Octopath Traveler II Crossed Paths guide
Octopath Traveler II is arguably pretty much everything you could want from a sequel - gently iterating and improving upon the original game’s systems, addressing complaints and shortcomings. One major new addition is designed to fix a particular complaint about the original - the new Crossed Paths mechanic.
The Crossed Paths system is basically a way to inject a little more interactivity into the game’s story - but you’ll need to progress and unlock each of the four storylines that make up this mechanic.
What is the new Crossed Paths feature?
Essentially, the Crossed Paths feature exists to address a specific complaint from the first Octopath Traveler game - that the eight heroes you play as don’t interact or get to know each other. In Octopath Traveler 2 the Crossed Paths storylines go some way to correct that - once you unlock them, anyway.
Here’s how it works. There’s still eight protagonists, and you still have to choose the best starting character for you at the start of the game from that eight. From there, you can recruit characters out in the world in any order you wish - but each of the eight leads has an opposite number they’re destined to cross paths with.
Eight characters paired off means that there’s four crossed paths storylines in total. All of these storylines are optional - but doing them will allow you to bring two of your Travelers closer together and experience some unique story beats. It'll also hold rewards, of course, like all side content.
For the record, despite the fact that characters are paired off, there are no romance subplots linked to the Crossed Paths - it’s all strictly platonic.
Crossed Paths guide: Pairing and Unlocks
With the Crossed Paths system explained, that now begs another question: what are the pairings, and when do the Crossed Paths storylines unlock?
Let’s start with the latter question: You unlock Crossed Paths side quests by advancing the main storylines of the two characters involved.
So, for instance, if you want to start the Crossed Path storyline between Throne and Temenos, you’ll want to work to advance their individual storylines further. Once you reach the requisite point - which is typically completing ‘chapter 2’ of the storylines of both paired off Octopath Travelers - a story event will trigger where the two characters interact, introducing the mission at hand. The pairings are as follows:
If you’re tempted to try to rush to recruit two characters and immediately trigger their Crossed Paths story, while that is possible we wouldn’t recommend it. These stories are designed to be experienced a little ways into Octopath Traveler 2 - and specifically, you’ll have to do quite a bit of grinding to get deep enough into each pairing’s main stories to trigger these storylines. You’re better off waiting for them to trigger naturally, or at least waiting until later in the game before trying to force it.
Here's a little more information on the Crossed Paths storylines for each pairing:
Crossed Paths Character Pairings & Storylines
Ochette & Castti ~ The Hunter & The Apothecary:
In thet won of Cropdale in the Leaflands found in the north-west of the world of Octopath Traveler 2, Ochette and Castti learn of the town's struggles with food supplies. A chat with a merchant enlightens them, and sends them searching to find the root cause in the nearby forests. [Recommended Level: 8]
In the second part of the story, the pair have to take on some mysterious shadows, allowing them to tackle the problem plauging the town at its root cause... [Recommended Level: 45]
Throne & Temenos ~ The Thief & The Cleric:
Throne and Temenos return to Flamechurch - and upon arriving, Throne reveals that there is allegedly a great treasure in the cathedral. The two agree to put differences aside in order to try to obtain the treasure. A search for clues - and some fighting - ensues. [Recommended Level: 8]
Once the player has concluded both of the individual stories of Throne and Temenos, part two can begin - which sees the pair visit Conning Creek, where new events unfold. When the time comes, deep in the caverns, use the ability to switch time of day to reveal the truth. [Recommended Level: 45]
Partitio & Osvald ~ The Merchant & The Scholar:
Osvald's old friend Regulus is in a tight spot and needs assistance - and a merchant such as Partitio is ideally positioned to help him. As such, the two join forces to gather the relevant components Regulus needs to end his monetary woes. [Recommended Level: 8]
In part two, which only unlocks after completing the pair's individual storylines, the pair return to the town of Montwise in the Crestlands to see how Regulus is getting on. He's in trouble again, and this time it's going to take a little more than money to solve the problem... [Recommended Level: 45]
Agnea & Hikari ~ The Dancer & The Warrior:
In Ryu within Hinoeuma, Agnea and Hikari find themselves drawn to the sounds of a beautiful musical instrument, trying to find its source. Luckily, this pairing has exactly the right path actions to allow you to convince the musician to play once more. [Recommended Level: 8]
Once Hikari's main story is complete, part two unlocks. The only thing better than a few people hearing this beautiful music is to allow many to do so - so why not hold a festival? Hikari and Agnea begin to make that happen. However, an old rival returns... [Recommended Level: 45]