Deciding on the best Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition classes can be daunting due to the wide variety available and the time required to master new weapon skills. While any class can be effective in this RPG, some stand out as particularly useful. However, sticking with your starting class is perfectly viable, as it is one of the most versatile in the game.

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

Drifter

Xenoblade Chronicles X encourages you to move away from the Drifter class once you reach rank 10, but this starting class remains highly versatile and valuable throughout the entire game. For fans of the original Xenoblade Chronicles, Drifter is similar to Shulk, though with a more limited skill set. It offers a range of debuff and offensive arts, including skills that can stagger and topple enemies, and one that regenerates health, reducing your reliance on party members for healing.

Drifter utilizes assault rifles for potent ranged attacks and knives for strong melee combat, ensuring you're well-equipped for any battle scenario. Moreover, Drifter boasts the highest number of skill slots of any class, making it an excellent choice for customization even after experimenting with other classes.

Full Metal Jaguar

Full Metal Jaguar, Elma's class, is a high-risk, high-reward choice. It gains a critical hit rate boost when your HP falls below 50%, and one skill consistently keeps your health low during combat. The Ghost Factory skill allows allies to evade attacks, while Electric Surge delivers ether damage, a rare capability among melee classes. Even the basic skill, Shadowstrike, packs a punch, making this class a thrilling option for those who dare to play on the edge.

Duelist

Duelist excels as a self-sufficient close-range combatant who also handles ranged attacks effectively. They wield a longsword and an assault rifle, similar to an enhanced version of the Drifter's arsenal, and have access to a broad array of beneficial skills. Last Stand uses the Duelist's TP to boost the party's TP, facilitating powerful attacks from teammates. Soul of the Samurai infuses basic attacks with area-of-effect damage, and True Stream Edge recovers TP when 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 exceptionally useful against most foes.

Mastermind

For players who prefer manipulating enemy behavior over direct damage, Mastermind is an ideal choice. While its arts may not match the Duelist's in power, they simplify long battles against tough opponents. Mastermind can remove enemy buffs and, at level seven, reduces enemy debuff resistance with each attack. Additionally, it offers TP-boosting abilities and a capstone art that inflicts the virus effect. Mastering this class requires keen attention to battle dynamics, but the strategic advantage it provides is well worth the effort.

Galactic Knight

Though often associated with Skell users, Galactic Knight offers substantial benefits beyond piloting giant robots. It can remove debuffs, heal allies, and deal specialized heavy damage. Galactic Knights can also reduce their own cooldowns through melee combos. For Skell users, this class provides abilities that restore appendage HP and directly enhance combat power without any prerequisites, making it a versatile choice for all types of gameplay.