Choosing the best classes in *Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition* can feel daunting with the wide array of options and the time it takes to master new weapon skills. However, nearly any class can be effective in this RPG, although some stand out more than others. If you stick with the class you start with, that's perfectly okay, as it's one of the most versatile in the game.
Our Top 5 *Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition* Classes
Drifter
The game nudges you to move away from the Drifter class once you reach rank 10, but it's an exception among starting classes due to its enduring versatility and utility. For those familiar with the original *Xenoblade Chronicles*, Drifter resembles Shulk but with a more limited skill set. It offers a range of debuff and offensive arts, including skills that can stagger and topple enemies, and even one that regenerates health, reducing your dependency on timely heals from party members.
Drifter wields assault rifles for potent ranged attacks and knives for formidable melee combat, making it adaptable to various combat scenarios. Notably, Drifter boasts the highest number of skill slots in the game, making it a prime choice for customization. Even if you experiment with other classes to master new skills, returning to Drifter to tailor it to your playstyle is highly recommended.
Full Metal Jaguar
Elma's class, Full Metal Jaguar, is a high-risk, high-reward option. It gains a critical hit rate boost when your HP drops below 50%, and one skill ensures you stay in that danger zone by reducing your health with each attack. Ghost Factory skill helps allies dodge incoming attacks, while Electric Surge deals ether damage—a rarity among melee classes. Even the basic skill, Shadowstrike, packs a punch, making Full Metal Jaguar a thrilling choice for those who thrive on the edge.
Duelist
Duelist excels as a self-sufficient close-range combatant, yet is equally adept at handling ranged attacks. Armed with a longsword and an assault rifle, it's like an enhanced version of the Drifter's arsenal. Duelists have access to a variety of skills, including Last Stand, which uses your TP to boost the party's TP, ensuring your team can unleash powerful attacks when needed.
Soul of the Samurai enhances basic attacks with area-of-effect capabilities, and True Stream Edge recovers TP when your morale is high. However, Blossom Dance stands out as one of the game's best skills, staggering enemies, setting them up for toppling, and ignoring their resistances, making it invaluable in combat.
Mastermind
If you prefer manipulating enemy behavior over raw damage output, Mastermind is your go-to class. While its arts may not match the Duelist's in strength, they simplify long battles against tough foes. Mastermind can strip enemy buffs and, at level seven, learns a skill that lowers enemy debuff resistance upon landing an attack. It also boosts TP and has a capstone art that inflicts the virus effect. Playing Mastermind requires keen attention to battle dynamics, but the payoff is well worth it.
Galactic Knight
While often associated with Skell users, Galactic Knight offers much more than Skell-specific bonuses. 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 restores appendage HP and boosts combat power without any prerequisites, making it a versatile choice both in and out of Skells.
