Top Classes in Xenoblade Chronicles X Revealed

Choosing the best classes in *Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition* can feel daunting at first, given the wide variety and the time it takes to master new weapon skills. While most classes can be effective, some stand out as more advantageous than others. However, if you find yourself attached to the starting class, rest assured—it's one of the most versatile options available in the game.

Our guide to *Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition* classes highlights the top five classes and explains why they're worth your time.

Drifter

*Xenoblade Chronicles X* encourages players to switch from the Drifter class once they reach rank 10, but this starting class remains highly versatile and useful throughout the entire game. For fans of the original *Xenoblade Chronicles*, the Drifter can be thought of as a version of Shulk, though with a smaller pool of skills to master. This class offers a range of debuff and offensive arts, including abilities to stagger and topple enemies, as well as one that regenerates health, reducing your reliance on potentially slow-healing party members.

Drifters wield assault rifles for potent ranged attacks and knives for strong melee strikes, making them adaptable to various combat situations. Moreover, Drifters boast the highest number of skill slots of any class in the game. Even if you experiment with other classes to master new skills, it's beneficial to return to the Drifter later to tailor it to your playstyle.

Full Metal Jaguar

Full Metal Jaguar, Elma's class, is a high-risk, high-reward option. It thrives on maintaining low HP to boost your power significantly. When your HP drops below 50 percent, you gain a critical hit rate increase, and a skill ensures you'll often stay below this threshold by reducing your health during attacks. The Ghost Factory skill helps allies evade attacks, while Electric Surge delivers ether damage—a rarity among melee classes. Even the basic skill, Shadowstrike, packs a punch, making Full Metal Jaguar a formidable choice.

Duelist

The Duelist is a self-sufficient attacker excelling in close-range combat while also capable of handling ranged attacks effectively. They use a longsword and an assault rifle, akin to an upgraded Drifter's arsenal, and have access to a variety of useful skills. Last Stand converts your TP into party TP, facilitating the use of powerful skills by your teammates. Soul of the Samurai enhances basic attacks with area-of-effect capabilities, and True Stream Edge restores TP when your morale level exceeds one. The standout skill, Blossom Dance, not only staggers and sets up enemies for toppling but also bypasses their resistances, making it exceptionally valuable in combat.

Mastermind

For those who prefer manipulating enemy behavior over direct damage, the Mastermind class is an excellent choice. While its arts may not match the raw power of the Duelist's, they significantly ease prolonged battles against formidable foes. The Mastermind can remove enemy buffs and, at level seven, learn a skill that lowers enemy debuff resistance upon landing an attack. Additional abilities boost TP, and the capstone art inflicts the virus effect on opponents. Playing a Mastermind requires attentive battle management, but the payoff is well worth it.

Galactic Knight

Although commonly associated with Skell users, the Galactic Knight class offers substantial benefits beyond piloting giant fighting robots. They can remove debuffs, heal allies, and deal specialized, heavy damage. Galactic Knights can also reduce their own cooldowns by executing melee combos. For Skell users, the class provides abilities to restore appendage HP and increase combat power without any prerequisites, making it a versatile and powerful option in and out of Skells.