Xenoblade Chronicles X Guide: Tips for New Players

Xenoblade Chronicles X Guide: Tips for New Players

Xenoblade Chronicles X throws players onto the alien world of Mira, a vast and untamed planet teeming with exotic flora, fauna, and dangers lurking around every corner. Navigating this massive open-world RPG can be daunting, especially for newcomers to the series or genre. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of essential tips and strategies to help new players thrive on Mira and unravel the mysteries of its past.

I. Character Creation & Early Game:

• Choose your class wisely: While you can change classes later, your initial choice influences your starting skills and playstyle. Experiment and find a class that suits your preferred combat approach (melee, ranged, support).
• Explore Primordia thoroughly: Don’t rush through the early areas. Primordia, the starting zone, is packed with resources, collectibles, and quests that will help you level up and familiarize yourself with the game’s mechanics.
• Learn the basics of combat: Xenoblade Chronicles X features a real-time battle system with a focus on positioning, Arts (special abilities), and combos. Practice using different Arts and understand their cooldown times and TP (Tactical Points) costs. Experiment with positioning to exploit enemy weaknesses and avoid powerful attacks.
• Complete affinity missions: Building affinity with your party members unlocks powerful combination Arts and provides valuable story context. Prioritize completing these missions as they become available.
• Gather everything: Mira is rich with resources. Collect everything you see, even if it seems useless at the time. These materials will become crucial for crafting, upgrading equipment, and completing quests later in the game.
• Don’t be afraid to run: Early on, you’ll encounter enemies far stronger than you. Don’t be ashamed to retreat and return later when you’re better equipped and leveled.
• Understand the difference between Probes and Mining Probes: Probes expand your network and resource gathering capabilities across Mira. Mining Probes are specifically for mining Miranium, a crucial resource for upgrading your Skells (mechs). Place probes strategically to maximize resource income.

II. Exploration & Navigation:

• Utilize the Navigation Ball: This invaluable tool guides you to objectives and points of interest. Learn to use its various functions, including setting waypoints and tracking quests.
• Unlock Fast Travel locations: Fast Travel points significantly reduce travel time. Prioritize unlocking them as you explore new areas.
• Upgrade your FrontierNav: Investing in FrontierNav upgrades unlocks essential features like improved resource detection, increased probe range, and access to new areas.
• Learn to use the map effectively: Mira’s map is complex but essential for navigation. Familiarize yourself with its various layers, icons, and filters.
• Explore every nook and cranny: Mira is full of hidden areas, secret passages, and valuable resources tucked away off the beaten path. Take the time to explore thoroughly.
• Use the environment to your advantage: Mira’s diverse landscapes offer tactical advantages in combat. Use cliffs for aerial attacks, water to cool down overheating Skells, and terrain features for cover.
• Pay attention to time and weather: Certain enemies and events only appear at specific times of day or during certain weather conditions.

III. Combat Strategies & Mechanics:

• Master Arts and Combos: Arts are the core of Xenoblade Chronicles X’s combat system. Experiment with different Arts combinations to create powerful combos that exploit enemy weaknesses.
• Understand the Soul Voice system: Soul Voices are audio cues that prompt you to perform specific actions during combat, like reviving fallen comrades or enhancing Arts. Responding to these cues is crucial for maximizing your combat effectiveness.
• Utilize Overdrive: Overdrive is a powerful temporary state that significantly boosts your damage output and reduces cooldown times. Learn to activate and manage Overdrive effectively to turn the tide of battle.
• Target enemy appendages: Many enemies have weak points that can be targeted for extra damage or to inflict status ailments. Focus your attacks on these appendages to gain an advantage in combat.
• Learn to Topple, Bind, and Launch: These crowd control techniques can disable enemies, leaving them vulnerable to powerful follow-up attacks.
• Customize your equipment and skills: Regularly upgrade your weapons, armor, and Arts to keep pace with the increasing difficulty of the game. Experiment with different skill setups to find a build that suits your playstyle.
• Don’t neglect your party members: Coordinate your attacks and abilities with your party members to maximize your combat effectiveness. Use the command menu to issue specific instructions to your allies.

IV. Skells & Mech Combat:

• Obtain your Skell license as soon as possible: Skells provide a significant advantage in combat and open up new exploration possibilities. Complete the required missions to obtain your license as quickly as you can.
• Choose your Skell wisely: Different Skell frames offer different strengths and weaknesses. Consider your preferred playstyle and combat approach when choosing your Skell.
• Upgrade your Skell regularly: Just like your character’s equipment, Skells need to be upgraded to remain effective against stronger enemies. Invest in upgrades for your frame, weapons, and auxiliary equipment.
• Learn Skell combat mechanics: Skell combat is different from on-foot combat. Familiarize yourself with the unique mechanics of Skell combat, including fuel management, transformation, and special attacks.
• Practice flying and navigating with your Skell: Flying with your Skell opens up new areas for exploration and provides a faster way to travel across Mira. Practice controlling your Skell in the air to master its maneuverability.
• Use Skells strategically: Skells are powerful, but they’re not invincible. Use them strategically to overcome challenging encounters and explore dangerous areas. Don’t rely on them exclusively, as they require fuel and can be damaged.

V. Online Features & Multiplayer:

• Join a Squad: Squads are online communities that provide access to shared resources, missions, and communication tools. Joining a Squad can enhance your gameplay experience and provide valuable support.
• Participate in Squad Tasks: Squad Tasks are cooperative missions that reward players with experience, resources, and Squad points. Participating in Squad Tasks is a great way to contribute to your Squad and earn valuable rewards.
• Utilize online features: Xenoblade Chronicles X offers a variety of online features, including global Nemesis battles, resource sharing, and asynchronous multiplayer. Take advantage of these features to enhance your gameplay experience.

VI. General Tips & Tricks:

• Save frequently: Mira is a dangerous place, and unexpected encounters can happen at any time. Save your game regularly to avoid losing progress.
• Experiment with different builds and playstyles: Xenoblade Chronicles X offers a wide range of customization options. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different builds and playstyles to find what works best for you.
• Read the in-game tutorials and data logs: The game provides a wealth of information about its mechanics, lore, and world. Take the time to read the tutorials and data logs to gain a deeper understanding of the game.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help: The Xenoblade Chronicles X community is active and helpful. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or advice online or from other players.
• Most importantly, have fun! Mira is a vast and fascinating world waiting to be explored. Take your time, enjoy the journey, and discover the secrets of this alien planet.

This comprehensive guide covers a wide range of tips and strategies for new players embarking on their Xenoblade Chronicles X adventure. By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the challenges of Mira, unravel its mysteries, and experience the full depth of this epic RPG. Remember that exploration, experimentation, and perseverance are key to success in Xenoblade Chronicles X. So, gear up, explore the vast landscapes, and forge your own destiny on the alien world of Mira!