Octopath Traveler II is a sequel that builds on the foundation of the original while expanding almost every aspect of the experience. Like its predecessor, it uses Square Enix’s distinctive HD-2D visual style, combining traditional pixel-art characters and environments with modern lighting and 3D effects. The result remains one of the game’s defining qualities, but the sequel does more than simply reproduce what worked the first time.
Unlike the original Octopath Traveler, which initially launched as a Nintendo Switch exclusive, Octopath Traveler II released across multiple platforms. It is now available as a native Nintendo Switch 2 release, bringing the RPG to Nintendo’s newer hardware with improved performance. However, existing owners should be aware that there is no upgrade path from the original Switch version. If you already own the game on Switch, you will have to purchase the Switch 2 version separately.
From a technical perspective, the improvements are relatively straightforward but useful. Octopath Traveler II runs at 1080p in docked mode and 720p in handheld mode, while targeting 60 FPS. The original Switch release could experience performance and frame-pacing issues, whereas the Switch 2 version provides a noticeably more stable experience. There are still occasional frame-rate drops, but they are minor and rarely interfere with the gameplay. The visual presentation also benefits from the additional hardware power, making this the cleaner way to experience the game on Nintendo hardware.
Where Octopath Traveler II really shines is in the freedom it gives you. The eight travellers are at the centre of the adventure, each with their own history, motivations, abilities and story. You begin with one and gradually meet the others as you explore the world.
The game does not constantly point you towards the next objective, either. You are free to decide which traveller to recruit, which chapter to tackle and where to go next. That makes exploration feel more rewarding, as you are not simply following a checklist of objectives. It also gives you the freedom to build a party around the characters and abilities you enjoy using.
That freedom does have its drawbacks. Enemy levels are tied to specific areas rather than your party, so wandering into a high-level region too early can make regular encounters surprisingly tough. If you find yourself under-levelled, some grinding may be necessary before you can move forward comfortably. The job system helps keep things flexible, though. Secondary jobs give you plenty of room to experiment with different party combinations and adapt your characters to whatever playstyle suits you.
There is plenty to discover outside the main chapters, too. Exploring off the beaten path can lead to extra encounters, activities and other surprises, making the world feel like more than just a way of getting from one story chapter to the next. The areas are also larger than in the original, giving the sequel a greater sense of scale without taking away from the non-linear structure that makes the series work.
This is ultimately where Octopath Traveler II succeeds. It does not try to reinvent what made the original enjoyable. Instead, it takes that foundation and expands on it in meaningful ways, with a larger world, deeper systems and more character stories to experience. The result is a more complete adventure that retains the charm and freedom of its predecessor while addressing some of its shortcomings.
The biggest drawback of the Switch 2 release is the lack of an upgrade path for existing owners. If you already own Octopath Traveler II on the original Switch, the improvements to performance and presentation may not be enough to justify buying it again. For newcomers, though, this is an excellent way to experience the game on Nintendo’s current hardware.
Having played both games, I found Octopath Traveler II to be the stronger RPG overall. Its larger world, more flexible combat and stronger character stories make the adventure more engaging, while the freedom to tackle each story in the order you choose remains one of its biggest strengths. It builds on the original without losing the qualities that made it stand out in the first place. If you enjoy exploring at your own pace and discovering a story on your own terms, Octopath Traveler II is well worth playing.
Octopath Traveler 2 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
