Octopath Traveler 2 Crossed Paths: A Guide to Character Interactions

ByJuan Cesar Torres

Last Updated on October 12, 2023

Octopath Traveler 2 has returned, and it brings with it a host of improvements and new features that players have been eagerly anticipating. One such feature that has been introduced to address a particular complaint from the original game is the Crossed Paths mechanic.

In this guide, we’ll explore what Crossed Paths are, how they work, and what each storyline entails.

Octopath Traveler 2 Crossed Paths Explained

The Crossed Paths system is a noteworthy addition to Octopath Traveler 2. It’s designed to inject more interactivity into the game’s story, and it aims to solve one of the key criticisms of the original game: the lack of interaction among the eight playable characters. So, how does this new system work, and what’s its purpose?

In Octopath Traveler 2, you still begin by selecting one of the eight protagonists to start your journey. You can recruit the remaining characters in any order. However, each of the eight characters has a destined counterpart they’ll cross paths with during the game. This means eight characters paired off lead to a total of four Crossed Paths storylines.

These storylines are optional, but undertaking them will enable you to bring two of your Travelers closer together and experience unique story beats. It also offers rewards, just like any other side content in the game. Importantly, these interactions are strictly platonic – there are no romantic subplots involved.

How to Unlock Crossed Paths

Now that you understand the basics of the Crossed Paths system, you might wonder when these storylines unlock and which characters are paired off. To unlock Crossed Paths side quests, you’ll need to advance the main storylines of the two characters involved.

For example, to initiate the Crossed Paths storyline between Throne and Temenos, you’ll need to progress further in their individual storylines, typically completing ‘chapter 2’ of their respective stories. At this point, a story event will trigger, and the two characters will interact, setting the mission in motion. The pairings are as follows:

Ochette & Castti
Throne & Temenos
Partitio & Osvald
Agnea & Hikari

While it’s tempting to rush through recruiting characters and triggering their Crossed Paths story. It’s advisable to wait until you reach a suitable point in the game. These stories are best experienced a bit later in Octopath Traveler 2. They require considerable progression in each character’s main storylines.

Octopath Traveler 2 Crossed Paths Storylines

Let’s delve into the details of the Octopath Traveler 2 Crossed Paths storylines for each pairing:

Ochette & Castti ~ The Hunter & The Apothecary: In the town of Cropdale, located in the Leaflands in the north-west of the world, Ochette and Castti uncover the town’s food supply issues. A conversation with a merchant sheds light on the problem, prompting them to investigate the nearby forests. [Recommended Level: 8]

The second part of their Octopath Traveler 2 Crossed Paths story involves facing mysterious shadows, enabling them to tackle the root cause of the town’s problems. [Recommended Level: 45]

Throne & Temenos ~ The Thief & The Cleric: Throne and Temenos return to Flamechurch, and Throne reveals rumors of a great treasure in the cathedral. The two put their differences aside to pursue the treasure, leading to a search for clues and some battles. [Recommended Level: 8]

After completing the individual stories of Throne and Temenos, the second part takes them to Conning Creek. This is where new events unfold deep within the caverns. [Recommended Level: 45]

Partitio & Osvald ~ The Merchant & The Scholar: Osvald’s old friend Regulus finds himself in a tight spot. Thankfully, the merchant Partitio is in a perfect position to help him. Together, they gather the components Regulus needs to solve his financial troubles. [Recommended Level: 8]

In the second part, which unlocks after completing their individual stories. They return to the town of Montwise in the Crestlands to assist Regulus again, as the trouble deepens. [Recommended Level: 45]

Agnea & Hikari ~ The Dancer & The Warrior: In Ryu within Hinoeuma, Agnea and Hikari are drawn to the sounds of a beautiful musical instrument. They work together to convince the musician to play once more, solving the town’s problem. [Recommended Level: 8]

After Hikari’s main story is complete, part two begins with an effort to hold a festival. However, an old rival reemerges, adding a twist to their storyline. [Recommended Level: 45]

Conclusion

In Octopath Traveler 2, Crossed Paths offers a chance for characters to interact. This addresses the lack of interaction seen in the first game. These storylines not only deepen the relationships between characters but also provide unique story experiences and valuable rewards.

So, embark on your journey through Orsterra. Go progress through the characters’ main storylines, and unlock the Crossed Paths that await you – you won’t be disappointed.

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