[1] New to the sequel is there being distinct "daytime" and nighttime" segments of gameplay, with path actions being different depending on the time of day.

[5] Once discovered, an indicator is shown onscreen, and if it is exploited enough times, a "break" occurs, temporarily weakening the enemy.

[5] New to the battle system are "Latent Powers", special abilities unique to a given character which recharge when taking damage or breaking the enemy.

Like the first game, there are 8 standard jobs, which once again are hunter, apothecary, thief, scholar, merchant, dancer, cleric, and warrior.

Through visions provided by the Sacred Flames and a journal written by Ori, the travelers learn the truth regarding the Moonshade Order's plans and the circumstances surrounding their respective journeys.

The Dark Hunter, whose real name is Petrichor, is revealed to have captured the animal companion Ochette did not choose and commissioned Harvey to conduct experiments on it, mutating it into a monster known as the Darkling.

Arcanette orchestrated the archbishop's murder, manipulated Kaldena into attempting to harness dark power, and ordered a member of a theater troupe Agnea befriended to locate the Sacred Flames.

Ori is revealed to have overseen the travelers' separate journeys, relaying information to the other members of the Order.

Arcanette reveals her plans to revive Vide and bring about eternal night based on his teachings.

The travelers confront and defeat Arcanette before chasing Oboro to an altar on an island, at which he sacrifices himself to restore Vide.

[16][17][18] While enjoying the visuals, Polygon criticized the narrative of the main party, "When fighting, considering their strengths and weaknesses and using their abilities in concert during turn-based battles is crucial.

"[32] The Nintendo Switch version of Octopath Traveler II was the second bestselling retail game during its first week of release in Japan, with 53,995 physical copies being sold across the country.

The PlayStation 5 version was the eighth bestselling retail game in Japan throughout the same week, with 14,422 physical copies being sold, while the PlayStation 4 version sold 7,269 physical copies in the country, making it the eleventh bestselling retail game of the week in the country.