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Top Xenoblade Chronicles X Classes Ranked

Author : Ethan Apr 26,2025

Choosing the best classes in *Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition* can feel daunting, given the wide variety and the time required to master new weapon skills. While any class can be effective in this RPG, some stand out for their versatility and power. If you're comfortable with the class you start with, that's perfectly okay too, as it's one of the most adaptable in the game.

Recommended Classes in Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition

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

Drifter

The Drifter class option in Xenoblade Chronicles X

Xenoblade Chronicles X encourages you to move beyond the Drifter class once you reach rank 10, but Drifter remains a versatile and valuable class throughout the entire game. For fans of the original Xenoblade Chronicles, think of Drifter as a Shulk-like class but with a more limited skill set. This class provides 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 potentially slow-healing party members.

Drifter wields assault rifles for potent ranged attacks and knives for strong melee combat, offering flexibility in battle. Moreover, Drifter boasts the highest number of skill slots of any class, making it an excellent choice for customization. Even if you experiment with other classes, it's beneficial to return to Drifter to tailor it to your playstyle.

Full Metal Jaguar

The Full Metal Jaguar class option in Xenoblade Chronicles X

Elma's class, Full Metal Jaguar, is a high-risk, high-reward option that thrives when your HP is low. This class enhances your critical hit rate when your HP falls below 50 percent, and a skill even reduces your health during attacks to maintain this state. The Ghost Factory skill allows allies to dodge incoming attacks, while Electric Surge delivers ether damage, a rarity among melee classes. Even the basic skill, Shadowstrike, packs a punch.

Duelist

Duelist is a self-sufficient class that excels in close combat but is also adept at ranged attacks. Armed with a longsword and an assault rifle, it's like an enhanced version of the Drifter's arsenal. Duelists access a variety of useful skills, such as Last Stand, which uses your TP to boost the party's TP, setting up powerful attacks.

Soul of the Samurai enhances basic attacks with area-of-effect capabilities, and True Stream Edge restores TP when your morale level is high. Blossom Dance, one of the game's best skills, not only staggers and sets up enemies for toppling but also bypasses their resistances, making it exceptionally useful against most foes.

Mastermind

The Mastermind class option in Xenoblade Chronicles X

For those who prefer manipulating enemy behavior over sheer damage output, Mastermind is a top choice. While its arts may not hit as hard as those of the Duelist, they simplify battles against challenging enemies. Mastermind can remove enemy buffs and, at level seven, reduces enemy debuff resistance with attacks. It also boosts TP and inflicts the virus effect with its capstone art. This class requires more attention to battle dynamics, but the payoff is significant.

Galactic Knight

The Galactic Knight class option in Xenoblade Chronicles X

Though often associated with Skell users, Galactic Knight offers substantial benefits beyond piloting giant fighting robots. 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-specific perks, they can restore appendage HP and increase combat power without needing to meet additional conditions.