, blending pixel nostalgia with modern lighting, fluid animations, and cinematic storytelling. I was hooked from the moment I picked it up, refreshing news feeds constantly for any hint of a follow-up. Octopath Traveler II raised my excitement even further, showing that the formula had the momentum to continue thriving.

That’s why it was surprising when Square Enix shifted gears toward the mobile gacha title Champions of the Continent. I initially ignored it—the last thing I needed was another gacha draining my wallet—but curiosity eventually won. Before long, I was logging in daily, accumulating over 100 hours, and spending more than I care to admit. What grabbed me was not the gacha hook, but the rich antagonists, darker story arcs, and expanded lore of Osterra.

So when Octopath Traveler 0 was announced, I expected a truly new entry. Instead, it turned out to be a console adaptation of the very mobile game I had already poured so much time (and money) into. Skepticism was immediate—but revisiting the story in this reimagined console form reminded me exactly why the series resonated with me. Despite some compromises carried over from its mobile roots, the atmosphere, narrative weight, and emotional beats remain as effective as ever.

A Familiar Tale, Reimagined With New Systems

Players of Champions of the Continent will instantly recognize the narrative structure. Octopath Traveler 0 follows the same three-route format—Wealth, Power, and Fame—each serving as a lengthy prologue before merging into an interconnected storyline. Fans who cleared the mobile game’s Osterra arc will find many story beats familiar, but the console version adds enough polish, pacing improvements, and presentation tweaks to make the experience feel renewed rather than repeated.

One of the most meaningful changes comes immediately: Octopath Traveler 0 finally introduces a customizable protagonist. After choosing from eight job classes, the story begins with a heavy emotional blow as the hero’s hometown is destroyed. Joined by a childhood friend, the protagonist sets off on a revenge-driven journey that naturally branches into the three villain-centric arcs. Each route offers its own antagonist, tone, and moral themes, all ultimately converging once the storylines intersect.

A standout new feature is the town-building system. Wishvale starts as a pile of rubble, and it’s up to you to rebuild it into a thriving hub. As you progress through Osterra, you’ll collect materials from gathering points scattered across the map. Completing quests unlocks new shops, upgrades, and cosmetic changes. The system immediately evokes Suikoden—simple but deeply satisfying—and adds a grounded sense of ownership and progression that complements the narrative.

Progression unfolds at your own pace once the prologue ends. Players can start any of the three Master chapters in any order, but each area includes a recommended level that genuinely matters. Venturing into high-level territory too early often means punishing encounters. Grinding becomes a natural rhythm of the game, especially for players who enjoy exploring freely without getting curb-stomped.

Path Actions also make a return, though in a simplified form. Unlike previous games where each character had unique field abilities, Octopath Traveler 0 keeps things streamlined—your protagonist can challenge NPCs, gather information, or acquire items, either for free or at a discounted rate through haggling. The system is intentionally pared down but remains functional.

Alongside it comes a new Reputation system. With Wealth, Power, and Fame tied to the story’s structure, completing quests raises your standing within each category. Your reputation level directly affects what you can do through Path Actions. For example, acquiring a rare item in Cragspear may require a certain Power reputation threshold before the option becomes available. It’s a clever way to fold narrative progression into gameplay mechanics.

Combat Depth, Strong Bosses, and Character Shortcomings

Combat finally delivers on something the series has long teased: a full eight-character party system. Rather than constantly swapping between front and back lines, all eight members can actively contribute in battle. Combined with a large roster of recruitable characters—many tied to side quests—the result is a flexible, strategic combat sandbox. Fans of the first game will be pleased to see a number of familiar protagonists return, seamlessly integrated into the shared world.

The iconic Boost and Break systems remain the core of combat. Exploiting enemy weaknesses to break shields and stagger opponents never gets old. Many bosses carry four or five vulnerabilities, requiring thoughtful party building. BP management is still essential, and timing boosted attacks perfectly can make the difference between survival and defeat. The system remains one of the most satisfying in modern turn-based RPG design.

Where the combat experience falters is in the roster itself. Compared to the mobile version—which featured a deep, flashy, and mechanically varied set of units—the console characters feel noticeably toned down. Their ability kits are simpler, their personalities less distinct, and fewer of them feel truly essential. As someone who collected nearly all gacha characters in the mobile game, I found only a handful of the Octopath Traveler 0 cast genuinely memorable.

Yet despite that weakness, the game excels in one area: its bosses. Some of the most memorable battles in the franchise appear here—especially the final boss encounter. Difficulty escalates significantly in the Bestower chapters, particularly in the late-game where recommended levels climb into the 90s. Later on, players gain the ability to change the protagonist’s job class, adding another layer of strategic flexibility. Matching the right class with the right party members and exploiting boss weaknesses becomes essential—and deeply rewarding.

Presentation, Length, and the Road Ahead

Visually, Octopath Traveler 0 sits between its mobile origins and the refinement of Octopath Traveler II. Some assets reveal their age, but the HD-2D enhancements are still beautiful. Lighting is lush, particle effects are cleaner, and environments carry that painterly, handcrafted feel Square Enix has perfected. It may not reach the visual peak of OT2, but it doesn’t need to—it remains consistently stunning.

In terms of overall scope, this is a massive adventure. With multiple story routes, town-building, optional bosses, hidden trials, and countless side quests, the game can easily surpass 100 hours for completionists. Like Champions of the Continent, Octopath Traveler 0 constantly rewards exploration, curiosity, and thoroughness.

[Editor’s Note: Octopath Traveler 2 was reviewed on PC, and a copy was provided to us for review purposes.]