Square Enix’sOctopath Traveleris a unique role-playing game that combines the retro-throwback quality of a JRPG from the ’90s with many modern updates and mechanics. The game features eight different protagonists, each with its own storyline that intertwines with the others at various points. At the beginning of the game, players will have to choose one of theseOctopath Traveler’s eight unique charactersto start with.
Depending on the character chosen at the start ofOctopath Traveler, players will start in different areas of the world to play that character’s prologue before being let loose upon the map to explore and recruit other characters at their leisure. Each time a new character is met, the option to play through their prologue is given before adding them to a player’s party. In this way,Octopath Travelerlets players experience the game on their own terms, in the order which they like.
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Octopath Traveleris fully enjoyable, no matter which starting character players choose.Battles around theOctopath Travelerworld map scaledepend on how many characters are in a player’s party, so there is no rush to run out and recruit every character right away.
Octopath Traveler’s Eight Protagonists
Ophelia -A Cleric with the Path Action of guiding people to their specific destinations, allowing them to be summoned in battle. She focuses on healing in battle.
Cyrus -A Scholar with the Path Action of scrutinizing people to pick up clues or uncover secrets. He can determine enemies' weaknesses in battle.
Tressa -A Merchant with the Path Action of purchasing special items from everyday people she meets. She also picks up spare coins while traveling on the world map.
Olberic -A Warrior with the Path Actionof challenging opponents to duels for special rewards or path access. He boosts defense while in battle.
Primrose -A Dancer with the Path Action of using her allure to get others to follow her into battle. She can dance in a battle to buff allies and debuff enemies.
Alfyn -An Apothecary with the Path Action of inquiring people for information and clues. He can concoct different potions in battle.
Therion -A Thief with the Path Action of being able to steal special items from everyday people. He can also pick locked treasure chests.
H’aanit -A Hunter with the Path Action to provoke people into combat to clear them off or open secret paths. She can also capture enemies in battle to use in later battles.
Starting Octopath Traveler
One of thebest characters to startOctopath Travelerwith isCyrus, as his ability to discover the weaknesses of enemies is a great skill to have early on. He also has access to a wide range of magic that can hit multiple enemies at once, allowing him to clear early battles fairly quickly.
Tressais another smart choice to start with or to recruit as a second character. She is especially handy in battle, and her ability to purchase items from NPCs and pick up loose currency makes her invaluable at thebeginning ofOctopath Traveler.
Another great choice to start Octopath Traveler with isTherion, as he can steal HP and SP from enemies, saving valuable items. While not as solid a choice as Cyrus, players will find the start of the game a bit easier with him.
No matter which of these three players choose from, you should recruit all three early on in the game, along withOpheliaandH’aanit. This will giveOctopath Travelerplayers a solid starting part with enough support to tackle thecomplex battle systemthe game has in place.
Octopath Traveleris available now on PC, Switch, and Xbox One.
