Choosing the best classes in *Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition* can feel daunting due to the vast array of options and the time required to master new weapon skills. While nearly any class can be effective in this RPG, some stand out more than others. If you stick with the starting class, you're in luck because it's one of the game's most versatile options.
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Our Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition classes guide highlights the top five classes and explains why they are worth your attention.
Drifter
Xenoblade Chronicles X encourages you to move away from the Drifter class once you reach rank 10, but this starting class remains exceptionally versatile and useful throughout the entire game. Fans of the original Xenoblade Chronicles will recognize Drifter as similar to Shulk, though with a more limited set of skills to master. 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 party members for healing.
Drifters wield assault rifles for potent ranged attacks and knives for effective melee combat, making them adaptable to any combat scenario. Moreover, Drifter boasts the highest number of skill slots among all classes. Even if you experiment with other classes to learn new skills, it's beneficial to return to Drifter later for its extensive customization options.
Full Metal Jaguar
Elma's class, Full Metal Jaguar, is thrillingly risky but rewarding. Its critical hit rate increases when your HP dips below 50 percent, and one skill even ensures you'll frequently maintain that low HP level by reducing your health during attacks. The Ghost Factory skill helps your allies evade attacks, while Electric Surge delivers ether damage, a rarity among melee classes. Even the basic skill, Shadowstrike, packs a punch.
Duelist
The Duelist excels as a self-sufficient close-range fighter, yet also manages ranged combat adeptly. Armed with a longsword and an assault rifle, this class mirrors an enhanced version of the Drifter's setup, unlocking a variety of potent skills. Last Stand, for instance, converts your TP into party TP, facilitating powerful team attacks. Soul of the Samurai enhances basic attacks with area-of-effect capabilities, and True Stream Edge recovers TP when your morale exceeds one. However, Blossom Dance stands out as a top-tier skill, not only staggering and toppling enemies but also bypassing their resistances, making it invaluable in most fights.
Mastermind
For players who enjoy manipulating enemy behavior over sheer damage output, Mastermind is an ideal choice. Although its arts may not match the Duelist's in strength, they significantly ease prolonged battles against formidable foes. Mastermind can strip away enemy buffs and, at level seven, gain a skill that lowers enemy debuff resistance upon landing an attack. Additionally, this class boosts TP and has a capstone art that inflicts the virus effect. Managing a Mastermind requires keen battle awareness, but the payoff is well worth it.
Galactic Knight
While often linked to Skell users, the Galactic Knight offers substantial benefits beyond giant robot combat. This class can remove debuffs and heal allies while dishing out heavy, specialized damage. Galactic Knights can also shorten their own cooldowns through melee combos. Their Skell-specific abilities restore appendage HP and directly boost combat power, requiring no special conditions to activate.
