The expansive world of Xenoblade Chronicles X returns with Definitive Edition, landing on the Nintendo Switch on March 20, 2025. Originally released for the Wii U in 2015, this beloved sci-fi RPG gets a modern upgrade with enhanced visuals, updated storylines, and some exciting new features for fans and newcomers alike. Set on the alien world of Mira, the game offers an epic mix of exploration, combat, and storytelling. Here’s what you can expect from this updated classic.
A Sci-Fi World Rich in Exploration
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition immerses players in a richly crafted sci-fi universe where they play as one of humanity’s last survivors. Set in 2054, players take on the role of a character from New Los Angeles (NLA), a colony formed on Mira after an intergalactic war forces humanity to abandon Earth. The game’s open world spans five alien continents, each teeming with strange life forms and otherworldly landscapes. From dense forests and sweeping plains to eerie alien ruins, the environment is as much a character in the story as the people trying to survive on it.
The freedom to explore Mira’s expansive terrain allows for a truly open-world experience. Thanks to the game’s seamless transitions and detailed visuals, you can venture far and wide without interruption. The Definitive Edition gives the graphics a fresh look, enhancing Mira’s lush ecosystems and making this strange new world even more captivating.
Customizable Characters and Combat
One of the hallmarks of Xenoblade Chronicles X is its deep character customization options. Players can create their avatar’s look and choose a class that suits their preferred combat style. This flexibility means players can tailor their character’s skillset and abilities to fit how they want to engage in Mira’s unpredictable environment. The Definitive Edition retains this depth and even adds new customization features for players to explore.
The combat system is designed to be as complex or straightforward as players want, thanks to an intuitive interface and dynamic mechanics. Players engage in real-time, strategic battles against Mira’s diverse creatures, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. For those willing to dive deeper, the game offers additional layers of strategy, skills, and upgrades, providing a challenging experience that rewards players for mastering its intricacies.
Meet the Skell – Your Giant Combat Mech
One of the most thrilling aspects of Xenoblade Chronicles X is the Skell, a massive, customizable mech that players unlock after proving themselves to the BLADE organization. The Skell can transform the way players interact with the world, enhancing both exploration and combat. These powerful machines are capable of traversing difficult terrains and defending players against the game’s toughest foes.
Skells are more than just combat tools—they’re also integral to exploring new areas of Mira, particularly those that were inaccessible on foot. The freedom to pilot these machines elevates the gameplay, making for an exhilarating experience as you soar over landscapes or take on towering creatures in battle.
Multiplayer Options and New Story Content
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition doesn’t just focus on solo play; it also features online multiplayer options. Players can join squads to complete missions together, including challenging Global Nemesis Battles that require teamwork to conquer. The online functionality also lets players recruit avatars of other users to join their in-game team, adding a cooperative element to the story.
The Definitive Edition brings some fresh story elements as well. A mysterious hooded figure on the beach hints at new narrative layers, inviting players to delve further into Mira’s secrets. Although details about this new storyline remain sparse, it’s clear that there are more surprises in store for fans who want to uncover every corner of this unique world.
An Updated Adventure Worth Revisiting
With its enhanced graphics, added storylines, and a compelling mix of exploration and combat, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition looks set to bring the original game’s spirit to a new generation of Nintendo Switch players. From solo exploration to multiplayer missions, there’s a vast world waiting for both old fans and newcomers to explore. For those ready to dive into this sci-fi adventure, the Definitive Edition is now available for pre-order, with Nintendo Switch Online members able to use Game Vouchers for added savings.