What is Xenoblade Chronicles?

Xenoblade Chronicles (abbr. XC, XB) is an RPG series developed by Monolith Soft and published by Nintendo for Nintendo console systems (Wii, New 3DS, Wii U, Switch). The series is known for its open-world elements, fantastical worlds, beautiful soundtrack, and emotionally-intensive stories. Its combat system is an MMO-esque style where the characters autoattack and the players control movement and skill usage.

There are currently four games in this series (XC1, XCX, XC2, and XC3) and three extra stories (XC1: Future Connected, XC2: Torna ~ The Golden Country, XC3: Future Redeemed). The numbered entries and their extra stories have a greater emphasis on the story and are loosely connected to each other. XCX has a greater emphasis on the open-world aspects that the series is known for and is generally not considered to be connected to the numbered series.

XC1, XC2, and XC3 are all available on the Nintendo Switch. XCX is currently available only on the Wii U.

Story Overview

The Xenoblade series (and its umbrella series, the Xeno-series) contains science fiction elements, such as mecha, and heavy influences of Gnosticism, a heretical movement of the 2nd-century Christian Church. Much of the lore in the series are written in a direct, yet indirect way, providing important pieces of information to the player but relying on the player to piece them together to gain a greater meaning.

Game Order

Although each entry can stand on its own, most fans of the game recommend playing the numbered entries in order as there are some loose story connections among all three games. XCX is not part of the numbered entries and can be played regardless of order.

Xenoblade Chronicles

  • Xenoblade Chronicles (Wii)
  • Xenoblade Chronicles 3D (3DS)
  • Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition (Switch)
  • Xenoblade Chronicles: Future Connected (Switch)

Release: 2010-06-10
HLTB: 60 hours
Playthrough Recommendation: It is recommended to play Xenoblade Chronicles first within the numbered XC series due to loose story connections with future entries. The Nintendo Switch version of the game, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is considered to be the best version to play as it provides updated visuals, quality-of-life features, and an extra story. The extra story is an epilogue (and begins with a cutscene from the ending of the base game), so it should be played after finishing the base game.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2

  • Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (Switch)
  • Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna (Switch)

Release: 2017-12-01
HLTB: 64 hours
Playthrough Recommendation: It is recommended to play Xenoblade Chronicles 2 after finishing Xenoblade Chronicles. The extra story should be played after the base game despite being a prequel. It provides greater context to key plot points in the base game and can spoil the base game for you.

WIP