Files: Supreme Xenoblade Chronicles Video games Of All Time
By Tetsuya Takahashi’s Xenoblade Chronicles series commenced its journey on the Wii in 2010, but it is undoubtedly on the Switch where this RPG franchise has truly flourished.
With two sequels, along with engaging prequel DLC offerings for each, Monolith Soft’s RPG series has solidified its status as one of the gems in Nintendo’s collection. And with the Definitive Edition ports of both the original Xenoblade Chronicles and the underrated Xenoblade Chronicles X for Wii U, the entire series is now accessible on a single platform.
But which title stands as the best in the Xenoblade Chronicles lineup? We have put together the following list that encompasses not only the main games but also the DLC episodes.
Top Xenoblade Game (tl;dr)
Before we delve into the ranked Xenoblade games list, here’s a brief overview of the top contenders – feel free to skip to the next section if you want to avoid any spoilers!
The finest Xenoblade Chronicles game is…
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 ranks as the best in the entire series, according to our list.
Recent biases aside, this third installment sharpens the series’ mechanics and narrative, while providing an epic conclusion to the trilogy. The story reaches incredible heights, and the cast is undeniably the most remarkable in our view.
The finest Xenoblade Chronicles DLC is…
Future Redeemed for XC3 is recognized as the best Xenoblade DLC, according to our ranking.
Just when you think you’ve had your fill and can’t ask for more, this standalone tale arrives and leaves you yearning for a Xenoblade Chronicles 4 and ports of various other Xeno titles. Delivering fan service of the finest kind, Future Redeemed is as noteworthy as the main games in the series.
Top Xenoblade Chronicles Ranked List (Mainline + DLC)
Alright, let’s get started on ranking these Chronicles, beginning with the ‘worst’ (which is still quite commendable)…
8. Xenoblade Chronicles 3D (New 3DS)
A marvel of technology, how Monster Games managed to fit Monolith Soft’s 3D narrative onto this compact handheld in 2015 remains somewhat of a mystery.
Most of the Wii original’s HUD elements were relocated to the lower screen, leaving the upper one to showcase the stunning vistas of the Bionis and Mechonis on a clean canvas. The scope of Xenoblade Chronicles 3D meant it was limited to functioning only on the upgraded ‘New’ 3DS consoles, making it one of the few exclusives not playable on earlier devices.
It was never destined to win a beauty contest against the Wii version, but having it on a handheld provided busy gamers a chance to experience all that this remarkable 100-hour action RPG has to offer. That’s just as true today as it was in 2015, and even though the 2020 Switch port overshadowed its portable appeal, the first portable Xenoblade game still holds a special place in our hearts.
7. Xenoblade Chronicles X (Wii U)
Xenoblade Chronicles X is vast, diverse, intricate, and captivating. It maximized the Wii U’s capabilities not only to create a visually stunning world but also demonstrated how having an intuitive layout on the GamePad screen can be beneficial.
What truly stands out is the dynamic sense of freedom during gameplay – leveling caps and grinding are naturally a part of the experience, yet they are managed within a framework where even minor missions or Affinity quests significantly enhance the narrative and sense of place. To truly appreciate the story of this human colony and the expansive planet Mira requires exploration and patience, and Monolith Soft struck an impressive balance in uniting its wide array of gameplay systems and mechanics.
Any occasional bottlenecks are rare and easily overcome within the broader experience. Xenoblade Chronicles X delivered a remarkably impressive RPG adventure, a significant achievement for Monolith Soft, and an essential piece of the Wii U library. What a delight that more players can enjoy it on the Switch with the Definitive Edition.
6. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (Switch)
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 launched in the Switch’s inaugural year (2017) and invites you once more to explore a massive open world composed of Titans – colossal living beings that host entire civilizations on their bodies. Throughout your journey, you encounter a diverse cast of characters, embark on numerous quests, and, of course, aim to save the world.
Rex, alongside his Blade Pyra (and her alter-ego), and companions set off on an epic quest to reach the promised land of Elysium. With a compelling cast and twists aplenty, plus some references to lore that will delight fans of the original, there are countless hours of enjoyable gameplay waiting for you.
With arguably the finest combat system and the most captivating soundtrack in the series, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 manages to stand tall among a highly regarded franchise, despite a few imperfections.
5. Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna – The Golden Country (Switch eShop)
Switch is no stranger to DLC and expansion content, but few add-ons are as grand in their scale and scope as…Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna – The Golden Country.
