Octopath Traveler 2 – How to unlock the true ending

Octopath Traveler 2 has eight distinct stories with their own conclusions – one for each character – but there is actually a canon true ending that blends together the stories of each party member.

This differs somewhat from the first Octopath Traveler, where the optional final segment was an exposition dump and a brutal boss rush. The true ending of Octopath Traveler 2 takes a fair bit of work to unlock, but is a far more rewarding affair.

We’ve got everything you need to know covered below. Here’s how to unlock the Octopath Traveler 2 true ending.

NOTE: there will be NO SPOILERS contained in the below guide. We will only provide the necessary information to unlock the Octopath Traveler 2 true ending.

How to unlock the true ending in Octopath Traveler 2

To unlock the Octopath Traveler 2 true ending, you must complete the following requirements:

1. Complete the entire story of all eight characters – these consist of around 5 chapters each
2. Complete all four crossed-paths stories (which unlock themselves as you clear the individual stories) – these consist of 2 chapters each
3. Head to the green waypoint on Southern Cropdale Trail, where you will be prompted to begin the final chapter, “The Journey for the Dawn”
4. Light the four blue flames in any order by heading to the following places on the map (NOTE: you will need to defeat a boss at each one so be prepared):
   • Go to the Flamechurch Cathedral with Throné and Temenos in your party and use the Shiny Mirror on the altar
   • Go to Fellsun Ruins east of Crackridge with Osvald and Partitio in your party and use the Shiny Mirror at the end
   • Go to Tomb of the Wardenbeasts near Beasting Village with Casti and Ochette in your party and use the Shiny Mirror at the altar at the end
   • Head to Tranquil Grotto east of Ku with Hikari and Agnea in your party, where you must again use the Shiny Mirror at the altar
5. Once all four flames are lit, a new location named Vidania Castle will appear in the centre of the Sundering Sea, marked by glowing blue light
6. Journey there in your boat, where you will face the final boss. This final boss requires all eight characters to battle, so do not neglect your weaker members
7. Defeat the final boss, and return to the same place you started the Journey for the Dawn in Southern Cropdale Trail. This time, you will be prompted to start an epilogue
8. Enjoy the true ending

Is the Octopath Traveler 2 true ending worth it?

Yes. If you have enjoyed the character stories there is absolutely no doubt that the true ending is worth it, providing a definitive and satisfying conclusion.

Unlike the first Octopath Traveler, where the path to the secret boss led to a bunch of text-based exposition to fill in the story gaps, Octopath Traveler 2 actually fleshes out the story considerably – complete with a few twists and turns!

Not only do the events of the game get put into context, but the segments on the way to the true ending actually involve the characters sharing scenes together properly, and acting as more of a party than a group of individuals. Since the lack of character interaction is one of the biggest downsides of Octopath Traveler 2, it’s great to see a lot more of it during the final chapter.

Is the Octopath Traveler 2 true ending missable?

The good news is that the true ending of Octopath Traveler 2 is not missable. You can always complete the requirements to reach the true ending, no matter which order you tackle things.

One related point to bear in mind is that when you commence the segment that leads to the true ending, all side stories will be temporarily locked out. However, Octopath Traveler 2 provides a specific warning at the point of no return, so there is no danger of locking them out by accident.

The side stories are generally quite forgettable, so it isn’t a huge loss to miss out on some of them, but you will need to complete the Journey for the Dawn before they are opened up again. Side stories are integral to unlocking the completely optional super-boss, so you will not be able to them on during your completion of the final chapter.

Do you have to beat the secret boss to unlock the true ending?

No, you do not have to beat the secret boss to unlock the Octopath Traveler 2 true ending. At least, you don’t have to beat the hardest secret boss.

The Octopath Traveler 2 true ending does have a final boss, and I suppose some people may consider it a secret boss, but it’s not the secret boss. In fact, the final boss on the route to the true ending pales in comparison to the challenge of the secret boss.

How to unlock the secret boss

Yes, there is a secret, secret boss you can fight, quite separate to the final boss. Technically you can fight the secret boss before the final boss and true ending, but this isn’t recommended.

The secret boss is unlocked by completing the steps below. Remember you will not be able to complete Side Stories if you are playing the Journey for the Dawn, but they will be available again once it’s complete.

1. Complete the Side Story “The Traveler’s Bag”, near the starting location of your chosen starting character
2. Next, complete the Side Story “Procuring Peculiar Tomes” by collecting three books for the Unusual Tome Specialist in Montwise
3. Finally, complete the Side Story “From the Far Reaches of Hell” from Al in Montwise by journeying to Nameless Isle and learning ‘How to Decipher Ancient Languages’ from Georges Lazuli (after beating a boss). You must do this by Inquiring/Coercing the information out of him
4. Once you have completed these three Side Stories, head to ??? Island using your ship, on the southeast area of the Sundering Sea (pictured above)
5. Here, you will find Gate of Finis opened. Walk through and up the steps, where you can finally tackle the secret super-boss

Be warned: This is by far the hardest boss in the game, and it’s virtually impossible without some practice attempts to figure out how the battle works (or of course, a guide).

Defeating the boss doesn’t reward you with another ending, so don’t feel like you are missing out on any significant story details. However, there is nothing more satisfying than winning this ludicrously brutal battle.

Hopefully this guide of how to unlock the Octopath Traveler 2 true ending will assist you in gaining the game’s best conclusion. To check out our spoiler-free review of Octopath Traveler 2, click here.