Top Party Members for Xenoblade Chronicles X Revealed

Choosing the optimal party members for *Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition* can be daunting due to the extensive array of characters and seemingly similar classes. However, understanding each character's unique strengths and how they complement each other can significantly enhance your gameplay. Here’s a detailed guide to help you assemble the best party, focusing on five standout members and their key attributes.

Elma

Elma, the first party member you encounter, is far from weak. Her class, Full Metal Jaguar, stands out as one of the best in *Xenoblade Chronicles X*. Elma's AI excels in utilizing this versatile class across various combat scenarios. Her standout skills include Ghostwalker, which generates a decoy, and Ghost Factory, enhancing party evasion. Prioritize leveling these skills first. Additionally, Elma boasts a range of powerful, position-based attacks, though she may experience brief downtime while positioning herself. Designed as a hybrid tank, support, and offensive unit, Elma comes equipped with numerous self-buffs that amplify her critical hit rate and an ability to instantly gain 1,000 TP for unleashing potent skills. Her versatility is crucial, especially since she's required for most story missions.

Irina

Irina is the quintessential supporter in *Xenoblade Chronicles X*, outshining even other specialized support characters like Hope. She excels at healing the party, removing debuffs, and boosting evasion, particularly when Elma's Ghost Factory is unavailable. Irina also serves as a reliable TP generator, utilizing skills like Energy Source and Last Stand, which increase party TP at the expense of her own. While not suited for solo combat or taking down Tyrants, Irina's supportive role is vital. Ensure she's paired with one or two strong attackers to avoid prolonged battles.

Nagi

If you're not playing a Duelist yourself, Nagi is an essential addition to your team. As one of the few Duelists in the game, he's not only self-sufficient but also a formidable damage dealer. Duelists can handle enemies in melee and at range and have access to area-of-effect abilities. Nagi's signature move, Blossom Dance, is particularly potent, ignoring enemy resistances and capable of defeating even the toughest foes in one or two hits. To maximize Nagi's effectiveness, pair him with a supporter like Irina or use Mastermind skills to debuff enemies if your party slots are limited.

Mia

Though classified as a Psycorruptor, Mia embodies the spirit and versatility of a Drifter. She can debuff enemies, reducing their resistance to further debuffs, and delivers heavy damage with attacks like Beam Barrage and Myopic Screen, the latter potentially causing blackout. Her attacks are further enhanced when an aura is active, and she can even topple foes. However, Mia lacks in self-defense and healing, so it’s crucial to include party members who can cover these aspects.

H.B.

H.B. is an excellent substitute for Lin, offering enhanced defensive capabilities. As a Shield Trooper+, he surpasses Lin in every aspect, excelling at drawing enemy attention, which is invaluable for more aggressive playstyles or when you have offensive powerhouses like Elma or Nagi. H.B. can generate TP with his taunt attack, increase debuff resistance, boost ranged attack power, topple enemies, inflict debuffs, and create a robust shield. If you're struggling to survive outside the main storyline, completing H.B.'s affinity mission to recruit him is highly recommended.