Choosing the optimal party members in *Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition* can seem daunting with the game's extensive roster and complex class system. However, understanding the strengths of each character can help you assemble a formidable team. Here's a guide to the top five party members in *Xenoblade Chronicles X* and why they stand out.
Elma
Elma, often the first recruit, is far from being the weakest link. As a Full Metal Jaguar, she excels in versatility, acting as a hybrid tank, support, and damage dealer. Her skills, Ghostwalker and Ghost Factory, enhance party evasion and create decoys, making her invaluable in combat. Although her positioning-based attacks may result in some downtime, her self-buffs and critical hit boosts, along with her ability to instantly gain 1,000 TP, make her a crucial asset, especially in story missions where her presence is mandatory.
Irina
Irina stands out as the game's premier support character. Her abilities to heal, remove debuffs, and boost evasion are unmatched, even among other support specialists like Hope. Skills like Energy Source and Last Stand not only provide the party with TP but also highlight her self-sacrificing nature. While she isn't suited for solo battles or taking down tough enemies, pairing her with strong attackers ensures efficient and swift combat.
Nagi
For those not interested in playing as a Duelist, Nagi is an essential addition to any team. His proficiency in this class, combined with his self-sufficiency and versatility in close and ranged combat, makes him a top-tier damage dealer. His signature move, Blossom Dance, is particularly potent, ignoring enemy resistances and capable of downing formidable foes quickly. To maximize Nagi's potential, pair him with a supporter like Irina or utilize debuffing Mastermind skills.
Mia
Mia, a Psycorruptor with the versatility of a Drifter, is a jack-of-all-trades character. She can debuff enemies, reduce their resistance to debuffs, and deliver heavy damage with attacks like Beam Barrage and Myopic Screen, the latter potentially causing blackout. Her abilities are enhanced by active auras, and she can even topple enemies. However, since she lacks self-defense and healing capabilities, ensure she's teamed with characters who can cover these areas.
H.B.
H.B. serves as an enhanced version of Lin, offering superior defense and versatility. As a Shield Trooper+, he not only attracts enemy attention efficiently but also generates TP with his taunt attack. His additional abilities include raising debuff resistance, boosting ranged attack power, toppling enemies, inflicting debuffs, and generating a sturdy shield. H.B. is an indispensable defender, crucial for survival in challenging encounters outside the main storyline.
By selecting these five characters—Elma, Irina, Nagi, Mia, and H.B.—and understanding their unique strengths, you can craft a well-rounded and effective party to tackle the challenges of *Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition*.