Deciding on the best classes in Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition can feel daunting at first, especially with the vast array of choices and the time needed to master new weapon skills. However, rest assured that nearly any class can be effective in this RPG, though some stand out as particularly advantageous. If you stick with your starting class, that's perfectly fine too, as it's among the most versatile options in the game.
Our guide on Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition classes highlights the top five classes and explains why they're worth your time.
Drifter
Xenoblade Chronicles X encourages you to move away from the Drifter class once you reach rank 10 to explore other options, but Drifter is an exception. As a starting class, it remains highly versatile and useful throughout the game. For fans of the original Xenoblade Chronicles, Drifter is akin to Shulk, though with a more limited skill set. This class offers a mix of debuff and offensive arts, including skills that can stagger and topple enemies, as well as one that regenerates health, reducing your reliance on potentially slow-healing party members.
Drifter utilizes assault rifles for potent ranged attacks and knives for impactful melee combat, ensuring flexibility in battle. Moreover, Drifter boasts the highest number of skill slots of any class, allowing extensive customization. Even if you experiment with other classes to master new skills, it's worthwhile to return to Drifter to tailor it to your preferred playstyle.
Full Metal Jaguar
Full Metal Jaguar, Elma's class, is a high-risk, high-reward choice. By maintaining your HP below 50 percent, you can boost your critical hit rate significantly. One skill even ensures your HP stays low by reducing it when you attack, enhancing your power. The Ghost Factory skill aids your allies by helping them evade attacks, while Electric Surge deals ether damage, a rarity among melee classes. Even the basic skill, Shadowstrike, is notably powerful.
Duelist
The Duelist is a self-sufficient class excelling in close-range combat but also adept at handling ranged attacks. Equipped with a longsword and an assault rifle, it's essentially an enhanced version of the Drifter's weapon setup. Duelists have access to a broad range of useful skills, such as Last Stand, which uses your TP to boost the party's TP, ensuring critical attacks when needed.
Soul of the Samurai allows Duelists to infuse basic attacks with area-of-effect properties, and True Stream Edge recovers TP when morale is high. However, Blossom Dance stands out as one of the best skills, staggering enemies for toppling and bypassing their resistances, making it incredibly effective against most foes.
Mastermind
If you prefer controlling enemy behavior rather than dealing direct damage, the Mastermind class is ideal. While its arts might not match the Duelist's in raw power, they simplify prolonged battles against tough opponents. Mastermind can strip enemy buffs and, at level seven, reduce enemy debuff resistance upon landing an attack. Additionally, it boosts TP and can inflict the virus effect, making it a strategic choice that requires attentive battle management.
Galactic Knight
Though often associated with Skell users, the Galactic Knight offers significant benefits beyond Skell-specific bonuses. They can remove debuffs, heal allies, and deliver heavy, specialized damage. Galactic Knights can also shorten their own cooldowns with melee combos. For Skell users, abilities that restore appendage HP and increase combat power without conditions are particularly advantageous.
