Octopath Traveler is a series of Japanese RPGs with (so far) two instalments, first launched in 2018.
These titles are set in a beautifully designed fantasy world and stand out with their intriguing pixel art graphics. Although the two parts were developed by different studios (the first instalment was created by Silicon Studio Corporation, and the second by Acquire), both games were produced and published by Square Enix.
Are you looking for an interesting JRPG with challenging quests, classic turn-based combat, and stunning graphics? The Octopath Traveler series might be a perfect choice! But which part should you play? Or maybe it’s worth playing them one after the other?
Today, we’ll compare Octopath Traveler vs Octopath Traveler 2 in terms of story, gameplay, technical aspects, and… player ratings. Which instalment is more worth playing? Read on and find out for yourself!
Storyline: Octopath Traveler vs Octopath Traveler 2
The storyline of the first Octopath Traveler takes us to the continent of Orsterra — a fantasy land created by thirteen gods. One of the gods, the Fallen Galdera, was imprisoned by the other twelve after he rebelled.
To honour the remaining unfallen gods, the Order of the Sacred Flame, the dominant church on the continent, was established. Unfortunately, there are those who plan to free Galdera and bring chaos to Orsterra…
The game tells the stories of eight playable characters, including a priestess of the Sacred Flame, a former knight, a dancer, and a criminal — each with unique abilities but also with their own distinct goals and adversaries standing in their way.
However, the fates of all the characters intertwine uniquely when they must face Galdera together.
Octopath Traveler 2 takes us to a somewhat different world. This time, the story is set in the realm of Solistia — a steampunk land dominated by 18th-century technology (steam engines, big factories etc.).
Here, the main antagonist is the Moonshade Order — a mysterious sect worshipping the dark god Vide the Wicked. This group plans to resurrect the deity and bring eternal darkness to the world.
As in the first instalment, here we also have eight heroes and eight separate stories that intertwine at the end of the game. Again, all the characters must join forces to face the main enemy and prevent chaos.
Similarities and Differences in Gameplay
In both cases, the gameplay is very similar. We take on the role of each hero one by one, traversing fantastic lands in their shoes while performing classic RPG activities.
We meet inhabitants and learn about the world’s history, complete tasks assigned by NPCs (which can be approached in different ways), fight minor enemies, and improve our skills and equipment to face the main antagonist in the final chapters.
In both games, battles are turn-based, and all encounters with NPCs are based on the use of so-called Path Actions — special, unique abilities assigned to each character.
Thanks to these, each hero can acquire information, items, or allies in different ways (e.g., the dancer uses her charm, the thief pickpocketing etc.), thus approaching individual quests in entirely different manners.
In Octopath Traveler 2, the Path Actions mechanics and their effectiveness are dependent on the time of day. A new feature in the second part is also the Latent Power — a meter used in battles that, when fully charged, grants characters access to new, powerful special abilities.
Technical Aspects of Octopath Traveler Games
Both games are available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, and Xbox One. The second instalment was additionally released on Xbox S/X.
Both titles are also distinguished by their intriguing visual design, which combines 16-bit pixel art sprites with highly detailed environments created using 3D graphics. Additionally, the game features excellent, natural lighting that adds to the title’s charm.
Octopath Traveler 2, compared to the first part, also boasts improved and refined character proportions, new animations, and a more dynamic camera that shows the action from multiple perspectives.
Player and Critic Opinions
Octopath Traveler is not a very popular series — unfortunately, many jRPGs suffer from a lack of recognition. However, both games’ ratings are very high.
The first Octopath Traveler was rated on Steam by nearly 11,500 players, achieving a score of 83% positive reviews. Its rating on Metacritic, depending on the platform, ranges between 80 and 83 out of 100. On IGN, it’s rated 9/10, while Nintendo players rate it 9/10 on portals dedicated to the platform.
Octopath Traveler 2, on the other hand, was rated on Steam by 9,152 players, garnering 95% positive comments — you can even read that the game has “Overwhelmingly Positive” reviews. On Metacritic, again depending on the platform, scores range from 83 (PC) to 86 (PS5). The IGN community rated this title, oddly enough, at 7/10, while on Nintendo Life, it’s rated 9/10.
Octopath Traveler vs Octopath Traveler 2 — Which One to Choose?
Finally, we come to the most important question: which game is better?
Well, considering the storyline and setting, it’s difficult to decide. Both are quite complex and intricate, full of interesting plot lines — however, if you prefer medieval fantasy and divine wars, the first instalment of the game will definitely appeal to you.
If, on the other hand, steampunk and the combination of magic with technology is something you love, choose Octopath Traveler 2.
The gameplay of both games is also very similar, but the second instalment boasts slightly improved mechanics compared to its predecessor. Several new features have also been added, making the game a bit more complex and diversifying the gameplay.
The same goes for the graphics — though similar, in Octopath Traveler II it has been improved, and the enhanced camera work does its job!
Octopath Traveler 2 also wins in terms of ratings — it’s clear that they are higher on Steam and Metacritic, but it’s worth noting here that 2,500 fewer players rated this game, and on IGN, the rating is evidently lower compared to the first part.
The question is, when deciding on a new game, do you rely on ratings, or do you prefer to judge the game after playing it yourself?
However, platform availability — in OT2, we can also play on the latest Xbox consoles — tips the scales in favour of the second instalment of the game.
Do you need to play both of these titles? Do you have to complete Octopath Traveler I to fully enjoy the second part? Not necessarily. Both games take us to different worlds, introduce different heroes, and tell entirely different stories.
Interestingly, though, one of the side quests in Octopath Traveler 2 allows you to fight the main boss from the first part. So it’s a pleasant nod to those who completed Octopath Traveler from 2018 before launching the second part.