Deciding on the best Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition classes can feel overwhelming due to the variety of options and the time it takes to master new weapon skills. However, any class can be effective in this RPG, though some stand out as particularly useful. If you're comfortable with the starting class, that's perfectly fine 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 players to move away from the Drifter class once they reach rank 10, but Drifter remains a highly versatile and useful class throughout the entire game. For fans of the original Xenoblade Chronicles, Drifter is akin to Shulk, but with a smaller 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 dependency on timely healing from party members.
Drifter utilizes assault rifles for potent ranged damage and knives for strong melee attacks, ensuring you're equipped for any combat scenario. Moreover, Drifter boasts the highest number of skill slots of any class in the game. Even if you experiment with other classes to master new skills, it's advisable to return to Drifter later to tailor it to your preferred playstyle.
Full Metal Jaguar
Full Metal Jaguar, Elma's class, is a high-risk, high-reward choice. It boosts critical hit rates when your HP falls below 50 percent, and one skill actively reduces your HP during attacks to keep you in this optimal state. The Ghost Factory skill helps allies evade attacks, while Electric Surge inflicts ether damage, a rarity among melee classes. Even the basic skill, Shadowstrike, is notably powerful.
Duelist
Duelist excels as a self-sufficient attacker, adept at both close-range and ranged combat. They wield a longsword and an assault rifle, similar to an enhanced version of the Drifter's setup, and have access to a broad array 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, while True Stream Edge recovers TP when your morale is high. Blossom Dance, one of the best skills, staggers enemies, sets them up for toppling, and bypasses their resistances, making it highly effective against most foes.
Mastermind
For those who prefer manipulating enemy behavior over direct damage, Mastermind is an excellent choice. While its arts may not be as potent as those of the Duelist, they simplify prolonged battles against tough enemies. Mastermind can remove enemy buffs and, at level seven, reduce enemy debuff resistance with every attack. Additionally, it offers abilities to increase TP and a capstone art that inflicts the virus effect. Mastermind requires more strategic attention during battles, but the effort pays off.
Galactic Knight
Although often considered best for Skell users, Galactic Knight offers significant benefits outside of Skell combat as well. They can remove debuffs, heal allies, and deal heavy, specialized damage. Galactic Knights can also reduce their own cooldowns through melee combos. Their Skell-centric abilities restore appendage HP and boost combat power without any prerequisites, making them a versatile choice for any player.
