Choosing the best classes in *Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition* can feel daunting, especially with the vast array of options and the time it takes to master new weapon skills. While any class can be viable in this RPG, some stand out as particularly effective. And if you stick with the class you start with, that's perfectly okay, as it's one of the most versatile in the game.
Top 5 Classes in *Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition*
Drifter
In *Xenoblade Chronicles X*, you're nudged to move away from the Drifter class once you reach rank 10, but this starting class remains exceptionally versatile throughout the entire game. Fans of the original *Xenoblade Chronicles* might see the Drifter as akin to Shulk, though with a more limited skill set. This class provides access to a diverse range of debuff and offensive arts, including abilities to stagger and topple enemies, as well as a skill for health regeneration, reducing your dependence on potentially unreliable party healers.
Drifters wield assault rifles for potent ranged attacks and knives for effective melee combat, making them adaptable to any combat scenario. Moreover, the Drifter boasts the highest number of skill slots in the game, which makes it highly customizable. Even if you experiment with other classes to master new skills, returning to the Drifter later to tailor it to your playstyle is highly recommended.
Full Metal Jaguar
Elma's class, the Full Metal Jaguar, is a high-risk, high-reward choice. It thrives on maintaining low HP to enhance your power, with a critical hit rate increase when your HP dips below 50 percent. A skill even ensures you stay at this low HP threshold by reducing your health during attacks. The Ghost Factory skill enhances allies' evasion, while Electric Surge delivers ether damage, a rarity among melee classes. Even the basic skill, Shadowstrike, packs a punch.
Duelist
The Duelist is a self-sufficient attacker who excels in close-quarters combat but is also adept at ranged engagements. They use a longsword and an assault rifle, akin to an enhanced version of the Drifter's weaponry. Duelists access a wide array of useful skills, including Last Stand, which boosts the party's TP using the Duelist's own TP, facilitating heavy attacks from teammates.
Soul of the Samurai allows Duelists to infuse their basic attacks with area-of-effect damage, while True Stream Edge recovers TP when morale is high. However, Blossom Dance stands out as one of the best skills, capable of staggering and toppling enemies while ignoring their resistances, making it highly effective against most foes.
Mastermind
If you enjoy manipulating enemy behavior over sheer damage output, the Mastermind is an excellent choice. While its arts may not match the Duelist's in strength, they significantly ease long battles against tough opponents. Mastermind can strip enemies of buffs and, at level seven, reduce their debuff resistance. Additionally, it boosts TP and has a capstone art that inflicts the virus effect. Playing Mastermind requires close attention to battle dynamics, but the payoff is substantial.
Galactic Knight
Although 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 both in and out of Skells.
