The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Video Games›Octopath Traveler
Entertainment • Video Games

Octopath Traveler

Octopath Traveler is a 2018 role-playing video game developed by Square Enix in collaboration with Acquire.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Octopath Traveler is a 2018 role-playing video game developed by Square Enix in collaboration with Acquire. The game uses an "HD-2D" visual style and follows eight playable characters across the fantasy world of Orsterra. It was first released for Nintendo Switch in July 2018, with later ports for Windows, Stadia, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.

Gameplay

Octopath Traveler is a single-player role-playing game built around turn-based combat and eight distinct character storylines. Players can choose their starting character and explore the world in a non-linear structure.

Setting and story

The game takes place in Orsterra, a world shaped by divine mythology and religious conflict. Its narrative follows the intersecting journeys of eight heroes as they travel across the continent.

Visual style

The game is widely associated with Square Enix's HD-2D style, which combines retro pixel art with high-definition lighting and 3D environments. This visual approach became one of the game's defining features.

Release and platforms

Octopath Traveler was first released for Nintendo Switch in 2018, then ported to Windows in 2019, Stadia in 2020, Xbox One in 2021, and PlayStation 4 and 5 in 2024.

Key facts

  • Octopath Traveler features eight protagonists, each with an individual story path.
  • The game is set in the fantasy continent of Orsterra.
  • It is known for its HD-2D presentation, blending pixel art with modern visual effects.
  • The Nintendo Switch version launched first in July 2018.
  • A sequel, Octopath Traveler II, was released in 2023, and a prequel, Octopath Traveler 0, was released in 2025.
🍁
Canadian context

Octopath Traveler was published for Nintendo Switch in Canada and other regions by Nintendo at launch, and it is available on platforms commonly used by Canadian players.[5][11]

Frequently asked questions

What kind of game is Octopath Traveler?
It is a single-player role-playing game with turn-based combat.
Who developed Octopath Traveler?
It was developed by Square Enix in collaboration with Acquire.
How many playable characters are in Octopath Traveler?
The game has eight playable characters, each with their own storyline.
What is the game’s setting?
It is set in the fantasy world of Orsterra.
What platforms is Octopath Traveler on?
It has been released on Nintendo Switch, Windows, Stadia, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octopath_Traveler
    Supports: Developer, genre, setting, eight protagonists, HD-2D style, and Orsterra lore.
  2. Wikipedia — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octopath_Traveler
    Supports: Release platforms and dates, HD-2D description, and genre.
  3. Wikipedia — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octopath_Traveler
    Supports: Release dates across platforms and later-series entries.
  4. Weblio — https://www.weblio.jp/content/OCTOPATH_TRAVELER
    Supports: Platforms, development/publishing credits, and release dates.
  5. Fandom — https://octopathtraveler.fandom.com/wiki/Octopath_Traveler
    Supports: Role-playing game designation and basic series description.