Top Xenoblade Chronicles X Classes Revealed

Choosing the optimal class in *Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition* can feel daunting due to the variety of options and the time required to master new weapon skills. However, it's worth noting that every class in this RPG has its merits, though some stand out as particularly effective. If you find yourself attached to the initial class you start with, don't worry—it's one of the game's most versatile options.

Our Top 5 Classes in Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition

Drifter

In *Xenoblade Chronicles X*, you're encouraged to move away from the Drifter class once you reach rank 10, but it's a class that remains incredibly versatile and valuable throughout the entire game. If you're familiar with the original *Xenoblade Chronicles*, you might recognize Drifter as similar to Shulk, albeit with a more limited set of skills. Drifter provides access to a range of debuff and offensive arts, including abilities that can stagger and topple enemies, as well as one that regenerates health, reducing your dependency on your party's timely healing.

Drifters wield assault rifles for potent ranged attacks and knives for impactful melee strikes, making them adaptable to various combat scenarios. Moreover, Drifter boasts the highest number of skill slots in the game, which makes it an excellent choice for customization, even if you experiment with other classes and return to it later.

Full Metal Jaguar

Elma's class, Full Metal Jaguar, is a high-risk, high-reward option. Your power increases significantly when your HP dips below 50%, and one of its skills ensures you'll often be in that danger zone by reducing your health during attacks. Full Metal Jaguar's critical hit rate gets a boost in this state, and skills like Ghost Factory allow allies to evade incoming attacks. Electric Surge adds ether damage to your arsenal—a rarity among melee classes—while the basic skill, Shadowstrike, packs a punch.

Duelist

Duelists excel in close combat but are no slouches with ranged attacks either. They employ a longsword and an assault rifle, similar to an enhanced version of the Drifter's weaponry, and have access to a wide array of skills. Last Stand utilizes your TP to boost the party's TP, ensuring heavy attacks are ready when needed. Soul of the Samurai enhances your basic attacks with area-of-effect capabilities, and True Stream Edge recovers TP when your morale is high. Blossom Dance, however, stands out as one of the best skills, staggering and setting up enemies for toppling while ignoring their resistances—highly useful against most foes.

Mastermind

For those who prefer manipulating enemy behavior over direct damage, Mastermind is a solid choice. While its arts may not match the Duelist's in raw power, they simplify battles against formidable opponents. Mastermind can strip enemies of buffs and, at level seven, learns a skill that reduces debuff resistance on successful hits. Additional abilities boost TP, and its capstone art inflicts the virus effect. Managing a Mastermind requires keen attention to the flow of battle, but the payoff is well worth it.

Galactic Knight

Often associated with Skell users, the Galactic Knight is more versatile than its reputation suggests. Beyond Skell-specific bonuses, this class can remove debuffs, heal allies, and deliver heavy, specialized damage. Galactic Knights can also reduce their own cooldowns by executing melee combos. Their Skell-focused abilities enhance appendage HP and boost combat power without stringent conditions, making them a robust choice both in and out of Skells.