Octopath Traveler 2 captivated you, earning a perfect 10/10 and solidifying its place as one of your all-time favorite RPGs. Now you’re wondering, “Should I Play Octopath Traveler 1 Before 2?” TRAVELS.EDU.VN explores this question in-depth, comparing key elements and highlighting quality-of-life improvements, helping you make the best decision for your gaming journey. By understanding the nuances of each game, you can discover which entry best fits your preferences and ensures an unforgettable adventure, providing you with insights and travel tips along the way.
1. Quality of Life Improvements in Octopath Traveler 2
Octopath Traveler 2 introduces several quality-of-life enhancements that significantly improve the player experience. These changes range from map features to inventory management, making the game more accessible and enjoyable. Let’s delve into some of the most notable improvements:
1.1. Area Threat Levels on the Map
One of the most significant improvements is the display of threat levels for areas and dungeons directly on the map.
| Feature | Octopath Traveler 1 | Octopath Traveler 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Threat Level Display | No indication of area difficulty | Displays threat level on the map |
| Benefit | Prevents accidental entry into high-level areas | Allows players to strategically plan their exploration |
In Octopath Traveler 1, players often stumbled into high-level areas without any prior warning. This could lead to frustrating encounters and the need to backtrack. Octopath Traveler 2 addresses this issue by clearly indicating the threat level of each area. This allows players to make informed decisions about where to go next, ensuring a more balanced and enjoyable experience. It also makes it easier to keep track of when would be a good time to try a dungeon. Some of those in OT1 I ended up stumbling into at a low level, but only going back when I was hilariously over-levelled, as there was no reminder of when might be a good moment.
1.2. Item Pickup Order
Inventory management is another area where Octopath Traveler 2 shines. The game lists item pickups in the order of most recent first, making it much easier to identify and review new acquisitions.
| Feature | Octopath Traveler 1 | Octopath Traveler 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Item Order | Items are not ordered by recent acquisition | Items are listed with the most recent pickups at the top |
| Benefit | Simplifies the process of reviewing newly acquired items | Allows players to quickly check the descriptions of recently obtained items |
In Octopath Traveler 1, navigating through a large inventory to find a specific item could be cumbersome. Octopath Traveler 2 streamlines this process, allowing players to quickly read the description of a bracelet you picked up, out of the dozens of other accessories with similar names.
1.3. Stat-Boost Consumable Feedback
Octopath Traveler 2 provides precise feedback when using stat-boost consumables, informing players exactly how much each stat increased.
| Feature | Octopath Traveler 1 | Octopath Traveler 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Stat-Boost Feedback | Vague descriptions (e.g., “a large amount”) | Exact stat increases are displayed |
| Benefit | Provides clear and accurate information to players | Allows players to make informed decisions about stat allocation |
This level of detail enhances the player’s ability to strategically manage their characters’ growth. OT1 just says ‘a large amount’ or something similarly vague, if you wanted to know you’d have to check before and after.
2. Introductory Chapters: Urgency and Stakes
The introductory chapters of Octopath Traveler 2 are designed to be more engaging and impactful than those in the original game. This is achieved through heightened stakes and a greater sense of urgency in each character’s narrative.
2.1. Character Isolation and Desperation
In Octopath Traveler 2, each traveler begins their journey alone, often with limited resources and facing significant challenges. This creates a sense of vulnerability and desperation that is not as pronounced in the first game.
| Aspect | Octopath Traveler 1 | Octopath Traveler 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Character Start | Main party meets each new traveler before their first dungeon | Each traveler starts alone with limited resources |
| Narrative Impact | Less urgent, characters often choose to travel the world | More urgent, characters face immediate threats and challenges |
| Player Engagement | Initial stories feel less compelling | Stories feel more desperate and engaging |
The introductory chapters of Octopath Traveler 2 draw players in by highlighting the characters’ immediate needs for strong allies.
2.2. Narrative Stakes
Octopath Traveler 2 raises the narrative stakes from the outset, presenting characters with compelling reasons to embark on their adventures.
| Aspect | Octopath Traveler 1 | Octopath Traveler 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Motivation | Characters often have relaxed reasons for adventuring | Characters face urgent and high-stakes situations |
| Narrative Impact | Stories feel less critical | Stories feel more vital and engaging |
In comparison, OT has a lot of ‘and so I chose to travel the world’ going on. Sure, a couple of them are more urgent, but most are pretty relaxed in terms of working out why they are adventuring. OT2’s intros are far more urgent in comparison, the stakes much higher.
