Choosing the best classes in *Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition* can be daunting given the variety and the time required to master new weapon skills. However, the good news is that nearly any class can be effective, though some stand out more than others. If you're happy with your starting class, that's perfectly fine too, as it's one of the most versatile options in the game.

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Our *Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition* classes guide highlights the five best classes in the game and explains why they're worth your time.

Drifter

*Xenoblade Chronicles X* encourages you to move away from the Drifter class once you reach rank 10, but it's an exception among starting classes due to its enduring versatility and utility. Fans of the original *Xenoblade Chronicles* might recognize Drifter as akin to Shulk, though with a more limited skill set. The class offers a range of debuff and offensive arts, including abilities to stagger and topple enemies, and even one that regenerates health, reducing your dependence on party members for healing.

Drifters wield assault rifles for potent ranged damage and knives for strong melee attacks, making them adaptable to any combat scenario. Moreover, Drifter boasts the highest number of skill slots of any class, making it an excellent choice for customization even after experimenting with other classes.

Full Metal Jaguar

Elma's class, Full Metal Jaguar, is thrilling yet risky. It thrives on maintaining low HP to boost your power, with a critical hit rate increase when your HP dips below 50 percent. A skill even ensures your HP stays low by reducing it with each attack. The Ghost Factory skill aids allies in evading attacks, while Electric Surge delivers ether damage—a rarity among melee classes. Even the basic skill, Shadowstrike, packs a punch.

Duelist

Duelists are self-sufficient combatants, excelling in close-range engagements but also adept at ranged combat. Armed with a longsword and an assault rifle, they're like an enhanced version of the Drifter's setup. Duelists access a broad spectrum of skills, including Last Stand, which boosts the party's TP using your own, perfect for setting up powerful attacks.

Soul of the Samurai enhances basic attacks with area-of-effect capabilities, and True Stream Edge recovers TP when morale is high. Yet, Blossom Dance stands out as one of the game's top skills, staggering enemies, setting them up for toppling, and bypassing their resistances, making it invaluable in most fights.

Mastermind

For players who prefer manipulating enemy behavior over direct damage, Mastermind is ideal. Though its arts may not hit as hard as a Duelist's, they significantly ease battles against tough foes. Mastermind can strip enemy buffs, and at level seven, a skill reduces enemy debuff resistance upon landing an attack. Additional abilities boost TP and include a capstone art that inflicts the virus effect. Mastermind demands more attention in battle but offers substantial rewards.

Galactic Knight

While often associated with Skell users, Galactic Knights offer much beyond their robotic enhancements. They can remove debuffs, heal allies, and deliver heavy, specialized damage. Galactic Knights also have the unique ability to reduce their own cooldowns through melee combos. Their Skell-specific skills restore appendage HP and boost combat power without any prerequisites, making them versatile both in and out of Skells.