Top Classes in Xenoblade Chronicles X Revealed

Choosing the best classes in *Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition* can be daunting due to the variety of options and the time required to master new weapon skills. However, any class can be effective, with some standing out as particularly useful. If you're comfortable with the class you start with, that's perfectly acceptable, as it's one of the game's most versatile options.

Recommended Videos Our Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition classes guide highlights the top five classes and explains why they're worth your attention.

Drifter

Xenoblade Chronicles X encourages players to move away from the Drifter class once they reach rank 10, but it's a unique starting class that remains highly versatile and valuable throughout the entire game. For fans of the original Xenoblade Chronicles, Drifter is akin to Shulk but with a more limited skill set. This class provides access to a range of debuff and offensive arts, including skills that can stagger and topple enemies, as well as one that regenerates health, reducing your dependence on potentially slow-healing party members.

Drifter utilizes assault rifles for potent ranged attacks and knives for strong melee combat, ensuring flexibility in battle. Moreover, Drifter boasts the highest number of skill slots among all classes, making it an ideal choice to return to after experimenting with other classes and mastering new skills. This allows for extensive customization to suit your playstyle.

Full Metal Jaguar

Elma's class, Full Metal Jaguar, is a high-risk, high-reward option. It offers a critical hit rate boost when your HP dips below 50%, and one skill actively reduces your health during attacks to maintain this threshold. The Ghost Factory skill enhances ally evasion, while Electric Surge inflicts ether damage—a rare trait for melee classes. Even the basic skill, Shadowstrike, is remarkably effective.

Duelist

Duelist is a self-sufficient class excelling in close-range combat but also capable of handling ranged engagements. They wield a longsword and an assault rifle, akin to an enhanced version of Drifter's weaponry, and have access to a broad array of skills. Last Stand converts your TP into party TP, facilitating powerful attacks from teammates. Soul of the Samurai adds area-of-effect damage to basic attacks, and True Stream Edge recovers TP when morale is high. Blossom Dance, one of the game's standout skills, staggers enemies, sets them up for toppling, and bypasses resistances, making it invaluable against most foes.

Mastermind

For players who prefer manipulating enemy behavior over direct damage, Mastermind is an excellent choice. While its arts may not match the Duelist's in raw power, they simplify prolonged battles against tough enemies. Mastermind can strip enemy buffs and, at level seven, reduce debuff resistance with each attack. Additional abilities enhance TP and inflict the virus effect, requiring more strategic attention during combat but offering significant advantages.

Galactic Knight

Although often associated with Skell users, Galactic Knight offers substantial benefits beyond piloting giant robots. They can remove debuffs, heal allies, and deliver heavy, specialized damage. Galactic Knights can also reduce their own cooldowns through melee combos. Their Skell-specific abilities restore appendage HP and boost combat power without any prerequisites, making them a versatile choice for any player.