Top Classes in Xenoblade Chronicles X Revealed

Choosing the best classes in *Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition* can be daunting due to the wide array of options and the time it takes to master new weapon skills. While virtually any class can be effective in this RPG, some stand out for their unique strengths and versatility. If you stick with the class you start with, that's perfectly okay, as it's one of the game's most adaptable options.

Our Top 5 Classes in *Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition*

Drifter

In *Xenoblade Chronicles X*, the game nudges you to move away from the Drifter class once you reach rank 10, but don't be too quick to abandon it. Drifter is a rare starting class that retains its versatility and utility throughout the game. For fans of the original *Xenoblade Chronicles*, Drifter is akin to Shulk, though with a more limited skill set. It offers a range of debuff and offensive arts, including abilities that can stagger and topple enemies, as well as one that regenerates your health, reducing your reliance on party members for healing.

Drifter excels with assault rifles for ranged combat and knives for close encounters, ensuring you're well-equipped for any battle scenario. What's more, Drifter boasts the highest number of skill slots in the game, making it an excellent choice to return to after experimenting with other classes. This allows for extensive customization to suit your playstyle.

Full Metal Jaguar

Elma's class, Full Metal Jaguar, is all about high-risk, high-reward gameplay. Its power spikes when your HP drops below 50 percent, and one skill even keeps you in this dangerous state by reducing your health during attacks. The Ghost Factory skill helps allies dodge attacks, while Electric Surge allows you to deal ether damage—a rarity among melee classes. Even the basic skill, Shadowstrike, packs a punch, making Full Metal Jaguar a thrilling choice for those who dare to flirt with danger.

Duelist

The Duelist is a self-sufficient combatant, shining in close-quarters combat but also adept at handling ranged engagements. Armed with a longsword and an assault rifle, the Duelist's arsenal is an enhanced version of the Drifter's setup. Key skills include Last Stand, which boosts party TP at the cost of your own, facilitating powerful attacks from your teammates.

Soul of the Samurai enhances basic attacks with area-of-effect damage, while True Stream Edge recovers TP when your morale is high. However, the standout skill is Blossom Dance, which staggers enemies, sets them up for toppling, and bypasses their resistances, making it exceptionally useful against most foes.

Mastermind

If controlling enemy behavior appeals to you more than raw damage output, the Mastermind class is your best bet. While its arts may not match the Duelist's in strength, they're invaluable in managing prolonged battles against tough opponents. Mastermind can strip enemies of buffs, reduce their debuff resistance, and apply the virus effect, making it a strategic choice that requires attentive play but offers significant advantages in combat.

Galactic Knight

While often considered optimal for Skell users, the Galactic Knight class offers much more than just Skell-specific bonuses. It can remove debuffs, heal allies, and deliver heavy, specialized damage. Galactic Knights can also shorten their own cooldowns with melee combos, and their Skell-related abilities enhance appendage HP and combat power directly, without any prerequisites. This makes the Galactic Knight a versatile and powerful class both in and out of a Skell.