Deciding the best Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition classes can be a daunting task, given the array of options and the time required to master new weapon skills. While any class can be effective in this RPG, some stand out for their utility and versatility. If you stick with the initial class you're assigned, that's perfectly fine too, as it's one of the most adaptable in the game.
Our guide highlights the top five classes in Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition and explains why they're worth your consideration.
Drifter
Xenoblade Chronicles X encourages players to move beyond the Drifter class once they reach rank 10, but Drifter remains a highly versatile and valuable choice throughout the game. For fans of the original Xenoblade Chronicles, Drifter can be likened to Shulk, though with a more limited skill set. This class provides 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 wields assault rifles for potent ranged damage and knives for effective melee attacks, making it adaptable to various combat scenarios. Moreover, Drifter boasts the highest number of skill slots among all classes, allowing for extensive customization. Even if you experiment with other classes, returning to Drifter to tailor it to your preferences is highly recommended.
Full Metal Jaguar
Full Metal Jaguar, Elma's class, is a high-risk, high-reward choice. By maintaining your HP below 50%, you can significantly boost your critical hit rate. A unique skill even reduces your health with each attack, ensuring you stay in this advantageous state. The Ghost Factory skill enhances ally evasion, while Electric Surge enables ether damage, a rare trait among melee classes. Even the class's basic skill, Shadowstrike, packs a punch.
Duelist
The Duelist excels as a self-sufficient close-range combatant, adept at both melee and ranged attacks. Armed with a longsword and an assault rifle, Duelists have access to a diverse set of skills. Last Stand converts your TP into party TP, facilitating heavy attacks from teammates. Soul of the Samurai infuses basic attacks with area-of-effect capabilities, and True Stream Edge restores TP when morale is high. Blossom Dance is a standout skill, staggering and toppling enemies while ignoring resistances, making it invaluable against most foes.
Mastermind
For those who prefer controlling enemy behavior over raw damage output, Mastermind is an excellent choice. While its arts may not match the Duelist's in power, they simplify challenging battles. Mastermind can strip enemy buffs and, at level seven, reduce debuff resistance. Additional abilities boost TP, and the capstone art inflicts the virus effect. Mastermind requires careful attention to battle dynamics but is rewarding to master.
Galactic Knight
Though often associated with Skell users, Galactic Knight offers benefits beyond giant robots. They can remove debuffs and heal allies while delivering heavy, specialized damage. Galactic Knights can also reduce their own cooldowns with melee combos. For Skell users, this class restores appendage HP and boosts combat power without prerequisites, making it a versatile choice both in and out of Skells.