3. Class Balance and Consumables: Apothecary and Hunter
Class balance and the utility of consumables have been refined in Octopath Traveler 2, making certain classes more viable and enhancing the overall combat experience.
3.1. The Apothecary
The Apothecary class, represented by Alfyn in Octopath Traveler 1 and Castii in Octopath Traveler 2, receives significant enhancements in the sequel.
| Feature | Octopath Traveler 1 | Octopath Traveler 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Concoct Skill | Limited and weaker effects from combining consumables | Castii’s latent power allows concocting without ingredients; boost points add additional effects |
| Latent Power | Not available | Grants unique super abilities beyond job skills |
| Overall Utility | Less versatile compared to other classes | Highly versatile due to latent power and boost point synergy |
In Octopath Traveler 2, Castii’s latent power lets her concoct without using ingredients, and every boost point grants an additional effect. Which made it easy for Castii to, say, apply ‘affect whole party’ and ‘heal’ and ‘cure poison’ or whatever. Alfyn has to use consumables to do this, for a far more limited and weaker and less flexible effect. On top of this, the class skill list in OT2 has an axe strike that hits everyone. In OT1 it just hits one target, which all combines to make apothecary feel a really weak job compared to the cleric. Sure, it’s still good in that there’s abilities to use powerful items on everyone at once, which makes Alfyn great for endgame bosses, but for 95% of the game, not so much.
3.2. The Hunter
The Hunter class also sees improvements, particularly in how captured monsters are utilized.
| Feature | Octopath Traveler 1 | Octopath Traveler 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Captured Monsters | Limited number of uses per monster | No restriction on the number of uses; swap out as stronger ones are found |
| Overall Utility | Primarily used for “Leghold Trap” and arrow skills | More versatile due to unlimited uses and ability to swap monsters |
In Octopath Traveler 1, I almost exclusively used ‘leghold trap’ (make enemies go at the end of the turn), and the skills to fill multiple enemies with arrows.
4. Advanced Jobs and Guilds
Advanced jobs and the methods for acquiring them differ significantly between the two games, affecting character customization and progression.
4.1. Sorcerer and Warmaster vs. Armsmaster and Starseer
In Octopath Traveler 1, sorcerer and warmaster feel a lot more like just better versions of scholar and warrior respectively. Whereas in OT2 the Armsmaster has a quest where you search out relic weapons to add to your armoury. It’s just a lot more interesting than Warmaster. Starseer from OT though is a fun skillset.
| Feature | Octopath Traveler 1 | Octopath Traveler 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Jobs | Sorcerer and Warmaster feel like direct upgrades | Armsmaster has a unique quest for relic weapons; Starseer is fun |
| Overall Engagement | Less engaging advanced job implementation | More interesting and engaging advanced job implementation |
4.2. Gaining Jobs, Shrines, and Guilds
In OT1, finding the shrine gives you the job as a subclass option. In OT2, entering the shrine with the relevant character gives you a new latent power move for them, while you gain licenses for subclasses from guilds instead. Completing tasks for those guilds gives more licenses, meaning more people can share the subclass.
| Feature | Octopath Traveler 1 | Octopath Traveler 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass Acquisition | Finding shrines grants subclass options | Guilds provide licenses for subclasses |
| Additional Benefits | None | Shrines grant new latent power moves for relevant characters |
5. Mentor Characters and Tropes
The portrayal of mentor characters and the avoidance of tired tropes are areas where Octopath Traveler 2 demonstrates significant improvement.
5.1. Gender Representation
In OT1, I noticed that 3/4 the female characters are constantly in the shadow of a powerful father/father figure, with barely any mention of any significant mother figure at all in comparison.
