Deciding on the best Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition classes can feel daunting at first, given the wide array of options and the time it takes to master new weapon skills. While every class in this RPG can be effective, some stand out for their utility and versatility. If you're attached to your starting class, that's perfectly fine too, as it's among the game's most adaptable.
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Our Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition classes guide highlights the top five classes and explains why they're worth your time.
Drifter
Xenoblade Chronicles X encourages players to move beyond the Drifter class once they reach rank 10, but Drifter remains a highly versatile and useful choice throughout the game. For those familiar with the original Xenoblade Chronicles, Drifter is akin to Shulk, though with a more limited skill set. This class offers a variety of debuff and offensive arts, including skills that can stagger and topple enemies, and one that regenerates health, reducing reliance on your party for healing.
Drifter wields assault rifles for potent ranged attacks and knives for strong melee combat, ensuring effectiveness in any battle scenario. Moreover, Drifter boasts the highest number of skill slots of any class, making it a great choice even after experimenting with other classes and mastering new skills.
Full Metal Jaguar
Elma's class, Full Metal Jaguar, is a high-risk, high-reward option that thrives on maintaining low HP to amplify its power. When your HP dips below 50 percent, Full Metal Jaguar's critical hit rate surges, and a skill automatically keeps your health low during attacks. The Ghost Factory skill aids allies in evading attacks, while Electric Surge delivers ether damage, a rarity among melee classes. Even the basic skill, Shadowstrike, packs a punch.
Duelist
Duelists are self-sufficient close-range combatants who also handle ranged attacks adeptly. They use a longsword and an assault rifle, similar to an enhanced version of the Drifter's arsenal, and have access to a broad range of skills. Last Stand uses your TP to boost the party's TP, ensuring teammates can unleash their most potent attacks when needed.
Soul of the Samurai enhances basic attacks with area-of-effect capabilities, and True Stream Edge restores TP when morale is high. However, Blossom Dance stands out as one of the game's best skills, capable of staggering and toppling enemies while bypassing their resistances.
Mastermind
For those who prefer to manipulate enemy behavior rather than deal direct damage, Mastermind is an ideal choice. While its arts may not match the Duelist's in strength, they excel at making long, challenging battles more manageable. Mastermind can strip enemy buffs and, at level seven, reduce enemy debuff resistance upon landing attacks. Additional abilities enhance TP and inflict the virus effect, requiring careful battle management but rewarding players with strategic advantages.
Galactic Knight
Though often associated with Skell users, Galactic Knights offer much more. They can remove debuffs, heal allies, and deal significant specialized damage. Galactic Knights can shorten their own cooldowns with melee combos and, when piloting Skells, restore appendage HP and boost combat power without any prerequisites.
