How Long is Octopath Traveler? A Playtime Guide

Octopath Traveler has gained attention for its unique approach to storytelling, focusing on eight different characters and their individual journeys.

Given its expansive world and multiple narratives, many players wonder about the time commitment required to fully experience the game.

In this guide, we’ll delve into the various aspects of the game and provide an overview of how long it might take to complete, depending on your playstyle. Let’s explore the journey ahead in Orsterra.

How Long is Octopath Traveler?

Main Story:

For players experiencing the game for the first time and focusing primarily on the main storylines of the eight characters, on average, it would take 60 hours. This includes navigating the vast continent of Orsterra, engaging in turn-based battles, and experiencing the individual narratives of the eight protagonists.

Main Story + Some Extras:

For players who delve into the main story and also tackle some extras, such as engaging in side quests, exploring additional dungeons, and participating in optional boss battles, the gameplay duration is approximately 79 to 80 hours.

Completionists (100%):

Those aiming for 100% completion—discovering all hidden items, fully exploring every nook and cranny of the game world, mastering all job classes, and unraveling every story detail—can expect to invest about 101 to 106 hours.

Speedruns:

Speedrunners aim to finish “Octopath Traveler” as rapidly as possible using various strategies and shortcuts, and have diverse categories for their runs. As of writing, the speedrun record for all main stories is 3 hours, 11 minutes and 58 seconds.

Factors that Influence Playtime

Various in-game elements can alter the duration of a player’s journey. Whether it’s the chosen narrative path, engagement with side content, or mastery of battle mechanics, every decision can shape the overall playtime experience.

1. Character Choices and Storyline: In Octopath Traveler, players can choose the order in which they tackle the protagonists’ stories. Some character storylines may be longer or more complex than others. The order and combination in which you approach them can influence total playtime.
2. Battle Strategy and Proficiency: Players who master the game’s battle mechanics may progress faster, while others may need more time to strategize or may face more retries in challenging fights.
3. Exploration Depth: The game boasts a vast world filled with hidden treasures, secret paths, and optional dungeons. Players who choose to explore every corner of the map will naturally spend more time in the game.
4. Side Quests and Optional Content: Engaging in side quests, optional boss battles, and other non-mandatory content can considerably extend playtime.
5. Leveling and Grinding: Some players might choose (or find it necessary) to spend time leveling up their characters to overcome challenging sections. This grinding can add hours to playtime.
6. Job System Mastery: The game features a complex job system. Players who delve deep into mastering and experimenting with various job combinations might spend additional hours in gameplay.
7. Player Experience with JRPGs: Those familiar with the mechanics and tropes of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) might progress faster than players new to the genre.

In essence, the factors affecting playtime range from the choices made in character story progression to the depth of engagement with the game’s mechanics and world.

Criteria for 100% Completion:

Achieving 100% completion means delving deeper than just the main narratives of the eight protagonists. Here’s a breakdown of what it entails:

1. Main Storylines: Complete all eight protagonists’ individual stories from start to finish, witnessing each of their resolutions.
2. Side Quests: Finish all available side quests scattered throughout the world. This often requires interacting with various NPCs, completing tasks, or defeating specific enemies.
3. Hidden Dungeons: Discover and clear all the hidden dungeons throughout Orsterra. Each of these can present unique challenges and rewards.
4. All Job Classes: Unlock and master every available job class in the game. This includes both the basic job classes and the advanced ones found in hidden shrines.
5. Boss Battles: Defeat every boss, including optional and secret bosses that aren’t tied directly to the main storylines.
6. Collectibles: Acquire every unique item, weapon, and piece of armor available in the game.
7. Character Interactions: Engage in every possible Travel Banter and party chat, which allows for additional character development and insights.
8. Achievements/Trophies: If playing on a platform with achievements or trophies, earn every single one related to the game.
9. Max Leveling: Reach the maximum level with each of the eight protagonists.

Achieving 100% completion requires a deep level of dedication, exploration, and mastery of the game’s mechanics and intricacies.