Choosing the best party members for *Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition* can feel daunting with the game's extensive roster of characters and seemingly similar classes. However, understanding each character's unique strengths and roles can significantly enhance your gameplay. Below, we detail the top five party members to consider and why they stand out in your team.
Elma
Elma, one of the first characters you can recruit, is far from weak. Her Full Metal Jaguar class is among the best in *Xenoblade X*, and her AI leverages it effectively in various scenarios. Key skills like Ghostwalker, which creates a decoy, and Ghost Factory, which boosts party evasion, should be prioritized for leveling. Elma also boasts strong, position-based attacks, though these may require some movement time before execution. As a hybrid tank, support, and offense class, she offers self-buffs that enhance her critical hit potential and can instantly gain 1,000 TP for her powerful skills. Her versatility makes her indispensable, especially in story missions.
Irina
Irina stands out as the game's premier supporter. Even with other support specialists like Hope, Irina excels at healing, debuff removal, and boosting party evasion—particularly useful if Elma's Ghost Factory is unavailable. Irina's Energy Source and Last Stand skills provide TP boosts at the expense of her own, making her an essential TP generator. While not suited for solo combat or tackling Tyrants, Irina's support is crucial in a party with strong attackers to avoid prolonged battles.
Nagi
For those not choosing the Duelist class themselves, Nagi is an invaluable addition. As one of the few Duelists in *Xenoblade X*, he excels in both close and ranged combat, dealing significant damage with area-of-effect abilities. His Blossom Dance skill is particularly potent, ignoring enemy resistances and capable of defeating tough foes in one or two hits. To maximize Nagi's effectiveness, pair him with a supporter like Irina or use Mastermind skills to debuff enemies.
Mia
Despite being a Psycorruptor, Mia brings the versatility of a Drifter to your party. She can apply debuffs, reduce debuff resistance, and deliver heavy damage with attacks like Beam Barrage and Myopic Screen, the latter potentially causing blackout. Mia's attacks gain power with an active aura, and she can even topple enemies. Her only weaknesses are self-defense and healing, so ensure she's teamed with characters who can cover these aspects.
H.B.
H.B. serves as an enhanced version of Lin, offering superior defense with his Shield Trooper+ class. He's more effective at drawing enemy attention, making him invaluable for aggressive playstyles or when paired with characters like Elma or Nagi. Beyond defense, H.B. generates TP with his taunt, raises debuff resistance, boosts ranged attack power, topples enemies, inflicts debuffs, and creates a sturdy shield. His robust skill set makes him one of the best defenders, essential for surviving outside the main storyline.
By understanding and utilizing the unique abilities of Elma, Irina, Nagi, Mia, and H.B., you can assemble a well-rounded party that excels in *Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition*. Each member brings distinct strengths that, when combined, can tackle even the toughest challenges the game throws at you.
