Can you change your party leader in Octopath Traveler 2? Answered

The most important decision you’ll make

Octopath Traveler 2 provides a mostly freeform-style narrative. Players can pick which of the eight characters to start with and how to progress through the numerous storylines. But is it possible to change your party leader and character in Octopath Traveler 2?

Can you change your main character in Octopath Traveler 2?

To make it clear from the start, yes, you can change your main character in Octopath Traveler 2. However, you won’t be able to do that at the beginning of the game. In fact, it will likely take you quite a long time before you’re able to customize your party leader.

At the beginning of the RPG, players have the most important decision to make about who to play first. This is crucial because you’ll be stuck with this character for a rather large part of the game. For some players, it may even be the vast majority of their time playing Octopath Traveler 2.

The first character you pick becomes the party leader or pseudo-protagonist of the story. Not only does this choice determine your starting location, but it makes that person a permanent member of your team for quite a long time.

How to change the party leader

Thankfully, you can change the party leader in Octopath Traveler 2 but it requires you to finish their storyline. In general, this means completing all chapters of their main story. This varies from character to character but some have three chapters (with sub-sections of each chapter), others have four, and some even have five.

For instance, if you pick Agnea, Hikari, or Osvald first, you’ll need to complete all five of their chapters before you can switch the party leader to someone else. On the other hand, someone like Ochette only has three chapters in total but Chapter 2 has three sub-parts to it. Once you conclude their story in its entirety, you’ll want to head to the local bar to switch them out.

You can change the party leader at any bar or tavern, noted by the red mug sign. They’re generally available in all of the major towns and cities you can visit in the world of Solistia. Speak with the bartender there and you can select the Change Party option to put someone else as the lead character.

Since you are stuck with your first Octopath Traveler 2 character until you complete their tale, it is best to think carefully about their job, skills, and town actions before committing to someone.