The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Start with Octopath Traveler II if you want the closest continuation of the original game’s eight-traveler structure and strategic turn-based battles. Choose Triangle Strategy for tactical grid combat and political decisions, Live A Live for a compact anthology of separate stories, or Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake for traditional party building and open-ended classic questing.
The official HD-2D label now covers eight major console releases, so there are more credible follow-ups than simply buying another Octopath game. This guide separates sequels, remakes and new games, then matches each one to the part of Octopath Traveler you most want to keep.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
OCTOPATH TRAVELER II | $35.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Octopath Traveler II - Nintendo Switch | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Octopath Traveler II | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Octopath Traveler II | $25.57 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0 (Nintendo Switch 2) | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Quick ranking: which HD-2D JRPG should you play next?
| Rank | Game | What changes from Octopath Traveler | Best for | Documented physical edition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Octopath Traveler II | Another eight-character adventure with individual storylines, a new setting and strategic turn-based battles | The most familiar follow-up | Individual physical and digital editions for Nintendo Switch 2 are documented by Square Enix (July 13, 2026 release) |
| 2 | Triangle Strategy | Battlefields are tactical grids and political choices are resolved through a voting system | Players who value positioning and consequential decisions | Not stated in the supplied material |
| 3 | Live A Live | A story-driven remake built from distinct eras and chapters rather than one continuous journey | Shorter, self-contained narratives | Not stated in the supplied material |
| 4 | Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake | A modern reimagining of a classic quest with a broad explorable world and traditional party building | Classic role-playing and world exploration | Physical editions for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S are documented by Square Enix |
The official catalog also lists Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, Octopath Traveler 0 and The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales. They are worth checking as newer options, but platform support and regional release details should be confirmed before purchase.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →What “HD-2D” means here
“HD-2D” is used here in the narrow, official Square Enix sense. The presentation combines pixel-art characters and environments with modern 3D depth, lighting and camera effects. A game can resemble that look without belonging to the official catalog, so visual similarity alone is not enough for this list.
#1 Best Overall
- Begin your adventure as one of eight new travelers, each with their own origins, motivations, and unique skills.
- The series’ HD-2D graphics, a fusion of retro pixel art and 3DCG, have reached even greater heights.
- The story takes place in Solistia, where diverse cultures thrive from east to west and the industries of the new era flourish. You can sail the seas and explore every corner of a world that changes from day to night.
- Each traveler has a unique set of Path Actions they can use to battle townspeople, obtain items, take others along in their travels, and more. Where will you go? What will you do? Every path is yours to take.
- Familiar mechanics from the original game have been preserved, like the freedom to develop your travelers’ jobs and skills, as well as the Break and Boost system that made battles so exhilarating. New mechanics have also been added.
The current official catalog contains eight major console releases marketed with the HD-2D name:
- Octopath Traveler
- Octopath Traveler II
- Octopath Traveler 0
- Live A Live
- Triangle Strategy
- Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
- Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake
- The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales
That list matters because the games share an art direction but not a single format. Some are remakes, one is a direct sequel, one is an anthology and another is a tactical strategy RPG. The right choice depends more on structure and combat than on the visual style alone.
1. Octopath Traveler II: the closest structural follow-up
Why it feels familiar
Square Enix describes Octopath Traveler II as a new-world adventure centered on eight travelers. Each character has an individual storyline and motivation, while battles remain strategic and turn based. That combination preserves the original’s defining rhythm: recruit a varied cast, pursue personal chapters and assemble a party for difficult encounters.
The sequel is therefore the safest recommendation when your favorite part of Octopath Traveler was switching between protagonists rather than following one fixed hero. It is not presented as a remake of the first game; it is a separate adventure in a new setting that keeps the character-led structure.
What to expect as a returning player
- Eight playable travelers with their own narrative focus.
- Turn-based battles that reward planning rather than reflexes.
- A new world instead of a retelling of the original journey.
- The same broad appeal for players who enjoy party composition and character-driven chapters.
