Choosing the optimal classes in *Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition* can be daunting due to the wide array and the time it takes to master new weapon skills. While every class can be effective, some stand out more than others. If you stick with your starting class, that's perfectly okay, as it's one of the game's most versatile options.
Our Guide to the Top 5 Classes in *Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition*
Drifter
Although the game encourages you to move away from the Drifter class at rank 10, it remains one of the most versatile classes throughout *Xenoblade Chronicles X*. Fans of the original *Xenoblade Chronicles* might recognize Drifter as a version of Shulk, albeit with fewer skills to learn. This class offers a mix of debuff and offensive arts, including abilities that can stagger and topple enemies, as well as a health regeneration skill that doesn't rely on your party's timely healing.
Drifters wield assault rifles for potent ranged attacks and knives for strong melee combat, making them adaptable to various combat scenarios. Moreover, Drifter boasts the highest number of skill slots in the game, allowing for extensive customization. Even if you experiment with other classes, it's wise to return to Drifter to tailor it to your playstyle.
Full Metal Jaguar
Elma’s class, Full Metal Jaguar, is high-risk, high-reward. Its critical hit rate increases when your HP falls below 50 percent, and one skill ensures you're often in that danger zone by reducing your health during attacks. The Ghost Factory skill helps allies dodge incoming attacks, while Electric Surge delivers ether damage, a rarity among melee classes. Even the basic skill, Shadowstrike, packs a punch.
Duelist
Duelist excels in close-range combat but is also adept at ranged attacks. Armed with a longsword and an assault rifle, Duelists have an enhanced version of the Drifter's weapon setup and access to a variety of valuable skills. Last Stand converts your TP into party TP, ideal for setting up powerful attacks. Soul of the Samurai adds area-of-effect damage to basic attacks, and True Stream Edge recovers TP when your morale is high. Blossom Dance, one of the game's top skills, not only staggers and sets up enemies for toppling but also bypasses their resistances, making it invaluable against most foes.
Mastermind
If you prefer manipulating enemy behavior over raw damage, Mastermind is the class for you. While its arts might not hit as hard as a Duelist's, they ease the burden of prolonged battles against tough enemies. Mastermind can strip buffs from enemies and, at level seven, reduces their debuff resistance with each hit. Additional abilities enhance TP and include a powerful capstone art that inflicts the virus effect. Playing a Mastermind requires keen attention to battle dynamics, but the payoff is well worth it.
Galactic Knight
Although often linked with Skell users, Galactic Knights offer much more than Skell-specific benefits. They can remove debuffs, heal allies, and deliver heavy, specialized damage. Galactic Knights can also reduce their own cooldowns through melee combos. When in Skells, their abilities restore appendage HP and boost combat power without any prerequisites, making them a versatile choice both in and out of their giant fighting robots.
