Choosing the best party members for *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 its mechanics. Our guide to the top five party members in *Xenoblade Chronicles X* will help you assemble the ultimate team, highlighting what makes each member exceptional.
Elma
Elma, often your first recruit, is far from the weakest link. Her Full Metal Jaguar class is one of the best in *Xenoblade X*, and her AI leverages it masterfully in various scenarios. Key skills like Ghostwalker, which creates a decoy, and Ghost Factory, which enhances the party's evasion, are crucial. Prioritize leveling these up. Elma's arsenal includes strong, position-based attacks, though they sometimes lead to downtime as she maneuvers into position. As a hybrid tank, support, and offensive character, Elma boasts numerous self-buffs, including boosts to her critical hit rate and the ability to instantly gain 1,000 TP for her more potent skills. Her versatility is particularly valuable given her mandatory presence in most story missions.
Irina
Irina stands out as the game's premier supporter. Even with other support specialists like Hope, Irina's capabilities remain unmatched. She excels at healing, removing debuffs, and boosting party evasion, filling gaps when Elma's Ghost Factory is unavailable. Irina also consistently generates TP for the party, albeit at the expense of her own. Skills like Energy Source and Last Stand enhance the party's TP, making her indispensable. While not designed for solo combat or taking down Tyrants, Irina's role is to support powerful attackers, ensuring fights don't drag on.
Nagi
For those not playing as a Duelist, Nagi is an essential addition. As one of the few Duelists in *Xenoblade X*, he's both a formidable damage dealer and self-sufficient. Duelists can engage enemies at various ranges and utilize area-of-effect abilities. Nagi's standout skill, Blossom Dance, is not only powerful but also bypasses enemy resistances, capable of felling even the toughest foes swiftly. To maximize Nagi's potential, pair him with a supporter like Irina or use Mastermind skills to debuff enemies.
Mia
Mia, a Psycorruptor with the versatility of a Drifter, is a jack-of-all-trades. She can apply debuffs, reduce debuff resistance, and deliver heavy damage with attacks like Beam Barrage and Myopic Screen, the latter potentially causing blackout. Her attacks gain potency under an active aura, and she can even topple enemies. Mia's only weaknesses are her inability to defend herself or heal, so ensure she's accompanied by characters 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. H.B. excels at drawing enemy attention, crucial for aggressive playstyles or when paired with characters like Elma or Nagi. He can generate TP with his taunt attack, increase debuff resistance, boost ranged attack power, topple enemies, apply debuffs, and create a robust shield. If you're struggling to survive outside the main storyline, completing H.B.'s affinity mission to recruit him is a wise move.
