Preview: Octopath Traveler 0 — A New Journey Begins
- CaliNewYork
- Dec 5, 2025
- 3 min read
Courtesy of Square Enix -- Written By: William Antie/ChrisWill Media
December 12, 2025. I had the absolute joy of previewing Octopath Traveler 0, the newest entry in Square Enix’s celebrated HD‑2D series — and the first standalone title designed so newcomers can jump right in. Even before I pressed “Start,” the game had me. The opening title screen blooms with a piano theme that hits straight in the soul, soon joined by sweeping strings that evoke both wonder and urgency. It’s the kind of score that makes you want to sit back and take in the entire opening sequence before adventuring forward.
One of the first surprises is how deeply customizable your protagonist is. You can tailor everything — hair color, style, voice, name — and even choose from eight distinct roles, each with its own skills and narrative threads, and even a favorite dish. The game hints early on at how personal this journey becomes.
Watch the OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0 launch trailer here:
Square Enix has launched Octopath Traveler 0, a fresh standalone entry in the franchise, available across Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam and the Microsoft Store.
After customizing my character and stepping into the world, the first thing that struck me was just how alive everything feels. The visuals are a delightful mash‑up of old‑school charm and modern flair. Pixel characters bounce through towns that sparkle with CG detail, creating a world that feels both nostalgic and newly alive. The HD‑2D style strikes a lovely balance — classic at its core, but elevated with just enough whimsy and polish to make each location feel like a tiny, handcrafted diorama.
That same sense of thoughtful design carries straight into the combat system. Octopath Traveler 0 builds on the franchise’s iconic “Break and Boost” mechanics, giving every encounter a satisfying rhythm. Enemies have shield points you can chip away by exploiting weaknesses, and once you break them, you’re rewarded with a window to unleash boosted or multi‑hit attacks. It’s familiar for returning fans, but the added layers of strategy — especially with party formations and role synergy — make each battle feel fresh and engaging.
Full voice acting elevates the storytelling, giving each character a distinct presence. And the narrative itself is expansive: branching paths, meaningful choices, and a world shaped by your decisions. As Producer Hirohito Suzuki shared, the team designed this entry so that “whether you’ve played the first game in the series, Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent, or even neither, we’ve packed this game with original experiences that can be enjoyed by anyone!” That philosophy shines through in every moment I played.
There’s a sense of freedom here — in how you build your hero, how you explore, how you fight, and how your story unfolds. Octopath Traveler 0 feels like a love letter to classic RPGs and a bold step forward for the series.
Readers who want to explore more about the world of Octopath Traveler 0 can visit the game’s official website for additional details:
About Square Enix
LOS ANGELES (Dec. 4, 2025) Square Enix, Inc. manages publishing, distribution, and licensing throughout the Americas as part of the global Square Enix group of companies. The group’s portfolio includes some of the most recognized RPG and arcade franchises in the industry, with Final Fantasy surpassing 207 million units sold worldwide and Dragon Quest exceeding 95 million units sold. The company’s holdings also include Taito, creator of the original Space Invaders arcade game.
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