Deciding on the best Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition classes can be a daunting task, given the wide array of options and the time required to master new weapon skills. While any class can be effective in this RPG, some stand out as particularly advantageous. If you stick with your starting class, that's perfectly fine too, as it's one of the most versatile in the game.
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 Drifter remains a highly versatile and useful class throughout the entire game. For fans of the original Xenoblade Chronicles, Drifter can be likened to Shulk, though with a more limited skill set. This class offers a range of debuff and offensive arts, including skills that can stagger and topple enemies, as well as one that regenerates health, reducing your reliance on party members for healing.
Drifter utilizes assault rifles for potent ranged attacks and knives for strong melee combat, ensuring you're well-equipped for any battle scenario. Moreover, Drifter boasts the highest number of skill slots of any class, making it an excellent 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. It enhances your critical hit rate when your HP drops below 50 percent, and one skill even ensures you maintain this low HP state by reducing your health during attacks. The Ghost Factory skill allows allies to evade incoming attacks, while Electric Surge inflicts ether damage—a rarity among melee classes. Even the basic skill, Shadowstrike, packs a punch.
Duelist
Duelist is a self-sufficient class that excels in close-range combat but is also adept at handling ranged attacks. They wield a longsword and an assault rifle, akin to an enhanced version of the Drifter's arsenal, and have access to a variety of useful skills. Last Stand uses your TP to boost the party's TP, facilitating powerful attacks from your teammates.
Soul of the Samurai enhances basic attacks with area-of-effect capabilities, and True Stream Edge recovers TP when your morale level exceeds one. However, Blossom Dance stands out as one of the best skills, staggering enemies and setting them up for toppling while ignoring their resistances, making it incredibly effective against most foes.
Mastermind
If you prefer manipulating enemy behavior over dealing direct damage, Mastermind is an excellent choice. While its arts may not be as potent as those of the Duelist, they can significantly ease prolonged battles against tough opponents. Mastermind can remove enemy buffs and, at level seven, learns a skill that reduces enemy debuff resistance upon landing an attack. Additionally, it offers abilities that boost TP and a capstone art that inflicts the virus effect, requiring more attention to battle dynamics but rewarding strategic play.
Galactic Knight
Although often associated with Skell users, Galactic Knight offers substantial benefits beyond Skell combat. They can remove debuffs and heal allies while delivering heavy, specialized damage. Galactic Knights can also reduce their own cooldowns through melee combos. Their Skell-specific abilities restore appendage HP and increase combat power without any prerequisites, making them a versatile choice for any player.
