Octopath Traveler originally launched as a Nintendo Switch exclusive before eventually making its way to PC and other platforms. Now, after several years, Square Enix has brought the game to Nintendo Switch 2 as a native release. While the original version was already playable on Switch, this new release raises an important question: how much does the Switch 2 version actually improve the experience, and is it worth buying again?
That question is particularly relevant because there is no upgrade path for existing owners. If you already own Octopath Traveler on the original Switch, you have to purchase the Switch 2 version separately, making the improvements here much more important when considering its value.
The biggest upgrade is performance. The original Switch version ran at 30fps, while the Switch 2 release targets 60fps, making the game noticeably smoother during both exploration and combat. Resolution has also been improved, from around 576p in handheld mode on the original hardware to 720p on Switch 2, with 1080p when docked. The difference is not dramatic at first glance because of the game’s distinctive HD-2D art style, but the image is visibly sharper when you play the versions side by side. Ultimately, the move to 60fps is the most meaningful improvement, while the higher resolution gives the presentation a welcome level of clarity.
At its core, Octopath Traveler is a traditional turn-based RPG built around eight different travellers, each with their own story. You begin with one character and gradually recruit the others while exploring the continent. Their individual chapters can largely be tackled in a non-linear fashion, giving you freedom over which stories you want to pursue and when.
Combat is built around exploiting weaknesses. Every enemy has a shield count, and hitting it with the right weapon or element whittles it down until the enemy breaks and takes far more damage. Boost points layer on top of that: you earn one per turn and can spend them to power up attacks and abilities. The trick is knowing when to hold your points, break an enemy, and then unload. It gives a fairly traditional turn-based system real tension, especially in tough fights and against bosses.
Jobs add more room to experiment. Each character starts with their own job, like Warrior, Thief, or Cleric, and you can unlock a secondary job for them later. Pairing the two lets you mix abilities and passive skills and tune your party to whatever you’re facing. Outside of battle, every traveller also has a field ability for dealing with townspeople, which gives each of them a use beyond fighting.
The non-linear structure suits the pacing. Some chapters and encounters expect a higher level, so you’re nudged to wander off, fight a few battles, and build up your party before returning. Chapters themselves are short, usually about an hour, depending on how much you poke around.
Octopath Traveler’s foundation still holds up. The sequel smoothed out a lot of the formula, but the original is a very good turn-based RPG: strong combat, a distinctive look, and a varied cast whose individual stories give the adventure its shape.
The sticking point is the price for returning players. If you already own it on the original Switch, the Switch 2 version is a hard sell at full price for the technical upgrades alone. The sharper resolution and 60fps are nice, but they don’t change how the game plays.
For newcomers, however, the situation is different. Octopath Traveler remains a compelling RPG and provides a good introduction to the HD-2D style that Square Enix has since used in several other titles. If you enjoy turn-based combat, character-driven stories, and RPGs that give you freedom in how you approach their content, there is still a lot to like here.
Octopath Traveler on Switch 2 is therefore best viewed as the definitive way to experience the game on Nintendo hardware, rather than an essential upgrade for existing owners. The technical improvements are meaningful, particularly the move to 60fps, but the lack of an upgrade option makes the asking price harder to overlook. For first-time players, though, the underlying game remains just as enjoyable as it was when it originally released.
Octopath Traveler 1 Game Information
- Price: $59.99
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Developer: Square Enix/Acquire
- Platform: Switch 2 (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was provided by the publisher
