If you're diving into Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition, choosing the right class can make a world of difference in your gameplay experience. While every class brings something unique to the table, some stand out as particularly effective and versatile. Whether you're tackling tough bosses or exploring the vast open world, these five classes are among the best the game has to offer.

Drifter

Despite being the starting class, Drifter is far from obsolete. In fact, it remains one of the most flexible choices throughout the game. Think of it as a more compact version of Shulk’s playstyle from the original Xenoblade Chronicles. With access to both debuffing and offensive arts—including skills that stagger, topple, and even regenerate health—it provides solid utility without forcing you to rely too heavily on other party members for healing.

What truly sets Drifter apart is its arsenal: assault rifles for ranged damage and knives for quick melee strikes. This dual-approach ensures you’re never left vulnerable based on positioning. More importantly, Drifter boasts the highest number of skill slots in the game. Even if you experiment with other classes, it's often worth returning to Drifter later to fully customize it to your preferred playstyle.

Full Metal Jaguar

Elma’s signature class, Full Metal Jaguar, plays with risk and reward. It excels when your HP is below 50%, boosting your critical hit rate significantly. One of its key abilities actually forces your HP down after each attack, ensuring you stay in that high-damage zone. Despite this seemingly dangerous mechanic, the payoff is well worth it.

This class also offers support options like Ghost Factory, which helps allies evade enemy attacks. Electric Surge delivers ether-based damage—rare for a melee-focused class—and Shadowstrike serves as a powerful base ability. If you're comfortable dancing on the edge of survival, Full Metal Jaguar will reward you with incredible output and battlefield control.

Duelist

For players who want a balanced yet aggressive combat style, the Duelist is an ideal pick. Equipped with a longsword and assault rifle, this class covers both close-range and mid-range engagements effectively—think of it as a refined evolution of the Drifter’s setup.

Its skillset includes Last Stand, which uses your TP to boost the entire party’s TP pool—perfect for setting up heavy-hitting combos. Soul of the Samurai adds area-of-effect properties to basic attacks, while True Stream Edge restores TP when morale is high. But the real standout is Blossom Dance: a skill that staggers enemies, sets them up for toppling, and ignores resistances. It's incredibly valuable in extended fights, especially against elite foes.

Mastermind

If manipulating enemy behavior sounds appealing, the Mastermind might be your perfect match. While not known for raw damage, this class excels at disrupting enemy tactics and softening up tough opponents.

It starts by removing enemy buffs and gains increasing utility as you level up. At level seven, it unlocks a skill that lowers enemy resistance to debuffs upon landing an attack. The capstone art inflicts the virus effect, which can turn the tide in prolonged battles. Playing Mastermind requires more strategic thinking, but the payoff in control and efficiency is well worth the effort.

Galactic Knight

While many players associate the Galactic Knight with Skell usage, its effectiveness isn't limited to mech combat. This class combines healing, debuff removal, and high-damage output into a single, cohesive package.

Its passive cooldown reduction allows for faster skill chaining during melee combos, making it highly efficient in dynamic fights. When piloting a Skell, Galactic Knights gain additional bonuses such as appendage HP restoration and increased combat power—no prerequisites required. Whether you're in or out of a Skell, this class offers consistent value across all combat scenarios.

Choosing the best class depends on your personal playstyle and how you prefer to engage in battle. Each of these five—Drifter, Full Metal Jaguar, Duelist, Mastermind, and Galactic Knight—brings unique strengths that can shape your journey through Mira. So whether you're looking for versatility, raw power, or tactical control, there's a class here that fits your needs.