Octopath Traveler 0: Trailers, Release Date, And Everything We Know About Square-Enix’s New JRPG

There’s been a resurgence of interest in turn-based RPGs in recent times–and, it seems, not enough new big-name titles in the space to appease eager fans. Thankfully for players who’re craving some of the finest JRPG combat out there, Square-Enix has a brand new installment in its popular Octopath Traveler series set for release this December on consoles and PC. Fear not, eager adventurers–we’ve got all the information we know about OT0 right here, including release specifics, trailers, and gameplay details so you’ll be ready for your adventure.

When Will Octopath Traveler 0 be released?

Thankfully, you won’t have to wait too long for a hearty dose of turn-based JRPG goodness. As was announced during the Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase^[1], Octopath Traveler 0 will release on December 4, 2025–giving you plenty of time during the holiday break to dig deep into what’s likely to be a lengthy adventure.

Preorder Octopath Traveler 0

Octopath Traveler 0 will be available digitally in both standard and digital deluxe editions. The standard edition will be $49.99, and is available both physically and digitally. You can purchase the physical editions for Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series on Amazon^[6].

The digital deluxe edition, which includes a digital art book, three starting Action Skills (Triple Strike Mastery, SP Saver Master and Extra JP Mastery), alongside extra expendable combat items and special decorations for your town, is available exclusively through download storefronts and retails for $59.99.

The physical Collector’s Edition, which includes all of the Digital Deluxe extras alongside a bevy of physical goodies pictured below in a big collector box, is available exclusively on the Square Enix Online Store for $229.99.^[7]

All Octopath Traveler 0 pre-orders include the “Travel Provisions” item set, which contains five Healing Grape (M), five Inspiriting Plum (M), two Revitalizing Jam, and the Icewind Mastery Action Skill.

Check out the Octopath Traveler 0 trailer

With OT0’s Nintendo Direct reveal came a trailer and snippets of gameplay. As we can see, the game still boasts its trademark HD-2D visuals and strategic turn-based combat. There are intriguing new additions shown briefly, as well, including a glimpse at the game’s town-rebuilding mechanic and character creation.

Octopath Traveler 0 platforms

Octopath Traveler 0 will be available on the majority of current platforms: Xbox Series, PlayStation 4 and 5, Switch and Switch 2, and PC.

Octopath Traveler 0 story, setting, and characters

Octopath Traveler 0 is loosely based on the mobile game Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent.^[12] It takes place on Orsterra, the same setting as CotC and the original Octopath Traveler. During the Day of Reverence ceremony in Wishvale, the city is attacked and razed to the ground, leaving your created character with the task of both rebuilding and seeking revenge on those responsible.

The reveal trailer introduces a few story characters: Stia, an Architect who is the player character’s childhood friend; Phenn, a watchful Huntsman; and Laurana, a Cleric. Square Enix claims that there will be over 30 playable characters in total, and they will all have some unique abilities. Further character reveals include Celsus the thief, Alexia the Scholar, Ludo the Merchant, Viator the Warrior, and Macy the Apothecary. Antagonists that have been revealed so far include Herminia, the Covetous Witch; Tytos, the Hero; and Auguste, the Playwright.

Octopath Traveler 0 gameplay

Octopath Traveler 0 inherits much of the freeform exploration gameplay of previous titles. There’s no set, linear route you’ll be required to take from beginning to end, though certain areas may be easier than others depending on your party composition, skills, and equipment. You’ll be able to interact with NPCs through various, character-specific Path Actions, such as Entreat (asking NPCs to give you items) and Inquire (pressing NPCs to give you more information). One of the new Path Actions we know is in the game is Invite, which allows you to attempt to bring an NPC to live in your town.

Enemy encounters occur randomly in certain areas, though there are some encounters that are visible on the map–including challenging elite-tier enemies that require some extra power and strategy to take down.

Octopath Traveler 0 combat

Like the original Octopath Traveler and its sequel, Octopath Traveler 0 features turn-based combat in which you aim to strategically target enemy weaknesses to break down their “shields.” When their shields hit 0, they enter a weakened stun state, allowing you a prime opportunity for a big attack. You can also choose to use a Boost during a character’s turn to enhance their skills’ effectiveness. What makes OT0’s combat different is that up to eight characters can join in, up from four in OT and OT2. The front-row characters are active in combat, while the back-row team provides various boosts. You can switch characters between rows in battle, as well, opening up new strategies. For more details on combat, read our Octopath Traveler 0 Gamescom preview.^[13][14][15]

Octopath Traveler 0’s new features

Some big new mechanics have been introduced in Octopath Traveler 0. One such new element is town-building, which you’ll use to reconstruct Wishdale. In this mode, you’ll use materials to place and build structures. As you play, you can recruit characters who will aid in rebuilding in various ways, such as staffing facilities. You can also upgrade these facilities through quests. For more details on town-building, check out our Octopath Traveler 0 preview from Gamescom.^[16]

The other big feature is character creation and customization, which we detail below.

How character creation works in Octopath Traveler 0

Since all of its characters are drawn in 2D pixel art, character creation in Octopath Traveler 0 is a bit different from many of the 3D titles that offer the feature. You’ll be able to select a base gender, small facial details (eye appearance and color), hairstyle and hair color, skin tone, victory/action poses, voice, and name. Going from the trailer, you’ll also be able to choose a starting Learned Skill (likely similar to Hikari’s mechanic in Octopath Traveler II^[17]), starting job, a favorite food (which gives specific stat boosts), and starting gear.