Because the sequel retains the core format, it is also the easiest recommendation for someone who wants minimal adjustment. You can move directly from the original’s chapter-based flow without learning an entirely different genre.
Edition and sales facts
Square Enix’s July 13, 2026 release confirms an individual physical edition and a digital edition for Nintendo Switch 2. Retail inventory, prices and regional availability can change, so check the listing for your country before ordering. The same release reports that the Octopath Traveler series has shipped and sold more than 7 million copies worldwide; that figure is a series total, not a unit count for this sequel alone.
Square Enix characterizes the game as suitable for newcomers while preserving the original’s appeal through improved HD-2D presentation. In practical terms, that means you do not need to finish the first game to understand the sequel’s premise, but existing players should recognize the design philosophy immediately.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #2
- Begin your adventure as one of eight new travelers, each with their own origins, motivations, and unique skills
- The series’ HD-2D graphics, a fusion of retro pixel art and 3DCG, have reached even greater heights
- The story takes place in Solistia, where diverse cultures thrive from east to west and the industries of the new era flourish; You can sail the seas and explore every corner of a world that changes from day to night
- Each traveler has a unique set of Path Actions they can use to battle townspeople, obtain items, take others along in their travels, and more; Where will you go, What will you do, Every path is yours to take
- Familiar mechanics from the original game have been preserved, like the freedom to develop your travelers’ jobs and skills, as well as the Break and Boost system that made battles so exhilarating; New mechanics have also been added
2. Triangle Strategy: the tactical and political alternative
How the combat differs
Triangle Strategy keeps the HD-2D presentation but shifts the action to tactical battles. Instead of moving a party through conventional encounter spaces and selecting commands from a standard battle screen, you plan on a grid where positioning and movement are central concerns. Windows Central describes its combat as an advanced tactical system, making it the strongest choice for readers who enjoyed making careful battle plans more than free-form exploration.
Choices that affect the story
The narrative is political, and player decisions are shaped through a voting system. That creates a different kind of party responsibility from Octopath Traveler: you are not only deciding which character to bring into a fight, but also influencing the direction of the wider story. The consequences give the campaign a deliberative pace, with debate and conviction alongside combat.
Who should choose it
- Choose it if you want battles where terrain, placement and turn order matter as much as character abilities.
- Choose it if branching political decisions are more appealing than separate personal chapters.
- Choose it if you are comfortable with a slower, more methodical campaign structure.
Do not pick it expecting an Octopath-style travel loop. The shared visual language may look familiar, but the tactical grid and voting system make this a strategy RPG first. Its appeal comes from deliberate planning and narrative consequence rather than a loose party road trip.
3. Live A Live: the compact anthology
A collection of distinct stories
Live A Live is a story-driven HD-2D remake from Team Asano. Its defining structure is an anthology: the campaign is divided into separate chapters set in different eras, rather than one long continuous journey following a single group of travelers.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
This format suits players who liked the individual character focus in Octopath Traveler but want each scenario to feel more self-contained. You can approach the chapters as a set of focused experiments in setting, tone and premise instead of committing immediately to another large party adventure.
Where it is available
The game first released as an HD-2D remake on Nintendo Switch and later launched on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC. Those are documented platforms for the remake; availability of a boxed copy, language options and regional editions can differ by market.
Why its scale matters
An anthology changes how you manage time and expectations. You are not building one uninterrupted progression path across every chapter, so the appeal is variety and contrast. It is the best-ranked option here for readers who want a complete story experience in smaller arcs, or who prefer to sample several premises instead of spending an entire campaign with one party.
Rank #3
- Begin your adventure as one of eight new travelers, each with their own origins, motivations, and unique skills.
- The series’ HD-2D graphics, a fusion of retro pixel art and 3DCG, have reached even greater heights.
- The story takes place in Solistia, where diverse cultures thrive from east to west and the industries of the new era flourish. You can sail the seas and explore every corner of a world that changes from day to night.
- Each traveler has a unique set of Path Actions they can use to battle townspeople, obtain items, take others along in their travels, and more. Where will you go? What will you do? Every path is yours to take.
