Choosing the best classes in *Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition* can feel daunting at first, given the array of options and the time it takes to master new weapon skills. While any class can be effective in this RPG, some stand out more than others. If you're attached to your starting class, that's perfectly fine; it's among the most versatile in the game.
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Our *Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition* classes guide highlights the five top classes and explains why they're worth your time.
Drifter
*Xenoblade Chronicles X* encourages you to move away from the Drifter class once you reach rank 10, but this starting class remains highly versatile and valuable throughout the game. For fans of the original *Xenoblade Chronicles*, Drifter is akin to Shulk but with a more limited set of skills to learn. It offers a mix of debuff and offensive arts, including abilities that can stagger and topple enemies, as well as one that regenerates health, reducing your dependence on your party for timely heals.
Drifter wields assault rifles for potent ranged attacks and knives for strong melee strikes, making it adaptable to various combat scenarios. Moreover, Drifter boasts the highest number of skill slots of any class in the game. Even if you experiment with other classes to master new skills, returning to Drifter allows for significant customization to suit your playstyle.
Full Metal Jaguar
Full Metal Jaguar, Elma's class, is a high-risk, high-reward choice. It boosts your critical hit rate when your HP drops below 50 percent, and one skill ensures you're consistently at this threshold by reducing your health when you attack. The Ghost Factory skill enhances your allies' evasion, while Electric Surge inflicts ether damage, a rarity among melee classes. Even the basic skill, Shadowstrike, packs a punch, making Full Metal Jaguar a thrilling class to master.
Duelist
The Duelist excels in close-quarters combat but is also competent with ranged attacks. Equipped with a longsword and an assault rifle, this class offers an enhanced version of the Drifter's weaponry. Duelists have access to a variety of skills, including Last Stand, which boosts the party's TP using the Duelist's own TP, ensuring powerful attacks from teammates.
The Soul of the Samurai skill adds area-of-effect damage to basic attacks, and True Stream Edge recovers TP when your morale level exceeds one. However, Blossom Dance stands out as a top-tier skill, staggering enemies and ignoring their resistances, setting them up for toppling and making it invaluable in combat.
Mastermind
If you prefer manipulating enemy behavior over raw damage output, the Mastermind class is ideal. While its arts may not match the Duelist's in strength, they simplify long battles against formidable foes. Mastermind can strip enemy buffs and, at level seven, reduce debuff resistance with each attack. Additionally, it boosts TP and can inflict the virus effect on opponents. This class requires careful attention to battle dynamics but is rewarding for those who master it.
Galactic Knight
Though often associated with Skell users, the Galactic Knight class offers much more. It can remove debuffs, heal allies, and deliver heavy, specialized damage. Galactic Knights can also reduce their own cooldowns through melee combos. For Skell users, this class provides abilities that restore appendage HP and boost combat power without any prerequisites, making it a versatile choice for both in and out of Skell combat.
