OCTOPATH TRAVELER II

80%
Game Brain Score Based on 6,943 reviews
  • story
  • music
  • gameplay
OCTOPATH TRAVELER II Game Cover
Octopath Traveler II is a spectacular sequel, and the easiest recommendation I could ever give to RPG fans.
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"Octopath Traveler II" is a turn-based RPG that follows the stories of eight unique characters, each with their own motivations, abilities, and challenges. Set in a vibrant world filled with diverse landscapes and creatures, players will journey across the land, battling enemies and uncovering secrets. Through dual-track storytelling and refined HD-2D graphics, this sequel aims to build upon the engaging gameplay and captivating narratives of its predecessor.

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Cloud
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
  • Xbox Game Pass
  • x_box_cloud_gaming
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

80%
Audience ScoreBased on 6,943 reviews
story939 positive mentions
grinding314 negative mentions
  • Octopath Traveler II improves on the original in almost every aspect, including character interactions, story depth, and gameplay mechanics.
  • The game features stunning visuals and an incredible soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
  • The combat system is engaging and allows for strategic planning, making battles feel rewarding and satisfying.
  • The stories of the characters can feel disconnected, with minimal interaction between them until the end of the game.
  • Some character arcs are less compelling than others, leading to a mixed experience in terms of narrative quality.
  • The game can become grindy, especially if players do not manage their character levels effectively, leading to potential frustration.
  • story3,154 mentions

    The story in "Octopath Traveler II" is generally praised for its improvement over the first game, featuring eight distinct character arcs that are more engaging and interconnected, culminating in a satisfying conclusion. While some narratives are compelling and explore deeper themes, others are criticized for being clichéd or lacking depth, leading to a somewhat disjointed experience. Overall, players appreciate the character development and emotional stakes, though some express a desire for more cohesive storytelling and character interactions throughout the game.

    • “The story itself is great, like watching a collection of tales that tie together in the end.”
    • “Each of the eight characters provides players with a touching and exciting story.”
    • “Octopath Traveler 2 improves on its predecessor by offering more cohesive storytelling, with deeper character interactions and intertwined narratives that enhance the sense of connection between the protagonists.”
    • “Lazy and cheap story.”
    • “I stopped playing at about chapter 3-4 of every character, because the story got so extremely bad that I couldn't handle it anymore without getting annoyed/mad.”
    • “I expected a slightly better story than the first one, but all of the stories are so simplistic and cliched.”
  • music1,876 mentions

    The music in "Octopath Traveler II" has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its captivating and emotional compositions that enhance the game's atmosphere and storytelling. The soundtrack, composed by Yasunori Nishiki, features a variety of memorable tracks, including distinct day and night versions for each area, which contribute to the immersive experience. While some players feel the music may not surpass the first game's soundtrack, it is still regarded as one of the best in modern JRPGs, with many tracks described as "bangers" that players enjoy listening to even outside of gameplay.

    • “The music is incredibly catchy and memorable, with many pieces easily sticking in your mind long after you stop playing.”
    • “The soundtrack, composed by Yasunori Nishiki, is a masterpiece that complements the game's atmosphere perfectly.”
    • “The music is just, absolutely gorgeous, and has some of my favorite battle and ambient themes of all time.”
    • “My only gripe with the game is that the music isn't as awesome as the first entry in the series (don't get me wrong: it's fantastic, but the music from Octopath I was superior), but it quickly became one of the best classic RPG experiences I have ever had in all my life.”
    • “I liked a few tracks like Partitio's theme, the song of hope and the actual final boss theme but I probably only really enjoyed 20% of the tracks while I really enjoyed around 80% of Octopath 1's tracks.”
    • “So far, the stories are very very bland, the music isn't as amazing as the first game and the combat is just too much of the same (I love the combat btw, I just don't see hardly any improvement).”
  • gameplay1,172 mentions

    The gameplay in "Octopath Traveler II" has been widely praised for its improvements over the first installment, featuring enhanced mechanics such as the "latent power" system, a day/night cycle that affects gameplay, and a more refined break and boost combat system. Players appreciate the depth and variety in character abilities, as well as the engaging turn-based combat that encourages strategic planning. However, some critiques mention that the gameplay can become repetitive and lacks significant challenge, particularly in the late game. Overall, it is considered a solid and enjoyable experience for fans of traditional JRPGs.

    • “Octopath Traveler 2 masterfully builds upon the charm of the original, offering a beautifully crafted world filled with rich storytelling and engaging gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay mechanics have been refined, upgraded, and otherwise made practically perfect—the break and boost combat is still as addictive as ever, the path action system continues to encourage exploration of every nook and cranny in each town, and the characters overall feel much more balanced this go-round.”
    • “With its stunning visuals, compelling narrative, and addictive gameplay, Octopath Traveler 2 is a must-play for fans of the JRPG genre.”
    • “The gameplay, however, is another story altogether.”
    • “Gameplay/combat is basic af and difficulty is: 'win battles with your eyes closed, just press the same buttons over and over' tier.”
    • “But after 10h of gameplay the combat starts to feel dull and repetitive.”
  • graphics998 mentions

    The graphics of "Octopath Traveler II" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning HD-2D art style, which effectively blends retro pixel art with modern 3D effects, creating a visually captivating experience. Players appreciate the vibrant environments, detailed character animations, and the overall aesthetic that evokes nostalgia while feeling fresh and immersive. Many reviews highlight the game's impressive visual improvements over its predecessor, making it a standout title in the JRPG genre.

