How to Get New Characters and Change Stories in Octopath Traveler 2

When starting out Octopath Traveler 2, picking your first character is easy, but may leave you wondering how to get all of the new one party members or change to a different story. The game doesn’t immediately explain it, so it could be a bit confusing. However, the sequel works exactly like the original. Once you want to add to your roster or pursue another path, you need to head to a town where someone else is nearby. Prompts will let you choose whether to start someone’s story chapter when you walk into a town, when applicable. Also, if you missed some story segments or want to change your party, you can head to any inn in any town to swap your party or see another story.

Let’s use Throne as an example. After completing chapter one of her story in New Delsta, you gain access to the world map. Chapter two of her story is set in Winterbloom and has a recommended level of 16. If you check the map, you’ll see Temenos is right nearby to the northeast at Flamechurch. If you go there and speak to him, you can complete his chapter one, thus unlocking him and adding him to the party. From there, Osvald is to the northwest above him in the Winterlands Southern Cape Cold Snows. You could also head south and detour to Ochette’s story in Toto’haha’s Beasting Village to the southwest, though that does take you further away from Throne’s next destination.

So say I send Throne to Flamechurch. Immediately upon entering the town, a story scene will trigger with an insurgent calling out a cleric. Temenos will then appear and ask if the player’s active character will offer assistance. Saying yes kicks off his prequel and adds him to the party. Once Temenos’ introduction is done, you have both characters in your roster.

As for how to change all characters in your party or stories in Octopath Traveler 2, that involves a visit to a town. If you head to a tavern, you can change party. This lets you swap active allies with idle characters. If there are chapters you haven’t seen or additional stories in a town, you can see that there as well.

Octopath Traveler 2 is available for the Switch, PS4, PS5, and PC. A demo is available.