Best Classes in Xenoblade Chronicles X

Deciding on the best Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition classes can be overwhelming given the variety and the time required to master new weapon skills. While nearly every class in this RPG can be effective, certain ones stand out for their utility and versatility. If you stick with the starting class, the Drifter, you'll find it's one of the game's most adaptable options.

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Our Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition classes guide highlights the five best classes in the game 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, but this starting class remains exceptionally versatile throughout the game. For fans of the original Xenoblade Chronicles, Drifter is akin to Shulk, though with fewer skills to master. This class provides access to a range of debuff and offensive arts, including abilities that stagger and topple enemies, as well as one that regenerates health, reducing reliance on potentially delayed party healing.

Drifters wield assault rifles for potent ranged damage and knives for effective melee attacks, offering flexibility in combat styles. Moreover, Drifter boasts the highest number of skill slots among all classes, making it an ideal choice for customization even after experimenting with other classes.

Full Metal Jaguar

Full Metal Jaguar, Elma's class, is a high-risk, high-reward option that amplifies your power when your HP dips below 50%. A skill even ensures you maintain this low HP state by reducing your health upon attacking. Alongside this, Ghost Factory allows allies to evade attacks, while Electric Surge inflicts ether damage, a rarity among melee classes. Even the basic skill, Shadowstrike, is notably powerful.

Duelist

Duelists are self-sufficient attackers excelling in close-range combat but capable with ranged attacks too. They use a longsword and an assault rifle, similar to an enhanced version of the Drifter's setup, and have access to numerous useful skills. Last Stand, for instance, boosts the party's TP using your own, facilitating heavy attacks from teammates. Soul of the Samurai enhances basic attacks with area-of-effect capabilities, while True Stream Edge recovers TP when your morale is high. Blossom Dance, one of the game's top skills, staggers and topples enemies while ignoring their resistances, proving invaluable in battle.

Mastermind

If you're more interested in manipulating enemy behavior than dealing direct damage, Mastermind is a great choice. While its arts might not be as potent as those of the Duelist, they simplify prolonged battles against tough foes. Mastermind can remove enemy buffs and, at level seven, learn to reduce enemy debuff resistance upon hitting them. Additionally, it offers TP boosts and a capstone art that inflicts the virus effect. This class requires careful attention during combat, but the strategic advantage it provides is well worth it.

Galactic Knight

While often associated with Skell users, Galactic Knights offer substantial benefits beyond their giant robots. They can remove debuffs, heal allies, and deal significant specialized damage. Galactic Knights can also reduce their own cooldowns through melee combos. Their Skell-specific skills restore appendage HP and boost combat power without any prerequisites, making them a versatile and powerful choice.