Latent Powers is a new mechanic added in Octopath Traveler 2, allowing each character to have one exclusive ability.
It features a gauge that fills up slowly when dealing or taking damage, and when breaking foes’ armor.
In this guide, I will explain how Latent Powers work in Octopath Traveler and mention the Latent Power of each of the eight characters.
Also, if you’re just starting the game, don’t forget to check out our guide on the best starting characters.
Latent Powers Guide in Octopath Traveler 2
Latent Powers are unique abilities that are charged up during combat. Their charging meter can be seen next to the BP points.
After the meter is full, players can press the X button on Switch/Triangle on PlayStation to unleash a special move.
How to Charge Latent Powers Fast
Latent Powers charge up in three scenarios, based on the player’s actions:
- When the player takes damage.
- When the player deals damage.
- When the player breaks an enemy shield.
As for the best way to charge them, Latent Powers fill faster when taking damage or breaking shields. The more damage a character takes, the more their meter fills up.
However, keep in mind that getting incapacitated will reduce the Latent Power meter to zero.
All Latent Powers in Octopath Traveler 2
Each character has a unique Latent Power. Let’s examine all of them.
| Character | Latent Power | Effect |
| Hikari | Shadow’s Hold | Temporarily unlocks three special skills: Tenretsuzan – Single target sword attack Hienka – Single target, 2-hit sword attack, and one bonus action at the end of the turn Sougetsusen – One polearm and sword attack on all foes |
| Agnea | All Together Now | All skills will affect all characters – combine with damage or ally-buffing skills to help out your entire party. |
| Partitio | Hoot and Holler | Replenish all your BP – can be used in combination with Donate BP to replenish an ally’s BP instead. |
| Osvald | Concentrate Spells | Spells become single-target but deal more damage – this is ideal for boss fights. |
| Temenos | Judgment | Any attack will lower the opponent’s shield points – combine with a warrior skill to hit opponents multiple times and break any shield easily. |
| Throne | Leave no Trace | Act twice within one turn – overall self-explanatory, one of the best Latent Powers in Octopath Traveler 2. |
| Ochette | Animal Instincts | Temporarily unlocks three special skills: Beastly Claws – AoE physical attack. Beastly Howl – Reduces physical and elemental defense of all enemies for three turns. Also reduces their Shield Points. Beastly Fang – Single-target physical attack. |
| Castti | Every Drop Counts | Castti can use Medicinal Concoction without spending any materials. |
And those are all the Latent Powers in the game. What’s your favorite one?
Lastly, keep in mind that each Latent Power is exclusive to a certain character and no other characters can learn the same power. For instance, ‘Every Drop Counts’ is exclusive to Castti and nobody else can learn or use it.
Wrapping up
To summarize this Octopath Traveler 2 guide, Latent Powers allow characters to activate certain unique effects. If used correctly, they are strong enough to change the tide of a battle.
To make each character even more powerful, consider pairing them with the best secondary jobs for them. This way, they’ll be able to utilize their Latent Power to its maximum effect.
Who’s your favorite character in the game? Which one do you think is the strongest Latent Power overall? Let us know in the comments below.
He has a Master’s Degree in Philosophy, which allows him to always come up with a fresh approach to solving in-game puzzles and challenges, but also to create content that’s to the point, clean and easy to follow.
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