    • “The game's hd-2d visual style remains as captivating as ever, blending retro-inspired pixel art with modern 3d effects to create a truly unique aesthetic.”
    • “With its stunning visuals, compelling narrative, and addictive gameplay, Octopath Traveler 2 is a must-play for fans of the JRPG genre.”
    • “The art style in Octopath Traveler 2 is a stunning blend of 2d pixel art and 3d environments, creating a unique and immersive world that feels like a love letter to the golden age of JRPGs.”
    • “The graphics get complacent and just the same graphics, blurry and dream-like state keep repeating themselves.”
    • “The graphics, animations, and writing are all vastly improved.”
    • “It feels like the lowest effort possible port, please, put just a bit of time into a pc port, you don't need full mouse support but at least make combat menus clickable and make the default graphics not be what you would play on switch.”
  • grinding344 mentions

    The reviews for grinding in the game reveal a mixed sentiment among players. While some find the grinding tedious and excessive, particularly in late-game scenarios, others appreciate the improvements made to reduce grind-related frustrations, such as faster battle speeds and better character leveling mechanics. Overall, many players agree that while some grinding is necessary, it is often manageable and can be enjoyable due to engaging combat and story elements.

    • “The grind-fest isn't as tedious as others describe it; it's only maybe 2-4 hours worth of the entire playthrough if you want to get things done a little quicker.”
    • “Not grindy and hard unless you are going to fight the last superboss (harder than the first game [spoiler] unless you cheesed it [/spoiler]) or if you are doing challenge runs.”
    • “The music, combat system, the open world (not too big to the point where it might be overwhelming), main character stories, side quests, and it's not too grindy so I managed to have lots of fun and get the most of my experience.”
    • “Thousands of super grindy enemy encounters completely ruined my game by the end, and I resorted to using a trainer since I wanted to see the stories resolve.”
    • “Game is fun but the grinding for levels is annoying.”
    • “The combat system is pretty fun, but once you figure it out every fight becomes pretty easy making grinding a freaking chore.”
  • emotional134 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Octopath Traveler 2" is highlighted by its diverse character stories, which range from heartwarming to deeply tragic, allowing players to form strong emotional connections. While the non-linear storytelling can sometimes dilute the impact of key moments, the game's evocative music and well-crafted narratives resonate powerfully, often eliciting tears and laughter from players. Overall, the game is praised for its ability to evoke a wide spectrum of emotions, making it a memorable and engaging experience.

    • “This game is genuinely a work of art, and I am not ashamed to admit I cried during the story's ending after finally beating the final boss.”
    • “The emotional impact of some of those story beats and boss fights, along with the incredible music, really hit me hard.”
    • “Yet it is the emotional resonance of Octopath Traveler 2 that truly sets it apart.”
  • atmosphere60 mentions

    The atmosphere in "Octopath Traveler II" is widely praised for its stunning graphics, immersive music, and distinct environmental tones that enhance the gameplay experience. Reviewers highlight the dynamic day and night music variations, the rich and personalized visual storytelling, and the overall emotional depth conveyed through the soundtrack, which is considered a masterpiece. While some note that the narrative feels disjointed, the game's atmosphere remains a standout feature, making it highly recommended for fans of the genre.

    • “The atmosphere is incredible, and at times creepy... and I love how well-executed it is.”
    • “The gameplay is amazing and the whole atmosphere is marvellous; each zone has its ambience and its secrets to unveil, it really felt like going on an adventure.”
    • “Also, the general atmosphere of the game is overall darker, though the 'cute' vibe still remains strong (best of both worlds!). Along with the stories, the game is way more rich and personalized both visually and musically, which eliminates a lot of tiring repetitions.”
    • “Ultimately, I would recommend Octopath Traveler 2 for its atmosphere above all else.”
    • “I would love it if the third installment of this franchise allows for you to delevel yourself like you can do in Xenoblade Chronicles, as being too strong sometimes takes away the atmosphere of a boss battle.”
  • humor52 mentions

    The humor in the game is a standout feature, blending dark themes with witty dialogue and absurd situations that keep the tone light despite serious undertones. Players appreciate the engaging character interactions, funny path actions, and memorable moments that evoke laughter, making the experience both entertaining and emotionally resonant. Overall, the writing and voice acting contribute significantly to the game's charm, offering a mix of humor that complements its dramatic narrative.

