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Choose OCTOPATH TRAVELER for the original eight-character journey in Orsterra; choose OCTOPATH TRAVELER II for eight new travelers in Solistia and the sequel’s publisher-described improvements to visuals, Path Actions, and mechanics. Nintendo’s official summaries do not establish that you must play the first game before the second.
What is the difference between the two Switch games?
Both are turn-based RPGs built around eight travelers and individual storylines, but they have different casts and settings. The original takes place in Orsterra; the sequel introduces eight new travelers in Solistia.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0 (NSW) | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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OCTOPATH TRAVELER II | $35.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Octopath Traveler II - Nintendo Switch | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Octopath Traveler (Nintendo Switch) | $53.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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| Game | Setting and cast | Nintendo Switch release | What Nintendo highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCTOPATH TRAVELER | Orsterra; eight travelers | July 13, 2018 | Individual storylines, turn-based combat, HD-2D visuals, and character abilities used in the field |
| OCTOPATH TRAVELER II | Solistia; eight new travelers | February 24, 2023 | Improved HD-2D visuals, improved Path Actions, and improved mechanics |
These descriptions come from Nintendo’s original-game listing, sequel listing, and sequel announcement. “Improved” reflects Nintendo’s product description, not an independent comparison or performance test.
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Choose the original for the first journey
Pick OCTOPATH TRAVELER if you want to begin with the eight original travelers and their stories in Orsterra. Nintendo’s UK listing gives its Switch release date as July 13, 2018.
#1 Best Overall
- Embark on an adventure of your own creation. The latest in the OCTOPATH TRAVELER series.
- New story content – Experience original, streamlined story content and quests with new paths to achieve.
- Character creation – Create a customized protagonist with unique appearance, voice, motions and more.
- Town building system – Rebuild the protagonist's town as the story progresses with evolving town reconstruction mechanics and development while inviting new people to live in the town.*
- HD-2D Visuals – The series’ iconic graphic style returns, bringing a striking blend of retro 2D characters in a beautiful 3D world.
Choose the sequel for a new cast and setting
Pick OCTOPATH TRAVELER II if Solistia and a new group of eight travelers sound more appealing, or if Nintendo’s advertised visual and mechanics improvements are the features you want. Its Switch release date was February 24, 2023.
Do I need to play Octopath Traveler before Octopath Traveler II?
Nintendo’s official summaries present the sequel as a new entry with a new cast and setting, but they do not establish whether story details connect the games or say that the original is required first. Treat the choice as a preference, not a stated prerequisite: start with the original for its Orsterra journey, or with the sequel for Solistia.
Rank #2
- Begin your adventure as one of eight new travelers, each with their own origins, motivations, and unique skills.
- The series’ HD-2D graphics, a fusion of retro pixel art and 3DCG, have reached even greater heights.
- The story takes place in Solistia, where diverse cultures thrive from east to west and the industries of the new era flourish. You can sail the seas and explore every corner of a world that changes from day to night.
- Each traveler has a unique set of Path Actions they can use to battle townspeople, obtain items, take others along in their travels, and more. Where will you go? What will you do? Every path is yours to take.
- Familiar mechanics from the original game have been preserved, like the freedom to develop your travelers’ jobs and skills, as well as the Break and Boost system that made battles so exhilarating. New mechanics have also been added.
What should I check before buying on Switch?
- Match the listing to your console: Nintendo UK lists downloadable and game-card versions of OCTOPATH TRAVELER II. Confirm that the product is the Nintendo Switch edition; Nintendo also lists separate Switch 2 editions.
- Check current price and availability: Nintendo’s US announcement listed the sequel at a regular launch-page price of $59.99 on February 24, 2023. That is dated US launch context, not a current price or a guarantee of present availability.
- Keep the sales figure in context: Nintendo said the first installment had sold over 3 million copies worldwide as of September 2022. That is a historical milestone, not a current total or a measure of which game is better.
Nintendo’s official pages establish the games’ broad features and release details, but the comparison above does not rank every job, traveler ability, battle-system change, story connection, or playtime. No objective winner follows from the available product descriptions alone.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Traditional JRPG elements like turn-based battles, random encounters, deep story, party management, NPCs, side quests
- Paired with new innovative features, like 8 equally important heroes, Path Actions and Battle Boost
- Presented in impressive and never-seen-before 2D-HD graphics, which offer a classic pixel look with 2D elements in a 3D environment
- Play the free Prologue Demo today and carry over your progress when you buy the full game at launch
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Rank #3
- Begin your adventure as one of eight new travelers, each with their own origins, motivations, and unique skills
- The series’ HD-2D graphics, a fusion of retro pixel art and 3DCG, have reached even greater heights
- The story takes place in Solistia, where diverse cultures thrive from east to west and the industries of the new era flourish; You can sail the seas and explore every corner of a world that changes from day to night
- Each traveler has a unique set of Path Actions they can use to battle townspeople, obtain items, take others along in their travels, and more; Where will you go, What will you do, Every path is yours to take
- Familiar mechanics from the original game have been preserved, like the freedom to develop your travelers’ jobs and skills, as well as the Break and Boost system that made battles so exhilarating; New mechanics have also been added
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