- Please note that although this game is Region Free or Region Unlocked and will work on all systems, this is the international version and may differ from the local version in age rating, labeling or instructions.
Pick Live A Live when “more Octopath” sounds less appealing than “more inventive HD-2D storytelling.” Pick something else if your priority is a single world to explore continuously or a persistent party that develops throughout one unified quest.
4. Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake: classic questing with modern presentation
The role it plays in the series
The official site calls Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake a reimagining of the classic and the narrative beginning of the Erdrick Trilogy. Its world is organized around towns, castles, caves and towers, giving exploration a broader traditional role than the chapter-by-chapter structure of Octopath Traveler.
Modernized systems
Square Enix’s store description highlights pixel art fused with 3D graphics, a modernized interface, quality-of-life improvements and enhanced turn-based battles. The result is aimed at players who want the foundations of classic party-based role-playing without using an unmodified vintage interface.
Its party-building emphasis also makes it a useful contrast with the Octopath games. Rather than selecting from eight protagonists with fixed personal chapters, you approach the adventure as a traditional quest with a party designed for the challenges of a larger world.
Physical platforms
Square Enix documents a physical game for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, along with a collector’s set. The existence of a physical edition does not guarantee current stock in every country, and collector’s-set quantities can be especially variable. Verify the exact platform, language and region before buying.
Who should choose it
- Choose it for a classic hero’s journey built around exploration and party composition.
- Choose it if towns, dungeons and a broad overworld sound more appealing than separate character chapters.
- Choose it if you want documented physical console options beyond Nintendo hardware.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is the strongest recommendation for someone who wants the HD-2D look but does not specifically need Octopath’s eight-protagonist format.
The newer official HD-2D options
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake
The official HD-2D catalog now includes Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake. It is a newer option for players interested in the earlier Erdrick-era adventures after experiencing Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. The available catalog information establishes its place as an official HD-2D release, but does not specify a complete platform or physical-edition breakdown here. Check the current regional store page before deciding how to buy it.
Rank #4
- Begin your adventure as one of eight new travelers, each with their own origins, motivations, and unique skills.
- The series’ HD-2D graphics, a fusion of retro pixel art and 3DCG, have reached even greater heights.
- The story takes place in Solistia, where diverse cultures thrive from east to west and the industries of the new era flourish. You can sail the seas and explore every corner of a world that changes from day to night.
- Each traveler has a unique set of Path Actions they can use to battle townspeople, obtain items, take others along in their travels, and more. Where will you go? What will you do? Every path is yours to take.
- Familiar mechanics from the original game have been preserved, like the freedom to develop your travelers’ jobs and skills, as well as the Break and Boost system that made battles so exhilarating. New mechanics have also been added.
Octopath Traveler 0
Octopath Traveler 0 is another current entry in the official catalog. Its title makes it relevant to fans of the series, but the catalog listing alone does not establish whether its structure, party system or release editions match either numbered Octopath Traveler game. Treat it as a newer series option and verify the current product details for your platform and region.
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales expands the official HD-2D catalog beyond the established Octopath and Dragon Quest names. It is worth watching if the visual style is your main reason for shopping, but the supplied catalog information does not provide enough combat, story or edition detail to rank it above the four games described in depth. Confirm its release status and platform support before purchasing.
Recommended Free Tools
Choose by the change you want from Octopath Traveler
| If you want… | Choose… | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| The same eight-character concept in a new setting | Octopath Traveler II | It preserves eight individual travelers, personal storylines and strategic turn-based battles |
| More tactical positioning | Triangle Strategy | Its combat is built around a tactical grid and advanced battle mechanics |
| Decisions with political consequences | Triangle Strategy | A voting system shapes the political story |
| Several focused scenarios instead of one campaign | Live A Live | It is an anthology of distinct eras and chapters |
| Traditional towns, dungeons and party building | Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake | It reimagines a classic quest with a broad world and modernized systems |
| A newer catalog entry | Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, Octopath Traveler 0 or The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales | All three appear on the current official HD-2D list, but platform and regional details require a current check |
Sequel, remake or anthology: understand the commitment
Choose a sequel for continuity
A sequel is the least disruptive transition. Octopath Traveler II keeps the recognizable party-and-chapter idea while changing the world, so it is the right purchase when your priority is continuity of structure rather than continuity of plot.
