Square Enix has officially opened a brand-new chapter in its acclaimed HD-2D universe, as OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0 launches on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and PC, complete with Play Anywhere support.
Positioned as a prequel that rewinds the clock on the world of Orsterra, this latest entry gives you something the series has never offered before – the chance to craft your own hero from scratch. From appearance to voice to fighting style, OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0 lets you quite literally start at zero.
With the series’ trademark blend of retro pixel art and modern 3D lighting, plus returning mechanics such as Path Actions and the Break and Boost battle system, Square Enix has shaped something that feels both familiar and daringly new.
And for long-time fans who were pulled in by the strong world-building of the previous games – as noted in our 4/5 review of OCTOPATH TRAVELER and our 4.5/5 thoughts surrounding OCTOPATH TRAVELER II – this prequel looks set to dig deeper into Orsterra’s history than ever before.
Experience A New Kind Of Journey
While previous games placed you in the shoes of eight pre-defined protagonists, OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0 shifts the spotlight firmly onto you. Your created character is the beating heart of the narrative, tying together themes of retribution, renewal and the mysterious divine rings that fuel the story’s central conflict.
But this isn’t just a new tale. It’s a wider reimagining of how players interact with the world.
Build Your Hero, Shape Your Home
Two new systems define the OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0 experience:
- Character Creation – Build your own protagonist, selecting appearance, voice, animations and even their favourite dish
- Town Building – Restore a fallen hometown by inviting NPCs, gathering allies and shaping the community to suit your style
Combined, these ideas transform your role from wandering adventurer to active world-builder. And if you want to upgrade your game later, £11.99 will sort you out with the Digital Deluxe Upgrade pack.
Key Features At A Glance
- Create your own protagonist through a detailed character creator
- Rebuild and expand your home settlement through town building
- Form parties of up to eight heroes from more than 30 possible allies
- Use Path Actions to recruit townsfolk, gather items, and start fights
- Equip Action Skills that can be inherited and passed across your roster
- Enjoy HD-2D visuals, strategic command battles and classic Break and Boost systems
For players who want more from day one, the Deluxe Edition (£54.99) upgrades the base game with:
- Deluxe Travel Provisions
- Additional Action Skills including Triple Strike Mastery, SP Saver Mastery and Extra JP Mastery
- Eight medium-sized Nut items to boost your party’s stats
- Festive town decorations such as arches, flags and display pieces
- A full digital art book accessible via the Square Enix Digital Content Viewer
It’s a tidy bonus bundle that complements both the character creator and town building systems.
A Prequel With Purpose
OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0 doesn’t just act as a narrative precursor – it expands on what made the series great. Our previous coverage highlighted how the HD-2D aesthetic remains one of the strongest visual styles in modern JRPGs, and this new entry continues to push that identity forward with more detail, more atmosphere and more emotion woven into every environment.
It’s also been one of December’s standout releases in our Must-Plays list, and now that it’s here, it’s easy to see why. We’ll obviously find out for sure in full review, but this is a world rich with choice, stories and secrets, inviting players to approach their adventure from all-new angles.
Is OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0 on Game Pass?
So the big question, the one most Xbox gamers will be looking to know – is OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0 on Game Pass?
Well, at launch, the answer is unfortunately, no, OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0 is not on Game Pass, neither that of the Xbox or PC variety.
Of course, that could well change in the future. We’ll let you know if it does.
Begin Your Path
With its blend of player-driven storytelling, classic mechanics and creative new systems, OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0 feels like a confident step forward for the franchise. Whether you’re new to Orsterra or returning after falling in love with the original games, this prequel offers a bold, personal take on the JRPG formula that encourages experimentation and rewards curiosity.
The journey starts at zero – and your story begins now.
Head over to the Xbox Store to grab an Xbox and PC version of OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0, with that Play Anywhere support in house. Alternatively, find it on Switch, PlayStation or PC.
