If you played Octopath Traveler 1, where some starting classes made life more difficult than it should have been, choosing the right class might seem overwhelming. The classes and characters in Octopath Traveler 2 are more balanced than they were in the original game, so you can choose whichever character appeals to you. It should be noted that some stories begin with a strong narrative push or have more combat utility.
The purpose of this chapter is to explain what character to choose at the beginning of Octopath Traveler 2 and what path to take after it.
Octopath Traveler 2: Who to start with
The opening chapters of Octopath Traveler 2 are more balanced than the first game’s, so regardless of who you choose to start with, you won’t be at a disadvantage.
Octopath 2’s best story to start with
There are four best stories for those who want a story that starts with a strong hook and keeps them interested until the end: Partitio, Throné, Ochette, and Temenos.
Partitio’s story begins like a typical merchant’s tale about an intrepid adventurer seeking money but quickly becomes more serious and nuanced. In his quest to eradicate poverty, Partitio takes a surprising turn on capitalism and humanity’s duty to one another.
Throne’s tale eschews optimism in favor of portraying society’s darker side and oppressed people. It’s a compelling tale that’s consistently strong throughout.
There is a unique twist on the in-game economy in Ochette’s first chapter, which is a mix of heavy themes and lighthearted optimism. It also provides a different perspective on the lore of Octopath 2 and the broader story that connects the eight heroes.
A thief’s quest leads you through the seedy streets of the continent’s biggest cities
Then there’s Temenos, a priest who serves as an inquisitor for the church, but he soon discovers the biggest threat is not the unbelievers.
Combat’s best-starting character in Octopath 2
Although each class can hold its own in Octopath 2, Osvald, Ochette, and Hikari make your early battles much easier.
Osvald’s class perk lets him identify an enemy’s weakness once the battle begins. Due to his spells’ ability to target all enemies on the field, he is especially effective against night mobs as well as enemies with resilience.
It doesn’t matter which animal companion you choose for Ochette, she can summon an enemy’s magical or physical weakness automatically. In addition, Ochette can capture and summon monsters, many with multi-target attacks and some with healing skills to keep Ochette going during difficult battles.
Hikari’s sword attacks hit multiple enemies at first, and while his spear attacks are initially single-target, you can learn a powerful skill that makes even bosses easy to deal with. Regardless of his opponent’s weaknesses, his counter-skill reduces the damage he receives and automatically strikes the attacking foe, reducing their shield points by one.
How to choose a path in Octopath Traveler 2
The next step is pretty much up to you after you choose your character. The first chapter of each character comes with a level recommendation of one, and they are located in low-level areas that you can access at any time. Both continents have ports roughly in the center, so you can get to the other side of the world from anywhere in the world.
In order to save her village, Ochette must also save the world.
After you clear the first eight chapters, the structure is slightly more defined. Everyone’s second chapters have staggered levels that make it easier to decide where to go next. As an example, the eastern continent’s event in Throne has a recommended level in the 30s, while the western continent’s event has a much lower level.
To be most efficient, it’s best to pick a character to cover your starting character’s weakness, such as someone who specializes in magic teamed up with somebody who specializes in melee.
The format would be as follows:
- Osvald: Partitio, Ochette, or Hikari
- Temenos: Osvald, Hikari, or Partitio
- Throné: Osvald, Ochette, or Castti
- Ochette: Osvald, Castti, or Hikari
- Castti: Osvald or Hikari
- Hikari: Temenos, Osvald, or Castti
- Partitio: Osvald or Throné
- Agnea: Osvald or Ochette
