Top Classes in Xenoblade Chronicles X Revealed

Deciding on the best Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition classes can be daunting, given the variety and the time needed to master new weapon skills. While any class can be effective in this RPG, some stand out as particularly advantageous. However, sticking with your starting class is perfectly viable, especially since it's one of the game's most versatile options.

Our Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition classes guide highlights the five best classes and explains their merits.

Drifter

Xenoblade Chronicles X encourages players to move away from the Drifter class after reaching rank 10, but this starting class remains exceptionally versatile and useful throughout the entire game. For fans of the original Xenoblade Chronicles, Drifter can be thought of as a Shulk-like class, though with fewer skills to master. It offers a range of debuff and offensive arts, including abilities to stagger and topple enemies, as well as one that regenerates health, reducing reliance on potentially slow-healing party members.

Drifters use assault rifles for potent ranged damage and knives for strong melee attacks, making them adaptable to any combat scenario. Moreover, Drifter boasts the highest number of skill slots in the game, allowing extensive customization. Even after experimenting with other classes, returning to Drifter is highly recommended for its flexibility.

Full Metal Jaguar

Full Metal Jaguar, Elma's class, thrives on risk and reward. It gains a critical hit rate boost when HP drops below 50 percent, and a skill that ensures your HP stays low by reducing it during attacks. The Ghost Factory skill helps allies evade attacks, while Electric Surge inflicts ether damage, a rarity among melee classes. Even the class' basic skill, Shadowstrike, packs a punch.

Duelist

Duelists are self-sufficient combatants excelling in close-range battles but also adept at ranged combat. They wield a longsword and an assault rifle, an enhanced version of the Drifter's setup, and access a broad spectrum of skills. Last Stand uses the Duelist's TP to boost the party's TP, facilitating powerful attacks from teammates. Soul of the Samurai infuses basic attacks with area-of-effect properties, and True Stream Edge recovers TP when morale is high. Blossom Dance, one of the game's top skills, staggers enemies, sets them up for toppling, and ignores resistances, making it incredibly effective against most foes.

Mastermind

For players who prefer manipulating enemy behavior over sheer damage output, Mastermind is an ideal choice. Its arts may not match the Duelist's in strength, but they simplify prolonged fights against tough adversaries. Mastermind can remove enemy buffs and, at level seven, reduce enemy debuff resistance upon landing an attack. It also boosts TP and inflicts the virus effect, requiring attentive battle management but offering significant strategic advantages.

Galactic Knight

While often associated with Skell users, Galactic Knights offer substantial benefits outside their giant robots. They can remove debuffs, heal allies, and deal heavy, specialized damage. A unique melee combo reduces their own cooldowns, while Skell-specific abilities restore appendage HP and boost combat power without conditions, making them a versatile and powerful choice.