Top Party Members in Xenoblade Chronicles X Revealed

Choosing the best party members in *Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition* can be a daunting task. With a roster of over a dozen characters and numerous classes that can seem similar, the game doesn't immediately clarify the intricacies of party composition. However, by understanding the unique strengths and abilities of each character, you can build a formidable team. Here’s our guide to the five best party members in *Xenoblade Chronicles X* and why they stand out.

Elma

Elma, one of the first characters you can recruit, is far from the weakest. Her class, Full Metal Jaguar, is among the best in *Xenoblade X*, and her AI excels in utilizing it effectively across various scenarios. Key skills like Ghostwalker, which creates a decoy, and Ghost Factory, which enhances the party's evasion, are crucial to prioritize for leveling up. Additionally, Elma's arsenal includes powerful position-based attacks. While she may experience downtime as she maneuvers into position, Full Metal Jaguar is designed as a versatile class, blending tank, support, and offense roles rather than focusing solely on damage. With a range of self-buffs that boost her critical hit chances and the ability to quickly gain 1,000 TP to unleash her potent skills, Elma is an indispensable asset, especially for story missions.

Irina

Irina stands out as the game's premier supporter, surpassing even other dedicated support characters like Hope. Her ability to heal the party, remove debuffs, and increase evasion makes her invaluable, particularly when Elma's Ghost Factory skill is unavailable. Irina also generates TP for the party, though this comes at the expense of her own TP, thanks to skills like Energy Source and Last Stand. While Irina won't be the one to take down tough enemies or Tyrants, her role is vital in supporting the team's heavy hitters. To maximize her effectiveness, pair her with one or two strong attackers to prevent prolonged battles.

Nagi

For those not playing as a Duelist, Nagi is a must-have team member. As one of the few characters in this class in *Xenoblade X*, he's not only a potent damage dealer but also self-sufficient in combat. Duelists excel in both melee and ranged combat and have access to area-of-effect abilities, with Blossom Dance being Nagi's standout skill. This powerful attack ignores enemy resistances, capable of defeating some of the toughest foes in just a few hits. To fully leverage Nagi's potential, include a supporter like Irina or use Mastermind skills to debuff enemies, enhancing his effectiveness.

Mia

Despite being classified as a Psycorruptor, Mia embodies the versatility of a Drifter. She excels in multiple roles, capable of inflicting debuffs, reducing debuff resistance, and dealing significant damage with attacks like Beam Barrage and Myopic Screen, the latter of which can cause blackout. Mia's attacks gain additional power when an aura is active, and she can even topple enemies. However, she lacks the ability to defend herself or heal, necessitating her inclusion in a party with members who can cover these roles.

H.B.

H.B. serves as an excellent substitute for Lin when you need enhanced defense. As a Shield Trooper+, he surpasses Lin in every aspect, offering superior defense capabilities. His efficiency in drawing enemy attention is crucial, especially if your party includes aggressive characters like Elma or Nagi. Beyond defense, H.B. can generate TP with his taunt attack, boost debuff resistance, increase ranged attack power, topple enemies, and apply debuffs himself. He also creates a strong shield, making him one of the top defenders in the game. If you find yourself struggling outside the main storyline, completing H.B.'s affinity mission to recruit him is highly recommended.