    • “While this can sometimes feel as though you’re trying to watch eight television shows simultaneously, the individual stories are engaging, filled with the kind of drama, humor, and heart that can make even a pixelated character feel like an old friend.”
    • “And Throné's final boss had me laughing with joy at how over the top it was gameplay-wise, easily becoming one of the most memorable turn-based combat encounters I've ever had.”
    • “Given how serious and dark the story can be, there is a good amount of humor throughout the game to keep the player from becoming depressed.”
  • optimization38 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its performance on high-end PCs and noting the absence of major issues, while others report significant stuttering and crashes, particularly on lower-end systems. Quality of life features, such as item optimization and UI design, are highlighted positively, but there are concerns about poor optimization leading to overheating and performance drops, especially when compared to the game's graphical demands. Overall, while some aspects of optimization are commendable, there are notable inconsistencies that need addressing.

    • “Not to mention the several quality of life features like item optimization for characters or the whole team, as well as insta-selecting the character with the least amount of health when selecting a healing spell or item.”
    • “The stories are a lot more interesting and the world is so much bigger and optimized.”
    • “Performance is perfect on highest settings with 1050ti.”
    • “These crashes are more than likely due to extremely poor optimization on the part of Square Enix.”
    • “Yet, although my computer crushes the recommended requirements, there is notable stuttering when walking on the map and the computer heats up notably more than it should for this game.”
    • “The one exception is the very poor optimization.”
  • character development30 mentions

    Character development in the game is a mixed bag; while many players praise the deep individual story arcs and improved party interactions compared to the previous installment, some feel that the lack of shared progression and meaningful dialogue detracts from the overall experience. The character designs are widely appreciated for their personality and connection to players, but there are criticisms regarding clichéd villains and occasional nonsensical development. Overall, the game is seen as a love letter to classic JRPGs, with significant improvements in character development that enhance player engagement.

    • “The character development and individual story arcs are once again a highlight, offering a deep dive into the personal struggles and triumphs of each protagonist.”
    • “Great character development and major quality of life changes from the first game, much easier to get into compared to the first, playable and enjoyable when starting with any character!”
    • “In comparison to the previous installment, Square Enix listened to the feedback of the players by implementing better character development, party interaction, and intertwining connections between all the stories.”
    • “At times it is very well done but often you have extremely cliché 'bad guys' who are over the top evil and then quite a few times have nonsensical character development.”
    • “With Octopath 2, it is clear that Square Enix is continuing the trend of conservative female character designs with little to no sex appeal.”
    • “In comparison to the previous installment, Square Enix listened to the feedback of the players by implementing better character development, party interaction, and intertwining connection between all the stories.”
  • replayability22 mentions

    Overall, the replayability of the game is a mixed bag. While many players appreciate the diverse character paths, class combinations, and the ability to tackle stories in different orders, some express disappointment due to the lack of features like New Game Plus and limited flexibility in character selection, which diminishes long-term replay value. Despite these criticisms, the game offers numerous strategies and self-imposed challenges that can enhance replayability for dedicated players.

    • “The replayability is much greater in Octopath II with the character and class build diversity.”
    • “The narrative structure, where players can choose the order in which they tackle each character's story, returns, providing a sense of freedom and replayability.”
    • “Numerous strategies and class combinations make up the majority of the replay value, including multiple self-imposed challenges that enrich a playthrough.”
    • “Above that, however, this game just has very little replay value, which is really disappointing.”
    • “Small note, as we all know this game doesn't have features like New Game Plus, so once you fully finish the game, there's not much replayable value here.”
    • “I wish the game would commit to letting you choose a few of the travelers and have the job classes be more open to allow for flexibility; then there would be some replay value.”
  • monetization16 mentions

    The game is praised for its lack of monetization tactics such as microtransactions, DLC, and battle passes, which many players find refreshing in today's gaming landscape. Reviewers appreciate the developers' focus on delivering a complete experience without upselling, indicating a genuine care for the fanbase rather than a cash grab. Overall, the absence of these monetization strategies contributes positively to the game's reception.

    • “No DLC or microtransactions.”
    • “Aside from the developers being kind enough to not include any sort of microtransactions, battle passes, or other live service elements you see in today's single-player games, there are other things that really show you that the developers truly care about the fans of these games.”
    • “There's no upselling, no microtransactions, no battle pass.”
    • “Definitely a refreshing change in a world filled with early access, live service, battle passes, and microtransaction games.”
  • stability16 mentions

    The stability of the game is highly inconsistent, with some players experiencing frequent freezes and crashes, particularly on the Steam Deck, while others report smooth performance with minimal glitches. Issues with game launching and controller compatibility have also been noted, indicating a lack of reliable support for certain setups. Overall, user experiences vary significantly, highlighting a need for improvements in stability.

    • “Runs great on Steam Deck at 60 FPS with all settings set to max.”
    • “Runs great.”
    • “Runs great.”
    • “I get between 5-30 minutes before the game freezes and force reboots my deck.”
    • “The game itself is a big terrarium for bugs/glitches.”
    • “I was so excited to play this game -- I loved Octopath Traveler 1 -- but the game will not launch despite all the troubleshooting I could think to do (checked game files, uninstalled and reinstalled, tried to run directly, etc.), and I can't get any help on the issue.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

83% average critic score

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Play time

35hMedian play time
36hAverage play time
6-70hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 51 analyzed playthroughs

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