Top Classes in Xenoblade Chronicles X Revealed

Choosing the best class in *Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition* can be daunting, given the array of options and the time required to master new weapon skills. While virtually any class can be effective in this RPG, certain classes stand out as particularly advantageous. Even if you decide to stick with your starting class, you're in good company, as it's one of the most adaptable in the game.

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 you to move on from the Drifter class once you reach rank 10, but this starting class remains remarkably versatile and useful throughout the game. If you're familiar with the original Xenoblade Chronicles, think of Drifter as a Shulk-like class, but 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 dependence on timely heals from party members.

Drifter wields assault rifles for potent ranged damage and knives for effective melee attacks, ensuring you're well-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 worthwhile to return to Drifter to tailor it to your preferences.

Full Metal Jaguar

Full Metal Jaguar, Elma's class, is a high-risk, high-reward option. It amplifies your critical hit rate when your HP drops below 50 percent, and one skill even maintains your HP at this threshold by reducing it when you attack. The Ghost Factory skill enables allies to evade incoming attacks. Electric Surge allows you to deal ether damage, a rarity among melee classes, while the class' basic skill, Shadowstrike, packs a punch.

Duelist

Duelist is a self-sufficient class excelling in close-quarters combat, yet capable of handling ranged encounters with ease. Armed with a longsword and an assault rifle, this class is akin to an enhanced version of the Drifter's weaponry. Duelists have access to a variety of powerful skills, such as Last Stand, which uses your TP to boost the party's TP, ensuring timely execution of heavy attacks.

Soul of the Samurai imbues your basic attacks with area-of-effect damage, while True Stream Edge recovers TP when your morale is high. However, Blossom Dance stands out as one of the game's premier skills, not only staggering and setting up enemies for toppling but also bypassing their resistances, making it highly effective against most foes.

Mastermind

If you're more interested in manipulating enemy behavior than dealing massive damage, Mastermind is your go-to class. While its arts may not match the Duelist's in raw power, they simplify challenging battles by removing enemy buffs and, at level seven, reducing enemy debuff resistance. Additionally, Mastermind boosts TP and can inflict the virus effect with its capstone art. This class requires keen attention to battle dynamics, but the strategic advantage it provides is well worth it.

Galactic Knight

Though often associated with Skell users, Galactic Knight offers substantial benefits beyond piloting giant robots. This class can remove debuffs, heal allies, and deliver heavy, specialized damage. Galactic Knights can also reduce their own cooldowns through melee combos. When using Skells, they restore appendage HP and directly enhance combat power, requiring no additional conditions to activate these bonuses.