Octopath Traveler II offers eight unique characters, each with their own compelling story, abilities, and playstyles. Choosing the right starting character can significantly impact your early game experience. While there's no single "best" character, as the ideal choice depends heavily on your preferred playstyle, this guide will break down each character's strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision. We'll also address some frequently asked questions to further assist you in your journey.
What Makes a "Best" Starting Character?
The "best" starting character in Octopath Traveler II is subjective, but generally boils down to these factors:
- Ease of Early Game Progression: Some characters offer skills that are particularly helpful in the initial stages of the game, making the early encounters less challenging.
- Strong Early-Game Abilities: Certain characters possess inherently powerful abilities that are effective against a wide range of enemies.
- Synergy with Other Characters: Consider how a character's abilities complement those of potential party members you might recruit later.
Analyzing Each Character's Starting Strengths
Let's delve into the individual characters and their strengths as starting choices:
1. Hikari (Warrior): Hikari's strength lies in his high physical attack and straightforward combat style. He excels at dealing significant damage early on and is a reliable damage dealer throughout the game. His strong defensive capabilities also contribute to his survivability.
2. Agnea (Dancer): Agnea's unique ability to boost the party's stats and inflict status ailments makes her valuable from the outset. Her support capabilities shine in tough battles, making her a solid choice for players who prefer a more strategic approach.
3. Partitio (Merchant): Partitio's skillset focuses on gaining money and items, which is incredibly useful for buying better equipment and supplies early on. However, his direct combat capabilities are weaker than others initially.
4. Osvald (Scholar): Osvald's strong magic attacks and support abilities make him a potent force from the beginning, particularly useful against enemies vulnerable to elemental magic. However, his lower health can make him vulnerable in close-quarters combat.
5. Throne (Thief): Throne's skills are focused on stealing items, a useful mechanic but not crucial in the early game. His combat prowess is decent, but he isn't as inherently powerful as some other starting options.
6. Temenos (Cleric): Temenos combines support and healing magic making him an essential character in tough battles. However, his damage output is limited in comparison to others, particularly in the early game.
7. Castti (Apothecary): Castti's ability to craft items provides a unique advantage, allowing you to create useful consumables and potions that can help in overcoming challenging battles. While her direct combat is not her strong point, her utility makes her a viable choice.
8. Ochette (Hunter): Ochette's skills focus on trapping and dealing damage to multiple enemies, offering a valuable approach to early-game combat encounters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest starting character in Octopath Traveler II?
There is no single "easiest" character, as difficulty depends on your play style. Hikari and Osvald are strong contenders due to their direct damage capabilities, but Agnea's support abilities can also make early game progression smoother for strategic players.
Which starting character is best for beginners?
Hikari offers straightforward combat, making him an accessible choice for beginners. Agnea's support abilities also ease the early game learning curve.
Does the starting character matter that much?
While the starting character influences the initial stages of the game, Octopath Traveler II's character variety ensures a rewarding experience regardless of your initial selection. Ultimately, your preferred playstyle should guide your choice.
Can I change my starting character later?
No, you cannot change your starting character once you begin the game. This is why choosing wisely is important.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the "best" starting character is a matter of personal preference. Consider your preferred playstyle: Do you prefer direct damage dealing, support roles, or tactical approaches? Choose the character whose abilities align best with your approach to the game. Remember, each character offers a unique and rewarding experience, so don't hesitate to experiment and explore!
