Choosing the ideal Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition party lineup can feel daunting. With over a dozen unlockable characters - many sharing similar class types - and minimal in-game explanation, assembling your dream team requires careful consideration.
Recommended Party Members
Our Xenoblade Chronicles X party optimization guide highlights five standout allies and what makes them exceptional.
Elma
As your first companion, Elma remains relevant throughout the journey. Her Full Metal Jaguar class stands among Xenoblade X's most versatile, with AI that executes it flawlessly. Prioritize leveling Ghostwalker (decoy creation) and Ghost Factory (party evasion boost), though her position-based attacks shouldn't be overlooked.
While she occasionally pauses to reposition, her hybrid tank/support/offense role isn't purely DPS-focused. With critical hit buffs and instant 1000 TP generation for powerful skills, Elma proves indispensable - especially since she's required for most story missions.
Irina
The undisputed support champion, Irina outperforms even specialized supporters like Hope. Her toolkit includes party heals, debuff removal, and evasion boosts - particularly valuable when Elma can't activate Ghost Factory. Her Energy Source and Last Stand skills generate TP for allies at personal cost.
While not built for solo combat, her true value emerges when paired with heavy hitters to avoid prolonged battles.
Nagi
For players avoiding the Duelist class themselves, Nagi serves as an outstanding damage-dealing substitute. This rare Duelist shines with self-sufficiency and versatile attack options including AoE abilities. His signature Blossom Dance attack ignores enemy resistances and can fell tough opponents in just 1-2 hits.
To maximize his potential, pair Nagi with a supporter like Irina or utilize debuff skills from the Mastermind class.
Mia
Despite her Psycorruptor classification, Mia functions remarkably like a versatile Drifter. Her extensive toolkit includes potent debuffs (with resistance reduction), high-damage attacks like Beam Barrage and Myopic Screen (which can blind enemies), aura-powered moves, and toppling capabilities.
Her only limitations are self-defense and healing, requiring complementary party members to cover those roles.
H.B.
This Shield Trooper+ surpasses Lin in defensive capabilities while offering superior utility. Beyond basic tanking, H.B. excels at drawing aggro (ideal when protecting fragile damage dealers), generating TP through taunts, and providing party buffs like debuff resistance and ranged attack boosts.
Additional strengths include enemy toppling, debuff application, and shield generation. Complete his affinity mission to unlock this top-tier defender, especially valuable for challenging post-story content.