Whether you’re a longtime enthusiast seeking to revisit a tale with a fresh perspective or you’re new to the series and prefer a prequel adventure, this substantial slice of JRPG excitement will captivate you right from the moment you begin alternating between Blade and Driver.
With some appreciated enhancements to combat and combos, this is an appealing addition to an already quality title on Switch, and it also stands alone as a valuable chapter within the larger Xenoblade narrative.
4. Xenoblade Chronicles (Wii)
Here it is, the game that initiated it all. 2010’s Xenoblade Chronicles was monumental in scale and ambiance in a style few games of its generation achieved, and this is certainly not a title to rush through. You may need numerous hours to grasp and appreciate its remarkable complexity, enhancing your skills and navigating the world’s ecosystem as you progress.
The ingenuity that Monolith Soft exhibited in creating this universe was extraordinary. From a presentation standpoint, the vast landscapes continue to be a joy to traverse. While some close-up camera angles reveal the Wii’s graphical limitations, the art design more than makes up for it. Plus, as you delve into the world and enjoy that beautiful music, who cares?
At present, the combat has experienced a significant evolution, and the greatly enhanced visuals in the Definitive Edition truly polish the original’s charm. Nevertheless, this is a remarkable game, one that exceeded expectations and provided the Wii with a definitive JRPG experience.
3. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (Switch)
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 represents a true masterpiece and the pinnacle of Monolith Soft’s incredible series to date. There’s an emotionally charged and surprisingly edgy narrative woven into this title, a vast and immensely engaging story populated by a cast of unforgettable characters, supported by some of the finest combat we’ve had the pleasure of experiencing in this genre.
Having invested over 100 hours into this game, we felt just as enthralled as we did when we first launched it, and it more than delivered every ounce of the journey, emotion, and action that its stunning key art promised.
Even with a narrative hiccup towards the end, you can hardly find many better JRPG experiences than this one, and with a comprehensive quest design, marvelous sidequests, and a multitude of fantastic characters, this stands as the peak of highs in the genre.
2. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition (Switch)
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition presents an already outstanding JRPG that has been enhanced in nearly every conceivable way, short of a complete reimagining.
In addition to the remarkable narrative, appealing combat, and impressive world design, Monolith Soft introduced an entirely new epilogue story arc while refining nearly everything in the original game, from leveling systems to visuals to user interface design. XC:DE is undoubtedly one of the best role-playing games on Switch, a console that is certainly not lacking in that area.
It goes without saying that if you’ve ever been a fan of the original, or JRPGs in general, you absolutely must obtain this. This is the benchmark against which all others may be judged.
1. Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed (Switch eShop)
Just as it did with the exceptional Torna, Monolith Soft has provided us with a meticulously refined prequel experience in the final wave of the Expansion Pass. Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed enhances and builds upon core combat and exploration elements that were already exceptional.
The combat system is now more enjoyable than ever, its breathtaking landscapes are teeming with exploration opportunities that have been rejuvenated by the new Affinity system, and it’s packed with enough emotion and revelations to satisfy even the most passionate Xenoblade fans.
It also offers a promising slate for the future of this challenging franchise. Where will the world of Xenoblade take us next? We can’t wait to find out.
Surprised by the final outcome? With titles of this caliber, it was always going to be a close call!
Nintendo Life Personal Pick
“This is tough! I adore all of these games and DLCs wholeheartedly and cherish my memories playing the first Xenoblade in particular. But I have to choose Xenoblade Chronicles 3. I’m a fan of class systems in combat, so the ability to switch and level jobs with each character brings me so much joy. But it’s the story that makes 3 so remarkable. The final chapters may falter, but when XC3 hits, it really resonates. Chapter 5, folks. If you know, you know.” – Alana Hagues, Deputy Editor
Xenoblade Chronicles FAQ
Before we conclude this Narrative, let’s answer a few common questions regarding the Xenoblade games.
Wait, why is DLC included here?
The DLC chapters are substantial standalone experiences themselves, and we wanted to ensure they were acknowledged above.
They are essential for understanding the broader narrative within the series, with both Torna and Future Redeemed providing context for the events of their respective games — and often well beyond that. They vary in duration from 10-30 hours as well.
If, for whatever reason, you prefer to exclude the DLC, simply pretend it’s not there and — voilà! — the ranking of the remaining games remains unchanged.