Octopath Traveler 0: All the Juicy Details on the Turn-Based Prequel

While it may not carry the legacy of Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest, the Octopath Traveler series has become a beloved franchise for JRPG enthusiasts. The original titles, Octopath Traveler and its follow-up, Octopath Traveler II, are hailed as some of the finest JRPGs of the past ten years. Square Enix continues the journey with a prequel for the third installment: Octopath Traveler 0. Here’s a dive into what awaits in this turn-based prequel adventure.

Release Date, Platforms, Pricing, Editions

First announced in July 2025, Octopath Traveler 0 was revealed during Nintendo’s Partner Showcase Direct with a release date of December 4, 2025. The simultaneous announcement of the project and its launch date indicated that the game was near completion, and indeed, it launched without any delays.

A prologue demo became available on November 11, offering a taste of the game with a three-hour preview, and your progress in this demo carries over to the full game upon purchase. The standard edition is priced at $49.99, while the deluxe edition costs $59.99. Pre-ordering provides the Travel Provisions DLC, which includes in-game items to enhance your start:

Healing Grape (M) x5
Inspiriting Plum (M) x5
Revitalizing Jam x2
Icewind Mastery

Opting for the deluxe edition adds extra items:

Three Action Skills: Triple Strike Mastery, SP Saver Mastery, Extra JP Mastery
8 Types of Nuts (M): Fortifying Nut (M), Magic Nut (M), Tough Nut (M), Resistant Nut (M), Light Nut (M), Critical Nut (M), Sharp Nut (M), Slippery Nut (M)
Festive Town Decorations: Table with roasted chicken, Festive Arch, Large Festive Arch, Festive Flag, Grand Vase

Additionally, the deluxe edition includes a digital art book. A collector’s edition is available exclusively at the Square Enix store for $229.99, featuring all deluxe edition content plus a physical replica of the Ring of the Flamebringer, a custom-designed deck of cards, metal dice, a game mat, a special art booklet, and an arrangement music CD.

Genre, Setting, and Story Premise

Octopath Traveler 0 retains its turn-based JRPG roots with its distinctive HD-2D art style, combining 2D sprites and 3D environments. Set in Orsterra, the game diverges from its predecessors by centering on a single player-created protagonist instead of eight. Customize your appearance, voice, and Job, and embark on a journey from the town of Wishvale, devastated by Hermania the witch, Tytos the hero, and Auguste the playwright.

Your mission is to rebuild Wishvale and avenge the destruction caused by these villains.

Gameplay

The turn-based combat system has evolved, now supporting up to eight characters in battle, offering new strategic possibilities with Jobs, action skills, and abilities. Introducing Ultimate Techniques, the game allows you to unleash powerful attacks once fully charged, adding depth to combat strategy.

The restoration of Wishvale introduces a fresh gameplay element, letting you manage and enhance the town’s facilities. This rebuilding process unlocks essential game features and provides a rewarding diversion from the main adventure.