Best Classes in Xenoblade Chronicles X

Choosing the best classes in *Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition* can feel daunting with the wide array of options available and the time required to master new weapon skills. While nearly any class can be effective in this RPG, some stand out for their utility and versatility. If you stick with the class you start with, you're in good company, as it's one of the game's most adaptable choices.

Our Top 5 Classes in Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition

Drifter

*Xenoblade Chronicles X* encourages players to move beyond the Drifter class after reaching rank 10, but this starting class remains incredibly versatile throughout the entire game. For fans of the original *Xenoblade Chronicles*, Drifter is akin to Shulk but with a more limited skill set. It offers a range of debuff and offensive arts, including abilities to stagger, topple, and even regenerate health, reducing your dependence on party members for healing.

Drifters wield assault rifles for potent ranged attacks and knives for effective melee combat, ensuring you're well-equipped for any battle scenario. Moreover, Drifter boasts the highest number of skill slots among all classes, making it an excellent choice to return to after experimenting with others to tailor it to your playstyle.

Full Metal Jaguar

Elma's class, Full Metal Jaguar, is a high-risk, high-reward choice. It offers a critical hit rate boost when your HP dips below 50 percent, and a skill that ensures you maintain that low HP state by reducing your health with each attack. The Ghost Factory skill enhances your allies' evasion capabilities, while Electric Surge allows for ether damage, a rare trait among melee classes. Even the basic skill, Shadowstrike, packs a punch.

Duelist

The Duelist is a self-sufficient close-range combatant who can also handle ranged attacks adeptly. Utilizing a longsword and an assault rifle, similar to an enhanced version of the Drifter's arsenal, Duelists have access to a broad spectrum of skills. Last Stand uses your TP to boost the party's TP, making it ideal for setting up powerful attacks. Soul of the Samurai adds area-of-effect capabilities to basic attacks, and True Stream Edge recovers TP when morale is high. Blossom Dance is a standout skill, staggering enemies and ignoring their resistances, making it invaluable against most foes.

Mastermind

For players who prefer manipulating enemy behavior over direct damage, the Mastermind class is a superb choice. Although its arts may not match the Duelist's in power, they significantly ease battles against tough opponents by removing enemy buffs and reducing debuff resistance. Additionally, Mastermind boosts TP and inflicts the virus effect, requiring careful attention to battle dynamics but rewarding players with a strategic advantage.

Galactic Knight

While often associated with Skell users, the Galactic Knight class offers substantial benefits outside of Skell combat. They can remove debuffs, heal allies, and deal significant specialized damage. Galactic Knights can also reduce their own cooldowns through melee combos and, when piloting Skells, restore appendage HP and increase combat power without any prerequisites, making them a versatile choice for any playthrough.