Top Classes Revealed in Xenoblade Chronicles X

Deciding on the best classes in Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition can feel overwhelming due to the variety and time required to master new weapon skills. While nearly any class can be effective, certain ones stand out for their versatility and utility. If you stick with your starting class, that's perfectly fine too, as it's one of the game's most versatile options.

Our Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition classes guide highlights the five best classes and explains their unique advantages.

Drifter

Xenoblade Chronicles X encourages you to move beyond the Drifter class once you reach rank 10, but Drifter is a rare starting class that remains highly versatile throughout the game. For fans of the original Xenoblade Chronicles, Drifter is akin to Shulk, though with a smaller skill set. This class provides access to a range of debuff and offensive arts, including skills that can stagger and topple enemies, and one that regenerates health, reducing reliance on party members for healing.

Drifter wields assault rifles for potent ranged damage and knives for strong melee attacks, ensuring adaptability in combat. Moreover, Drifter boasts the highest number of skill slots of any class, making it ideal for customization even after exploring other classes.

Full Metal Jaguar

Full Metal Jaguar, Elma's class, is a high-risk, high-reward option. It boosts critical hit rates when your HP falls below 50%, and a skill that ensures your HP remains low by reducing it with each attack. The Ghost Factory skill allows allies to evade attacks, while Electric Surge inflicts ether damage—a rare trait among melee classes. Even the basic skill, Shadowstrike, is notably powerful.

Duelist

Duelists are self-sufficient close-range combatants who also handle ranged attacks well. They use longswords and assault rifles, akin to an enhanced version of the Drifter's setup, and have access to a broad spectrum of skills. Last Stand uses the Duelist's TP to boost the party's TP, crucial for setting up powerful attacks. Soul of the Samurai adds area-of-effect properties to basic attacks, and True Stream Edge recovers TP at higher morale levels. Blossom Dance, one of the best skills in the game, not only staggers and topples enemies but also ignores their resistances, making it incredibly effective.

Mastermind

Mastermind is ideal for players who prefer controlling enemy behavior rather than dealing direct damage. While its arts may not match the Duelist's in power, they simplify long battles against tough foes. Mastermind can remove enemy buffs and, at level seven, reduce enemy debuff resistance upon landing attacks. Additionally, it offers TP boosts and a capstone art that inflicts the virus effect. Mastermind requires keen attention to battle dynamics, but its strategic value is well worth the effort.

Galactic Knight

While often associated with Skell users, Galactic Knight offers substantial benefits outside of Skell combat. This class can remove debuffs, heal allies, and deliver heavy, specialized damage. Galactic Knights can also reduce their own cooldowns with melee combos. For Skell users, this class restores appendage HP and boosts combat power without additional requirements, making it highly versatile.