Summary
On the continent of Solistia, there are eight distinctive regions, each home to a character’s unique story inOctopath Traveler 2. The Sundering Sea breaks up the continent, and you can visit islands and major cities by crossing the sea. Although the fantasy world of Octopath Traveler 2 defies chronological classification, steam locomotives, and electricity suggest that the game is set in the nineteenth century.
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The art style lends a nostalgic charm to Solistia. Square Enix introduced the HD-2D aesthetic, a style that combines pixel sprites with HD graphics, with the release ofOctopath Travelerin 2019. Octopath Traveler 2, the sequel, uses the same classic graphics, though they have not received much of an update since the first game. Rendered in HD-2D, each region has its own draw, but some environments are more creative and visually appealing than others.
8Wildlands
The Wildlands mimics the Wild West. The mining town of Orerush, where the merchant Partitio hails from, is likely a reference to the California Gold Rush. Orerush teleports you to an earlier time when people got around by train and horse-drawn carriages.
Much of the barren Wildlands is desolate, and the city taxes are ridiculously high. Historically, the canyon land was formed by dried lava, and the volcanic rock now contains valuable materials. As witness to unfulfilled dreams of striking it rich in the Wildlands, Partitio dreams of someday ending poverty.
7Hinoeuma
Hinoeuma is home to the warrior Hikari, one of the recruitable party members. In the southwest, his native town of Ku takes inspiration from Asian cultures and architecture. The imposing castle there is the main attraction.
Deserts cover most of the region, sprinkled with a few towns and bodies of water. Here, the hot sun shines on the glistening water and sand pixels beneath the party members’ feet. There is even a rainbow over one of the rivers. But spending too much time in the virtual desert can leave you feeling parched.
6Harborlands
The Harborlands is a coastal region with bustling ports, beaches, and ships. From most angles, you’re able to see the ocean horizon in the background. The terrain mostly consists of sand and grass, and many of the buildings in this area are made from stone.
Bordering the Sundering Sea, Castti’s hometown, Canalbrine, is built on the water. You travel from house to house on a boat that functions as a gondola in this Venice-like town. The lighthouse stands as a major landmark in the north of the town.
5Brightlands
Populous cities have sprung up across the Brightlands, the largest region of Solistia. New Delsta is perhaps the most prosperous city. It exudes a steampunk style due to its multistoried buildings, fashionable city dwellers, and jazz music. In the alleys of New Delsta, the thief Throné lurks in the darkness.
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In contrast to the urban settlements, the terrain is verdant and bright. Lily pads float in the waters that run through the Brightlands. Follow the stone paths to explore the land, but don’t be afraid to stray from the path to uncover chests and dungeons. Rumor has it that merchants set up the Black Market at night in the New Delsta Flats…
4Winterlands
The tale of Oswald begins in the prison on Frigit Isle, which was aptly named for its frigid atmosphere. Scholar Oswald was framed for the murder of his wife and daughter and received a life sentence. Despite this bleak beginning, Oswald escapes from Frigit Isle and explores the Winterlands with the rest of the party.
In HD-2D, the snowy environment is stunning. Snow falls in glistening specks from the top of the screen. Pretty much the entire region is covered in white snow. In town, the buildings either follow a Gothic architecture style or appear as log cabins.
3Toto’haha
Among the island group in the southeast of the map is Toto’haha, which is only accessible via boat. Ochette, one of the playable characters, lives in a treehouse in Beasting Village alongside humans and other beastlings who are beings with animal-like ears and tails. The large white lion Master Juvah watches over the villagers.
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The land outside of the Beasting Village resembles a jungle. Various monsters, including an oversized lizard creature, inhabit the wilderness. The greenery and shoreline create an island paradise, though the island is not absent of danger.
2Crestlands
Whereas the Winterlands is frozen in a never-ending winter, it is always autumn in the Crestlands. Under the sunlight, the fall foliage is a sight to behold.
The Flamechurch Cathedral, tucked away in the mountains, is also awe-inspiring. While the tale of the cleric Temenos puts the mysterious religious leaders into question, the churches themselves are well-designed, complete with stained glass windows, pews, an organ, and golden decorations. The sheep and wells in the pastoral town of Flamechurch adds to the region’s charm, as well.
1Leaflands
The Leaflands is a tranquil region on the eastern continent. Pine trees and rivers cover the lush land. Yet unlike in natural Toto’haha, the people here have constructed stone bridges and roads across the Leflands.
Most of the inhabitants reside in Cropdale, which Agnea leaves to pursue her dream of becoming a world-renowned dancer. The quaint town is made up of straw-roof cottages with water wheels and colorful flowers growing out front.
The Leaflands best showcases the Octopath Traveler 2’s HD-2D graphics. Visiting Cropdale, both young and old gamers might appreciate the beautifully retro art style and imagine they are living in the 90s, looking at the 160x144 pixel screen of their 8-bit Game Boy.