| Aspect | Octopath Traveler 1 | Octopath Traveler 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Female Characters | Often in the shadow of father figures; limited maternal representation | Castii takes on a leadership role, avoiding overused tropes |
| Overall Representation | Uneven gender representation; reliance on familiar tropes | More balanced representation; stories feel fresher |
5.2. Stoic Leaders
OT2 handles this a lot better in terms of avoiding tropes, mainly through Castii taking Oberic’s role as a stoic, steady and experienced leader of people, full of gentle support. Her story is amazing and not wrapped up in well-trod paths, and her relationships with her supporting cast feel very fresh in comparison. In contrast, Hikari’s ‘Prince in exile needs to retake the throne’ treads very familiar fantasy ground. I found it more urgent than Olberic, and the contrast between them really well handled- Hikari is young and counters through speed and skill. Olberic is all strength and resilience in comparison, a rapier compared to a greatsword. I wasn’t a huge fan of Throne’s story as, like Primrose, some aspects felt a bit voyeuristic to me.
| Aspect | Octopath Traveler 1 | Octopath Traveler 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership | Olberic embodies the stoic leader archetype | Castii offers a fresh take on the stoic leader, avoiding familiar tropes |
| Narrative Impact | Stories can feel predictable | Stories feel more original and engaging |
6. World Design: Verticality and Exploration
The world design in Octopath Traveler 2 is more intricate and immersive than in the original, offering greater opportunities for exploration and discovery.
6.1. Map Design
OT2’s map gives you rivers and boats, which makes the world feel so much more alive. OT1’s fields are just crossroads connecting towns and dungeons really, you can’t get lost, whereas OT2 had a lot more of ‘how do I get to that dock over there’ and it being a couple of areas back and needing to go under a bridge or whatever. There’s more verticality with ladders too, more variety in dungeons, and the open sea means the world opens up more gradually. In OT2 I was still finding towns and islands and new areas as a surprise in the late game, whereas in OT1, none of them really were. Both games constantly surprised me in how often there was closure for NPCs, people you’d helped or even opposed earlier. They all have things to do, jobs and families or whatever, that aren’t wrapped up in your travels, and that’s cool.
| Feature | Octopath Traveler 1 | Octopath Traveler 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Map Design | Fields are crossroads connecting towns and dungeons; limited verticality | Includes rivers, boats, ladders, and varied dungeons; open sea expands exploration |
| Exploration | Less opportunity for getting lost or discovering new areas late in the game | More verticality, variety in dungeons, and the open sea means the world opens up more gradually. In OT2 I was still finding towns and islands and new areas as a surprise in the late game, whereas in OT1, none of them really were. |
6.2. NPC Closure
Both games constantly surprised me in how often there was closure for NPCs, people you’d helped or even opposed earlier. They all have things to do, jobs and families or whatever, that aren’t wrapped up in your travels, and that’s cool.
| Feature | Octopath Traveler 1 | Octopath Traveler 2 |
|---|---|---|
| NPC Interaction | Closure for NPCs is present | Closure for NPCs is enhanced |
7. Team Dynamics and Party Interaction
The sense of camaraderie and interaction between party members is enhanced in Octopath Traveler 2, creating a more cohesive and engaging experience.
7.1. Travel Banter
Having read some of the criticism of OT1 before playing it, I was expecting there to be very few skits or anything, but I found the travel banter to be OK to sell the illusion for me. OT2 just does it better though. Not only through it’s paired ‘crossed path’ sections, but also because it’s banter sparkles more somehow. Both games have a real sense of warmth though that I really appreciate. Sure, you need to let your imagination cover the gaps to allow the game to have you wander wherever you want in whatever order. But the characters are all worth following as their adventures play out over a series of vignettes. I imagined they are meant to be taken as if each character is telling a story over a drink.
| Feature | Octopath Traveler 1 | Octopath Traveler 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Banter | Present but less frequent | More frequent and engaging |
| Party Interaction | Limited skits | Paired “crossed path” sections enhance interaction |
| Overall Impact | Decent illusion of camaraderie | Stronger sense of warmth and connection between characters |
7.2. Warmth and Character
Both games have a real sense of warmth though that I really appreciate. Sure, you need to let your imagination cover the gaps to allow the game to have you wander wherever you want in whatever order. But the characters are all worth following as their adventures play out over a series of vignettes. I imagined they are meant to be taken as if each character is telling a story over a drink.
| Feature | Octopath Traveler 1 | Octopath Traveler 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Character Depth | Characters worth following | Enhanced warmth and character development |
8. Final Boss and Post-Game Content
The structure and quality of the final boss encounters and post-game content differ significantly, providing varying levels of satisfaction and closure.
