Top Classes in Xenoblade Chronicles X Revealed

Deciding on the best classes in Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition can be a daunting task, given the variety of options and the time required to master new weapon skills. However, nearly any class can be effective in this RPG, though some stand out due to their versatility and utility. If you find yourself attached to your starting class, that's perfectly fine, as it's one of the most adaptable in the game.

Our Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition classes guide highlights the top five classes and explains their unique strengths.

Drifter

Xenoblade Chronicles X encourages players to move away from the Drifter class once they reach rank 10, but this starting class remains highly versatile and effective throughout the game. For fans of the original Xenoblade Chronicles, Drifter can be likened to Shulk, albeit with fewer skills to master. This class offers a broad range of debuff and offensive arts, including abilities that stagger and topple enemies, and even one that regenerates health, reducing your reliance on party members for healing.

Drifter wields assault rifles for potent ranged attacks and knives for strong melee combat, making it adaptable to various combat situations. Additionally, Drifter boasts the highest number of skill slots of any class, allowing for extensive customization. Even if you experiment with other classes, returning to Drifter is worthwhile for its flexibility.

Full Metal Jaguar

Elma's class, Full Metal Jaguar, is a high-risk, high-reward choice that enhances your critical hit rate when your HP falls below 50%. One skill actively reduces your HP during attacks, ensuring you often operate at this critical threshold. The Ghost Factory skill aids allies in evading attacks, while Electric Surge deals ether damage—a rare feature for melee classes. Even the basic skill, Shadowstrike, packs a punch, making Full Metal Jaguar a thrilling and powerful class to master.

Duelist

Duelists excel in close-quarters combat but are also adept at handling ranged encounters. Equipped with a longsword and an assault rifle, they essentially upgrade the Drifter's weapon setup. Duelists access a variety of skills, including Last Stand, which boosts party TP using the Duelist's own TP, ensuring your team can unleash powerful attacks when needed.

Soul of the Samurai enhances basic attacks with area-of-effect damage, and True Stream Edge recovers TP when morale is high. However, Blossom Dance stands out as one of the game's best skills, staggering enemies and ignoring resistances, setting them up for toppling—even against tough Tyrants.

Mastermind

For players who prefer manipulating enemy behavior over direct damage, Mastermind is an ideal choice. While its arts may not match the Duelist's in strength, they significantly ease long battles against formidable foes. Mastermind can remove enemy buffs and, at level seven, reduces debuff resistance on hit. Alongside TP-boosting abilities, the capstone art inflicts the virus effect, making Mastermind a strategic class that requires keen battle awareness.

Galactic Knight

Although often associated with Skell users, the Galactic Knight offers substantial benefits outside of these giant robots. They can remove debuffs and heal allies while delivering heavy, specialized damage. Galactic Knights can also reduce their own cooldowns through melee combos. Their Skell-specific skills enhance appendage HP and boost combat power without any prerequisites, making them a versatile choice for any player.