[Octra 0 Strategy]Complete version of the strongest main character job ranking! A thorough comparison of thieves, swordsmen, and merchants, secret priorities, and the optimal training route for the early stages are revealed[Octopath Traveler 0]

Octopath Traveler 0, commonly known as Octopath 0, is a new RPG released on December 4, 2025. In this game, the protagonist's initial job selection has a decisive influence on the difficulty of completing the game in the early stages. The main character plays an important role that cannot be left out of the party, and the abilities learned in the initial job will have a long-term impact. Especially for trial players, optimizing your initial selection will ensure a smooth transition to the retail version, as save data can be carried over.

In this article, we will rank the main character jobs from strongest to strongest, and explain the detailed advantages and disadvantages of each job, as well as how to use their abilities. In addition, we will reveal the priorities of what you have learned through training (secret secrets), recommendations by play style, and specific early training routes step by step. This covers content that allows all players, from beginners to advanced players, to efficiently enjoy Octra 0.

1. Importance of main character job selection and overall ranking

The main character of Octora 0 selects one of eight base jobs (swordsman, merchant, thief, medicine man, hunter, priest, scholar, dancer) during character creation. This choice greatly changes the combat efficiency at the beginning of the story, and is directly connected to earning JP (Job Points) and collecting items. Although it is possible to change jobs, it is necessary to learn three battle abilities for each job, so fixed operation is realistic in the early stages.

The strongest ranking that combines multiple evaluations is as follows. Swordsman ranks first in terms of stability, Thief ranks second in terms of specializing in item collection, and Merchant ranks third in terms of training support.

rank	job	comprehensive evaluation	Main strengths	weakness	Recommended players
1st place	swordsman	S+	Versatile firepower, durability, and debuffs	Slightly slow speed	Beginner/balance-oriented
2nd place	thief	S	Securing resources through high-speed continuous attacks and stealing	low durability	Item collection/firepower specialization
3rd place	merchant	S	JP/SP support/BP supply	Single firepower is modest	Long-term development/support-oriented
4th place	hunter	A+	Behavior control/Experience bonus	Lack of magic resistance	Strong enemy specialization
5th place	scholar	A	All attribute attack	SP runs out easily	Magic attacker oriented
6th place	dancer	B+	Buff lasts longer	Lack of firepower in the beginning	Support from mid-game onwards
7th place	priest	B	Automatic resurrection/light attribute firepower	No resuscitation	recovery aid
8th place	pharmacist	B	Resuscitation/status abnormality countermeasures	Close to firepower	durable party

This ranking is calculated based on encounter efficiency, durability, and uniqueness in the early stages (around level 15). The swordsman is an ideal choice because he can chain damage from the break alone, and there is no weapon overlap with his early allies (Stear, Fenn).

2. Strongest 1st place: A complete guide for swordsmen – The royal choice for stable firepower

Swordsman uses swords and spears, has high overall stats, and is a reliable job from the beginning to the end. He uses the attack buff “Storage”, the defense debuff “Helmet Break”, and the large damage “Heaven and Earth Slash” to control the battle situation on his own. The firepower increases when sortieing from the rear guard, making it easy to rearrange the party.

Detailed list of swordsman battle abilities

Ability name	SP consumption	Effect details
Jumonjiri	12	Deals sword damage to a single enemy. Used as a basic single attack.
Save up	6	Gives physical attack up to self for 3 turns. Activates immediately after breaking to maximize damage.
Ichiban spear	9	Deals spear damage to a single enemy and acts early next turn. Perfect for speed adjustment.
Kabuto splitting	8	Deals sword damage to a single enemy and reduces physical defense for 2 turns. Essential for break acceleration.
counterattack posture	36	Gives a sword counterattack buff when attacking physically. Shines during durable operation.
assault	34	Inflicts spear damage on all enemies, and the power increases when the rearguard sorties. It is the mainstay for processing small fish.
Heaven and earth slash	35	Deals heavy sword damage to a single enemy twice. We specialize in boss shaving.

Support ability usage example

• Full Body Power: Adds 1.3x damage when HP is full. Increase your firepower in a short battle in the early stages.
• Recommended equipment for the early stages: Sword of Exorcism (obtained from the Torch Knight at Theatpolis Garrison). You will become invincible by greatly increasing your attack power and strengthening your evasion.

The disadvantage is that the speed is moderate, but it can be covered by the “Ichiban Yari” spear. For beginners, this is the only choice, and you can quickly clear the small fry battles around the town of Valore.

3. 2nd Place: Thief’s Firepower & Resource Specialized Build – Infinite Value of Stealing

Thieves are attackers who use daggers and swords and have high speed, evasion, and accuracy. The biggest strength is “stealing”, which allows you to obtain recovery items and nuts (HP/physical enhancement) from enemies in a separate frame. This skill, which is limited to the main character, will eliminate the lack of resources in the early stages.

