Choosing the best party members in *Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition* can feel daunting due to the game's extensive roster and the complexity of its class system. This guide will help you understand which five characters stand out as the best allies to include in your party, highlighting their unique strengths and contributions.
Elma
Elma, one of the first party members you encounter, is far from being the weakest. As a Full Metal Jaguar, one of the top classes in *Xenoblade X*, her AI excels in nearly every scenario. Key skills like Ghostwalker, which generates a decoy, and Ghost Factory, which enhances party evasion, should be prioritized for leveling. Although her position-based attacks may require some downtime as she repositions, Elma's versatility shines through her role as a hybrid tank, support, and offensive unit. With numerous self-buffs and the ability to instantly gain 1,000 TP, she's a crucial asset, especially during mandatory story missions.
Irina
Irina stands out as the game's premier supporter. Even when compared to other support specialists like Hope, her ability to heal, remove debuffs, and boost evasion is unparalleled. Her skills, Energy Source and Last Stand, not only enhance the party's TP but also utilize her own TP, making her a vital TP generator. While not suited for solo combat or tackling Tyrants, Irina's support capabilities make her indispensable. Pair her with strong attackers to ensure quick and efficient battles.
Nagi
If you're not playing as a Duelist, Nagi is an essential addition to your team. As one of the few characters in this class, he offers exceptional self-sufficiency and damage output, effective in both close and ranged combat. His area-of-effect ability, Blossom Dance, is particularly potent, capable of ignoring enemy resistances and taking down formidable foes swiftly. To maximize Nagi's potential, pair him with a supporter like Irina or use Mastermind skills to debuff enemies.
Mia
Despite being a Psycorruptor, Mia embodies the versatility of a Drifter. She excels in multiple roles, from inflicting debuffs to dealing significant damage with attacks like Beam Barrage and Myopic Screen, the latter potentially causing blackout. Her abilities are further amplified by active auras, and she can even topple enemies. However, Mia lacks in self-defense and healing, so it's crucial to include a party member who can cover these aspects.
H.B.
H.B. serves as an excellent alternative to Lin, offering superior defense and utility. As a Shield Trooper+, he not only defends better but also attracts enemy attention more effectively, which is invaluable for aggressive playstyles or when paired with characters like Elma or Nagi. Additionally, H.B. can generate TP, increase debuff resistance, boost ranged attack power, topple enemies, and create a robust shield. If you're struggling with survivability outside the main storyline, completing his affinity mission to recruit him is a smart move.