Top Xenoblade Chronicles X Classes Revealed

Deciding on the best classes in Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition can be overwhelming, given the variety and the time needed to master new weapon skills. However, any class can be effective, with some standing out due to their versatility and utility. If you're comfortable with your starting class, that's perfectly fine, as it's one of the most adaptable options in the game.

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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 players to move away from the Drifter class once they reach rank 10, but this starting class remains exceptionally versatile and valuable throughout the entire game. For fans of the original Xenoblade Chronicles, Drifter is similar to Shulk, though with a more limited skill set. It offers a range of debuff and offensive arts, including skills that can stagger and topple enemies, as well as one that regenerates health, reducing reliance on potentially unreliable party healers.

Drifter uses 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 of any class, making it ideal for customization. Even after experimenting with other classes, returning to Drifter can enhance your gameplay experience.

Full Metal Jaguar

Full Metal Jaguar, Elma's class, is high-risk, high-reward, with significant power boosts when your HP falls below 50 percent. A key skill automatically keeps your HP low during attacks, enhancing critical hit rates. Additionally, the Ghost Factory skill allows allies to evade attacks, while Electric Surge enables ether damage, uncommon among melee classes. Even the basic Shadowstrike skill packs a punch, making Full Metal Jaguar a thrilling choice for those who thrive on the edge.

Duelist

Duelist excels in close-range combat but is also adept at handling ranged attacks. Equipped with a longsword and an assault rifle, Duelists have an upgraded version of the Drifter's arsenal. Their skills are diverse and powerful, including Last Stand, which boosts the party's TP using the Duelist's own TP, ensuring teammates can unleash their strongest attacks.

Soul of the Samurai enhances basic attacks with area-of-effect capabilities, while True Stream Edge recovers TP when morale is high. However, Blossom Dance stands out as one of the best skills, staggering and toppling enemies while ignoring their 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 challenging battles by removing enemy buffs and reducing debuff resistance. Mastermind also boosts TP and can inflict the virus effect, requiring more strategic attention in 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 deal specialized heavy damage. Galactic Knights can also reduce their own cooldowns through melee combos and enhance Skell performance by restoring appendage HP and increasing combat power without any prerequisites.