Choose a remake for a classic foundation
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake and Live A Live are remakes, but they solve different needs. Dragon Quest III modernizes a traditional world quest; Live A Live modernizes an anthology of distinct scenarios. The word “remake” does not tell you how either game will flow, so use campaign structure as the deciding factor.
Choose a tactical RPG for a different type of mastery
Triangle Strategy asks you to master battlefields and political choices rather than simply optimize a traveling party. It is a genuine change of pace, not merely another game wearing the same visual style.
Physical-edition checklist
Physical availability is documented for two of the ranked recommendations, but stock and regional support are separate questions. Before ordering, check:
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match- Platform: Match the disc or cartridge to your exact console model. The documented Octopath Traveler II physical release is for Nintendo Switch 2, while Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is documented for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
- Region: Confirm that the retailer ships to your country and that the box includes your preferred language.
- Edition: Distinguish a standard physical game from a collector’s set. Square Enix documents both for Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake.
- Stock and price: Treat retailer inventory and pricing as temporary. The July 13, 2026 confirmation for Octopath Traveler II establishes that an individual physical edition exists, not that every retailer has it in stock.
- Digital fallback: If a boxed copy is unavailable, check the platform’s official digital storefront for the edition sold in your region.
Physical-edition information for Triangle Strategy, Live A Live, Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, Octopath Traveler 0 and The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is not established in the supplied material, so do not assume a boxed release from the HD-2D label alone.
Best Value
- Embark on an adventure of your own creation. The latest in the OCTOPATH TRAVELER series.
- New story content – Experience original, streamlined story content and quests with new paths to achieve.
- Character creation – Create a customized protagonist with unique appearance, voice, motions and more.
- Town building system – Rebuild the protagonist's town as the story progresses with evolving town reconstruction mechanics and development while inviting new people to live in the town.*
- HD-2D Visuals – The series’ iconic graphic style returns, bringing a striking blend of retro 2D characters in a beautiful 3D world.
A practical order for an Octopath fan
- Start with Octopath Traveler II if you want the original game’s party format with the fewest structural changes.
- Move to Triangle Strategy if you want battles to become the main source of depth and are interested in political decisions.
- Try Live A Live when you want shorter, self-contained chapters and a wider range of settings.
- Choose Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake when exploration, classic quest design and flexible party building matter more than following eight protagonists.
- Investigate the newer catalog entries after checking current platform, region and edition information for Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, Octopath Traveler 0 and The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales.
Common buying mistakes
Assuming every HD-2D game plays like Octopath
The label describes presentation, not genre. Triangle Strategy is tactical, Live A Live is an anthology and Dragon Quest III is a classic-style world quest. Decide from the combat and campaign descriptions, not screenshots alone.
Treating a catalog listing as a platform guarantee
The official list establishes that a title belongs to the HD-2D catalog, but it does not by itself confirm every regional release, language option or physical edition. Recheck those details at the store where you intend to buy.
Reading the sales figure as a sequel sales result
The more-than-7-million figure reported by Square Enix covers the Octopath Traveler series worldwide. It is not a standalone sales claim for Octopath Traveler II.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to play the first Octopath Traveler before Octopath Traveler II?
No. Square Enix presents Octopath Traveler II as a new-world adventure with eight travelers, so it is a separate entry. The sequel is also described as suitable for newcomers.
Which recommendation is most different from Octopath Traveler?
Triangle Strategy changes the format most substantially because its battles use tactical grids and its political story is shaped by a voting system.
Which game is best if I only want a short anthology format?
Live A Live is the anthology choice, with distinct chapters and eras instead of one continuous party campaign.
Which listed game has the clearest documented multi-console physical release?
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake has documented physical editions for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, plus a collector’s set.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteQuick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
