Jazzy cowboy meets vengeful scholar in Octopath Traveler 2 trailer

Square Enix’s new Octopath Traveler 2 trailer introduces two of the eight playable heroes and a bit of what motivates them

Square Enix released a new Octopath Traveler 2 trailer spotlighting two of the upcoming RPG’s heroes, and if the first Octopath Traveler played things a bit too safe, it looks like the sequel is more than happy to break the mold. 

First up is Partitio, a happy-go-lucky merchant on a quest to bring a bit of light to the world after seeing his own home fall to ruin. Partitio’s journey takes him from the continent’s far, underdeveloped frontiers to a bustling steampunk city in search of a grand vessel, which he then takes around the seas to find his next lucrative business opportunity, accompanied by a particularly jazzy, saxophone-led soundtrack. 

Partitio isn’t just in it for the money, though. He sticks up for the oppressed and ostracized wherever his travels take him.

On the other end of the spectrum is the scholar, Osvald, the moon to Cyrus’s sun, the scholar from the original Octopath Traveler. Osvald spends his time in prison, accused of murdering his wife and daughter, but ever does he seek for an opportunity to escape, always watching those around him and quietly noting their weaknesses.

Once he breaks free, Osvald travels the frozen northlands in search of the one who betrayed him and slayed his family.

Both heroes have abilities similar to their respective classes’ talents in the original game, with a few twists. Partitio can buy items and hire battle partners, but his hired help can also leverage their influence in town to get the party discounts. Osvald can scan enemy weaknesses, and should you feel particularly cantankerous, he can also mug passersby or fight them and take all their goods.

Octopath Traveler 2 releases Feb. 24, 2022, for Nintendo Switch, PS4 and PS5, and PC via Steam. Square Enix made no mention of whether the sequel will release on Xbox at any point, though considering the first game is on Xbox Game Pass, a launch on that platform seems likely at some point.

Written by Josh Broadwell on behalf of GLHF