Octopath Traveler is an RPG video game developed by Square Enix and released on the Nintendo Switch in July 2018, PC in June 2019, and Google Stadia in April 2020. It is also releasing on Xbox One in March 2021. The game takes place in the land of Orsterra and follows the journies of eight adventurers, all with different backgrounds and characteristics.
While there are many, many pieces of equipment in the game, the Battle-tested items are some of the best when it comes to preparing the characters for...well...battle, of course! There are two ways to get them. The player can either purchase (or steal) Battle-tested equipment from certain NPCs — in which case, only once per item — or challenge (or provoke) a specific NPC, if their character is strong enough, for a slim chance (seriously, only two percent) to get a piece. (The latter can be repeated over and over without limit.)
The Battle-Tested Axe
"Your name is Olberic, and you are a warrior. You were once a brave knight, until you lost king and kingdom in a bloody coup. Today, you serve as a master-of-arms for a small mountain village. "To what end do I swing my blade?" The question tortured you night after restless night. Then, one day, you hear a name from your past, giving you new purpose..."
This is what the player reads when selecting Olberic as a character in the game.
If the player completes Chapter 4 as Olberic, they can purchase the Battle-tested Axe from Ned, a fighter working for Cecily, in Victors Hollow, which is located in the Woodlands. Or, the player can challenge or provoke the Tavern Patron hanging out in Atlasdam, a town in the Flatlands.
The Battle-tested Axe gives the character who equips it +350 Physical Attack and +250 Elemental Attack. It also increases the lightning damage and ice damage dealt by the character.
The Battle-Tested Blade
If the player completes Chapter 4 as Olberic, they can purchase the Battle-tested Blade from Erhardt, former knight and friend of Olberic, in Wellspring, which is located in the Sunlands. Or, the player can challenge or provoke the Townsperson hanging out in Bolderfall, a town in the Cliftlands.
The Battle-tested Blade gives the character who equips it +400 Physical Attack and +150 Critical. It also augments physical abilities, making them elemental.
The Battle-Tested Shield
If the player completes Chapter 4 as Olberic, they can purchase the Battle-tested Shield from Grieg the Unbreakable, one of Olberic's tournament rivals, in Marsalim, which is located in the Sunlands. Or, the player can challenge or provoke the Muttering Codger hanging out in Flamesgrace, a town in the Frostlands.
The Battle-tested Shield gives the character who equips it +132 Physical Defense but -88 Evasion. It also restores the character's HP and SP after every action they take.
The Battle-Tested Bow
"Your name is H'aanit, and you are a hunter. One of the last descendants of an ancient clan that calls the deep forest home, your prowess with the bow is unmatched. Your master left home one year ago, summoned to hunt a dread beast, and you protected the village while awaiting his return. Then, one day, the return of an old friend gives you cause for concern, and you strike out on a journey of your own."
This is what the player reads when selecting H'aanit as a character in the game.
If the player completes Chapter 4 as H'aanit, they can purchase the Battle-tested Bow from Z'aanta, H'aanit's mentor, in S'warkii, which is located in the Woodlands. Or, the player can challenge or provoke the Old Storyteller hanging out in S'warkii, the town.
The Battle-tested Bow gives the character who equips it +384 Physical Attack and +186 Critical. It also has a chance to decrease the target's Physical Defense during usage.
The Battle-Tested Dagger
"Your name is Alfyn, and you are an apothecary. You treat the wounded and sick in a small village amid the babbling brooks of the Riverlands. Stricken ill as a child, you were saved by a traveler who asked for nothing in return, inspiring you to follow in his footsteps. Though hesitant to leave the only home you've known, your best friend convinces you to follow your dream, wherever it may lead you..."
This is what the player reads when selecting Alfyn as a character in the game.
If the player completes Chapter 4 as Alfyn, they can purchase the Battle-tested Dagger from Vanessa Hysel, a devious apothecary motivated by greed, in Undertow Cove, which is located in the Coastlands. Or, the player can challenge or provoke the Guard Captain hanging out in Ravus Manor, a mansion in Bolderfall.
The Battle-tested Dagger gives the character who equips it +380 Physical Attack and +140 Evasion. It also has a chance to decrease the target's accuracy during usage.
The Battle-Tested Spear
"Your name is Tressa, and you are a merchant. You stock the shelves of your parents' shop in your sleepy, seaside hometown. Yet you often find yourself gazing out at sea, longing for something more. "What lies beyond the horizon?" You thought you'd never know the answer. Then, one day, an unfamiliar vessel weight anchor at your docks, changing your life forever..."
This is what the player reads when selecting Tressa as a character in the game.
"Your name is Therion, and you are a thief. While your past is a guarded secret, your exploits are known far and wide. Mere whispers of your extravagant heists strike fear into the hearts of the wealthy. Drifting into the Cliftlands one day, you hear a rumor of great riches to be had. You set your sights on a mansion said to be impregnable, only to find what you never expected..."
This is what the player reads when selecting Therion as a character in the game.
If the player completes Chapter 4 as Tressa and Therion, they can purchase the Battle-tested Spear from Captain Leon, known as the "Sea Serpent," in Rippletide, which is located in the Coastlands. Beforehand though, they must complete the Mikk and Makk Make Good side story, which is activated through Barham at his home in Noblecourt only after both Tressa and Therion's stories are completed. Or, the player can challenge or provoke the Elderly Woman hanging out inside the first house on the left near the bridge in Rippletide, the town.
The Battle-tested Spear gives the character who equips it +390 Physical Attack and +148 Critical. It also has a chance to blind the target during usage.
The Battle-Tested Staff
"Your name is Ophilia, and you are a cleric. You hail from the snowswept Frostlands, where you dutifully serve the Order of the Flame under your adoptive father, the archbishop. As your adoptive sister—and best friend—prepares to embark on a perilous pilgrimage, you stand ever at her side. But unbeknownst to the both of you, events are about to take a tragic turn..."
This is what the player reads when selecting Ophilia as a character in the game.
If the player completes Chapter 4 as Ophilia, they can purchase the Battle-tested Staff from Bishop Bartolo in Saintsbridge, which is located in the Riverlands. Or, the player can challenge or provoke the Elderly Woman hanging out in Clearbrook, a town in the Riverlands.
The Battle-tested Staff gives the character who equips it +212 Physical Attack and +399 Elemental Attack. It also has a chance to slow the target during usage.