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You can start with either game. Octopath Traveler II is a standalone story in a different world, not a sequel that requires knowledge of the first game. If you plan to play both and prefer release order, play Octopath Traveler I first; if you want the newer entry or only one game, starting with II is also valid.
Should I play Octopath Traveler 1 before 2?
No. The games share a broad style and structure, but not a continuous plot. Square Enix describes Octopath Traveler II as an independent story, and producer Masashi Takahashi said of the sequel, “there’s no continuous narrative between that game and Octopath Traveler II!”
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0 (NSW) | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Octopath Traveler II - Nintendo Switch | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
The Art of Octopath Traveler: 2016-2020 | $24.26 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Octopath Traveler: The Complete Guide | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
The Art of Octopath Traveler: 2020-2023 | $47.63 | Buy on Amazon |
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That makes I-first a preference, not a prerequisite. Square Enix calls II “the perfect entry for newcomers to the series, while also preserving the charm of the original game for existing fans.” That is the publisher’s positioning, rather than an independent verdict on which game is better.
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How to choose your starting point
| Choose | If this describes you | What the choice means |
|---|---|---|
| Octopath Traveler I first | You expect to play both and like following release order. | You’ll experience the original before the newer standalone game. I is set in Orsterra. |
| Octopath Traveler II first | You want the newer standalone entry, or expect to play only one. | You can follow II without first knowing the original. II is set in Solistia. |
There is no story-continuity advantage that makes one order necessary. Choose by which game interests you most, or by whether release order matters to you.
#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.
What the two games share—and what they don’t
Both are HD-2D role-playing games built around eight distinct protagonists and their individual stories. Their settings are different: Octopath Traveler takes place in Orsterra, while Octopath Traveler II takes place in Solistia. The shared format gives the series a recognizable identity, but the worlds and stories are independent.
Can I try Octopath Traveler II before choosing?
Square Enix announced a three-hour demo for II in 2023, with save data carryover to the full game. Whether that demo is currently offered depends on the store and region, so check your local listing before counting on it.
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
Which platforms are the games on?
In a June 2024 announcement, Square Enix listed both games for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, and Steam. On July 13, 2026, the publisher announced Nintendo Switch 2 releases for both on October 1, 2026, along with individual digital preorders and a physical Switch 2 bundle. The announcement cautions that availability may vary by region; check your local store for current listings.
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Square Enix’s July 2026 announcement also said the series had shipped and sold more than six million copies worldwide. That is a series-wide figure, not a sales breakdown for either game.
Rank #3
Is one game objectively better?
The available official information establishes the games’ standalone status, settings, protagonist count, and publisher-announced platforms. It does not establish an objective winner for writing, combat, difficulty, pacing, value, or performance across versions. If those qualities are what will decide your purchase, compare current reviews for the exact platform and edition you plan to play rather than assuming the newer release is better in every respect.
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Best Value
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.
