Top Party Members for Xenoblade Chronicles X Revealed

Choosing the best party members in *Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition* can feel daunting. With a vast array of unlockable characters and seemingly similar classes, the game doesn't rush to clarify the intricacies. Our guide aims to simplify this by highlighting the top five party members and their unique strengths.

Elma

Elma, often the first recruit, is far from the weakest. Her Full Metal Jaguar class excels in versatility, serving as a hybrid tank, support, and offensive unit. Elma's AI leverages this class brilliantly in various scenarios. Key skills like Ghostwalker, which creates a decoy, and Ghost Factory, which enhances party evasion, should be prioritized. Although she may experience downtime due to positioning, Elma's array of self-buffs, critical hit boosts, and instant TP acquisition make her an invaluable asset, especially since she's mandatory for most story missions.

Irina

Irina stands out as the game's premier supporter. She not only heals and removes debuffs but also boosts the party's evasion, filling gaps left by Elma's Ghost Factory. Irina's skills, Energy Source and Last Stand, generate TP for the party at her own expense. While not designed for solo combat or tackling Tyrants, Irina's role is crucial in ensuring your party doesn't get bogged down in prolonged battles. Pair her with strong attackers for optimal performance.

Nagi

For those not interested in the Duelist class, Nagi is a must-have. As one of the few Duelists in *Xenoblade X*, he's a self-sufficient powerhouse capable of dealing significant damage at close and long range. His area-of-effect ability, Blossom Dance, is particularly potent, ignoring enemy resistances and capable of downing tough foes quickly. To maximize Nagi's effectiveness, include a supporter or debuffer like Irina, or utilize Mastermind skills to weaken enemies.

Mia

Mia, a Psycorruptor with a Drifter's skillset, is a versatile member. She can debuff enemies, reducing their resistance, and deliver heavy damage with attacks like Beam Barrage and Myopic Screen, the latter of which can cause blackout. Mia's abilities are amplified when an aura is active, and she can even topple foes. However, her lack of self-defense and healing necessitates pairing her with a character who can cover these roles.

H.B.

H.B. is an enhanced version of Lin, offering superior defense with his Shield Trooper+ class. He excels at drawing enemy aggression, making him ideal for parties with aggressive members like Elma or Nagi. Beyond defense, H.B. can generate TP, boost debuff resistance, increase ranged attack power, topple enemies, and apply debuffs. His ability to create a sturdy shield makes him one of the game's best defenders. If you're struggling with survivability outside the main storyline, completing H.B.'s affinity mission to recruit him is highly recommended.