Thief battle ability complete explanation

Ability name	SP consumption	Effect details
steal	3	Steal items from a single enemy. Secure nuts with regular drops and duplicates. We aim for HP nuts from those who have achieved fame, and physical nuts from those who have achieved wealth.
lifesteal dagger	9	Attacks with dagger twice + recovers half HP. Self-sufficiency is possible.
shadow binding	8	Inflicts dark damage + speed reduction for 2 turns. Use it to block the actions of powerful enemies.
Horizontal single character cut	14	Deals damage to the entire sword. This is a standard way to get rid of small fish.
magic steel dagger	9	Attacks with dagger twice + steals 5% SP. Hits SP depleted enemies.
shadow master	8	Deals darkness damage twice. Stable shield sharpener.
tri-edge	27	Deals dagger damage 3 times. Perfect for bursting after a break.

Primitive dagger acquisition & firepower explosion route

Go west from Valore town and obtain the “primordial dagger'' in the northeastern treasure chest on West Valore road. When equipped with this weapon, you will be able to hit weak points repeatedly, and your firepower will surpass you in the early stages. Collect it immediately using the enemy avoidance route and return using fast travel.

Support: Extends the debuff by increasing the weakening effect turn. The disadvantage is that HP/SP is low, but it is compensated for by life steal. Perfect for item enthusiasts.

4. 3rd place: Merchant training god job – JP/SP/BP infinite supply

Merchant is a tank-like supporter who uses spears and bows and has high maximum HP, physical attack, and physical defense. JP earning “Lucky Arrow”, vanguard SP recovery “Mysterious Arrow”, and BP supply “BP Passer” are divine skills. Eliminate the early JP shortage and accelerate job changes.

Merchant ability details

Ability name	SP consumption	Effect details
vital point thrust	–	Spear deals easy critical damage.
Take a break	0	Recovers own HP/SP and removes abnormal status. Unlimited operation is possible.
critical spear	–	Performs a high critical spear attack.
lucky arrow	–	Obtain additional bow attack + JP. This will be the key to leveling up.
mysterious arrow	–	Bow attack + vanguard SP recovery. Improves party sustainability.
BP passer	–	Recovers 1 ally BP. Attacker turnover rate will skyrocket.
Collection of money	–	We will provide financial support. Contributes to leaf earning.

Support Avi: Strengthens the economic base by increasing the amount obtained. The disadvantage is that it has modest firepower, but it makes up for it with support specialization. A must-have for long-term players.

5. Priority and usage of secret knowledge (obtained through training)

Of the three secrets to choose from for character creation, the secret of counterattack is by far the strongest. 50% counterattack when physical attack generates SP free firepower. Maximize damage by equipping the exorcism sword.

secret name	Effect details	priority	Recommended jobs
The secret of counterattack	50% counterattack when physically attacked (depends on physical attack power)	S+	All jobs, especially swordsman and thief
The secret to healing	HP/SP recovery amount increased	A	merchant/pharmacist
The secret of adversity	BP2 recovery when near death	A-	High risk firepower operation

By play style: Stability is for counterattack, recovery is for recovery, and risk-taking is for adversity. It is impossible to learn backwards, so choose carefully.

6. Optimal early stage development route – step by step until reaching level 20

1. After completing the character creation: Explore the town of Valore – collect treasure chests, collect information at the bar. Free action will be unlocked after clearing Chapter 1 of Torchbearer.
2. Prioritize gathering friends – After automatically joining Stier, secure Fen (Torch Chapter 1) and 4 others (Wealth, Power, Fame route) in 1 hour. Combat efficiency will be more than tripled.
3. Job specialized route branch:
   • Thief: Obtain the Primordial Dagger in the northeast of West Valore Road. Secure 3 kinds of nuts by “stealing”.
   • Swordsman/Merchant: Fast travel to Shiatopolis and resell the sword of exorcism.
4. Level up: Use grape juice at West Valore Forest Road. Reach the appropriate level in Chapter 2 with equal training of friends.
5. Substory digestion: Enhance with reward equipment. If you collect all the treasure chests, you will get over 5000 leaves.

With this route, you can clear the trial version and gain an advantage over the product version.

7. Countermeasures against disadvantages of each job and alternative builds

• Insufficient thief durability: Respond with repeated life steals + healing secrets.
• Merchant firepower low: BP passer supports attacker, emphasizes spear critical hit.
• Swordsman speed countermeasure: Make up for it by using the most spears + borrowing dancer buffs (in the middle).

For advanced users: Share secrets with select abilities and hybridize with job changes.

8. Summary: Optimal selection makes Octra 0 dramatically easier

The main character's job is to prioritize stability as a swordsman, resources as a thief, and development as a merchant, and the secret is to counterattack. By strictly following the provided route, you will achieve zero struggles in the early stages. This guide will help you navigate your adventures more efficiently. Please enjoy the vast world of Octra 0 to the fullest.