Best Xenoblade Chronicles Games

Considering it took a petition called “Operation Rainfall” to get the original Xenoblade Chronicles for the Wii translated and released in the West, it’s impressive that the series has become one of Nintendo’s top-selling and critically acclaimed RPGs. The games are from the same team that created Xenogears and the Xenosaga trilogy and carry similar science fiction themes.

Thanks to the rising popularity of the Xenoblade series, JRPG fans who love character development and large, fleshed-out worlds will want to play the games and experience them for themselves. This list ranks the games in order, but thanks to the quality of the trilogy and its spin-off, all of the games offer something fun for sci-fi and RPG fans.

6 Xenoblade Chronicles X

A Quality Spin-Off With More Focus On The Mechs

Xenoblade Chronicles X is an enjoyable spin-off title for the Nintendo Wii U. It is separate from the trilogy and its DLC but features excellent gameplay and a stunning world that holds up beautifully on the Wii U.

Unfortunately, the character development isn’t as good as the mainline titles, and the challenging MMO-style nature of its systems may turn off some players. Moreover, being locked on the Wii U makes it unavailable for most players. However, there is a lot of content to keep fans happy and engaged for a long time.

5 Xenoblade Chronicles 2

A More Colorful Adventure Than Its Predecessor

Featuring a lighter atmosphere than its predecessor, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 focuses on the plucky young main protagonist, Rex. Rex is a salvager who obtains an artificial lifeform known as a Blade. The Blade – who is called Pyra – asks Rex to take her back to Elysium. It’s an interesting setup that develops into something more as the narrative progresses.

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However, one of the main complaints from fans is that the combat can take some time to click with players, and the character recruitment mechanic utilized a frustrating gacha-style gimmick. Those willing to look past this will still find a fantastic JRPG with an excellent supporting cast.

4 Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna – The Golden Country

A Standalone Expansion That Improves On The Base Game

Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna – The Golden Country is a standalone prequel story that was substantial enough for a physical launch. The Golden Country features a new cast of characters, mature storytelling, and a streamlined combat system with quality-of-life features that allow players to review tutorials – a vital feature for fans who take long breaks between gameplay sessions.

The story takes place 494 years before the events of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and has arguably better characters and a more focused 20-30-hour narrative than the base game. More importantly, the random nature of the second game’s mechanics has been replaced with a much-improved system.

3 Xenoblade Chronicles 3

A Merger Of The Series’ Best Parts Into an Emotionally Evocative Finale

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a culmination of its predecessor’s best mechanics while showcasing Monolith Soft’s penchant for incredible storytelling and character development. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 gets off to a cinematically fast start. It drives the story forward without rushing and keeps players intrigued and guessing from start to finish.

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The visuals are stunning, and next to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the epic JRPG is the best-looking game on the Nintendo Switch. The score complements Xenoblade Chronicles 3’s intense and emotional moments. The dramatic moments that reflect on war, loss, and the inevitability of death are where Xenoblade Chronicles 3 shines the most.

2 Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed

The Final Expansion That Wraps Up Storylines From All Three Mainline Games

Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed is the final story expansion that ties story elements and characters from all three games into one package for an emotional finale that longtime fans will love.

Fans are encouraged to play the first two games, Xenoblade Chronicles – The Definitive Edition, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, and the expansion Torna – The Golden Country to appreciate Future Redeemed, as all these stories coalesce together for an epic conclusion to the entire series.

1 Xenoblade Chronicles – The Definitive Edition

The Definitive Version of Xenoblade Chronicles

Xenoblade Chronicles – The Definitive Edition is both a remaster and an expansion of the Wii version launched in PAL and North American territories in 2011 and 2012, respectively. It features the original game with visuals on par with Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and Xenoblade Chronicles 3. It also includes the story expansion Future Connected, an epilogue that sets the stage for the Xenoblade saga as a trilogy.

While JRPG fans may have heard about the series after the critical and commercial success of Xenoblade Chronicles 3, they should always start at the beginning with what is an incredible JRPG that improves on the standard version in every way. Moreover, the storytelling and character development make it one of the best titles on the Nintendo Switch.

MORE: 15 Games To Play If You Like Xenoblade Chronicles