8.1. Story Closure
OT1 doesn’t really have a final story chapter that wraps it all up, instead it has a post-game sidequest that offers a super-boss, before which are 8 mini bosses that all offer a page to read about how all the quests are linked. I didn’t defeat the boss itself, because after two hours of play, with no save points, a random ability from a boss spawn insta-killed my party. At that point, after 65 hours of play, I decided it wasn’t worth my time persevering- I read the things I wanted to read. OT2 does this much better- there’s a final chapter and a final boss that, while still feeling a little rushed, ties it all up with a fantastic epilogue that makes a great point to leave it. There’s a post-game sidequest super-boss again, but I didn’t do that either, although I’m sure both are fun for people who want to spend hours breaking down the fight and reworking the team. For me it’s not why I loved both of the OT games, but it does speak to the depth of the combat system- I’m sure it’s possible to beat these quests at a far lower level than I was when they wiped the floor with me
| Feature | Octopath Traveler 1 | Octopath Traveler 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Story Closure | Lacks a final story chapter; post-game sidequest with a super-boss | Includes a final chapter and boss with a fantastic epilogue |
| Post-Game | Super-boss requires extensive preparation; no save points; can be frustrating | Post-game sidequest with a super-boss; depth of combat system is notable |
8.2. Combat Depth
For me it’s not why I loved both of the OT games, but it does speak to the depth of the combat system- I’m sure it’s possible to beat these quests at a far lower level than I was when they wiped the floor with me
| Feature | Octopath Traveler 1 | Octopath Traveler 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Combat System | Deep and strategic | Enhanced depth and strategic possibilities |
9. Should You Play Octopath Traveler 1 Before 2?
Given the enhancements and improvements in Octopath Traveler 2, is it necessary to play the first game before diving into the sequel? Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
9.1. Standalone Stories
Both Octopath Traveler games feature standalone stories with minimal direct connections. This means you can enjoy Octopath Traveler 2 without prior knowledge of the first game.
| Factor | Octopath Traveler 1 | Octopath Traveler 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Story Connection | Minimal direct connections | Can be enjoyed without prior knowledge of the first game |
9.2. Enhanced Experience
Octopath Traveler 2 offers a more polished and refined experience, thanks to its quality-of-life improvements, engaging narrative, and enhanced gameplay mechanics.
| Factor | Octopath Traveler 1 | Octopath Traveler 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Experience | Solid but less refined | More polished and refined experience |
9.3. Personal Preference
Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy retro-style RPGs and want to experience the origins of the Octopath Traveler series, starting with the first game may be worthwhile. However, if you prioritize a more modern and streamlined experience, Octopath Traveler 2 is an excellent starting point.
| Factor | Octopath Traveler 1 | Octopath Traveler 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Retro Appeal | Strong retro appeal | Modern enhancements |
| Starting Point | Good for experiencing the series’ origins | Excellent for a streamlined and engaging starting point |
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11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Octopath Traveler
11.1. Is Octopath Traveler 2 a direct sequel to Octopath Traveler 1?
No, Octopath Traveler 2 features a new story and characters, separate from the first game.
11.2. Do I need to play Octopath Traveler 1 to understand Octopath Traveler 2?
No, both games have standalone stories. You can enjoy Octopath Traveler 2 without prior knowledge of the first game.
11.3. What are the main differences between Octopath Traveler 1 and 2?
Octopath Traveler 2 introduces several quality-of-life improvements, enhanced character introductions, refined class balance, and a more intricate world design.
11.4. Which game has better graphics and performance?
Octopath Traveler 2 generally has improved graphics and performance compared to the first game.
11.5. Is the combat system the same in both games?
The core combat system is similar, but Octopath Traveler 2 introduces new mechanics and refinements.
11.6. Which game has a better story?
Story preference is subjective, but Octopath Traveler 2 is often praised for its more engaging and urgent narrative.
11.7. Are there any recurring characters or locations between the two games?
No, both games feature entirely new characters and locations.
11.8. Which game is more beginner-friendly?
Octopath Traveler 2 is generally more beginner-friendly due to its quality-of-life improvements and more accessible gameplay mechanics.
11.9. Should I play both games?
If you enjoy retro-style RPGs, playing both games can provide a comprehensive experience of the series. However, if you prefer a more modern and streamlined experience, Octopath Traveler 2 is an excellent choice.
11.10. What platforms are Octopath Traveler 1 and 2 available on?
Both games are available on Nintendo Switch, PC, and Xbox.
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