What’s new in the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 battle system?
By Rachel Hickman
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is the latest entry in the popular Xenoblade Chronicles franchise, and this entry promises to reinvent the combat of the series with new tools, abilities, and party structures. While we don't know every instrument of the trade just yet, here's what Nintendo has shown so far regarding the battle system.
Everything we know about the new Xenoblade Chronicles 3 battle system
How many party members can you have?
Xenoblade Chronicles lets players have up to seven party members on the field at one time. While the party size caps at seven, there are more available party members throughout Xenoblade Chronicles 3 for users to meet and interact with. Like previous iterations in the franchise, characters use various weapon types, including swords, maces, and chakrams.
Related: Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is releasing early, coming now in July
Ouroboros Combat
Certain characters can sync via tag-team mechanics in Xenoblade Chronicles 3 to enact Ouroboros. This technique melds two party members into one form, bolstering their strength and giving them new abilities and attacks.
Chain Attacks
Players can enact Chain Attacks on enemies when their gauge fills. Attacks completed during Chain Attacks gain a 70% chance of ignoring defense completely. Players can also get Overkills by dealing more damage than enemies' health can stand, instantly removing them from the field.
Character Roles
Each character in Xenoblade Chronicles 3 takes on one of three roles in battle. Players' characters disperse into Attacker, Defender, and Healer roles. Each of these classes has its strengths and weaknesses that users will have to master to make the most of their party lineup. Nintendo confirmed each position of the characters below:
Attackers (Primary damage dealers of the party)
- Noah
- Sena
Defenders (Best at defending and dodging attacks)
- Lanz
- Mio
Healers (Replenish HP and revive Party members)
- Eunie
- Taion
Formations are also flexible in Xenoblade Chronicles 3, meaning that performing in battle depends heavily on how you approach combat encounters. Defenders work best when drawing enemy attention so Attackers can hit enemies from their blind spots. Healers should maintain a safe distance to replenish party HP and keep everyone alive. How you position Attackers, Defenders, and Healers can sway how a fight will go.
Switching Characters
Players can alternate which character they control in Xenoblade Chronicles 3, swapping who they use inside and outside of battle, as showcased by Nintendo.
Quick Dodging
Users can put away their weapons and evade attacks to avoid taking damage from heavy attacks in Xenoblade Chronicles 3, giving users more options in battle. Nintendo shared a preview of this new mechanic in action. Mastering how to use Quick Dodging and when to return to combat can give players a significant advantage on enemies.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 releases for Nintendo Switch on July 29, 2022. You can watch the Release Date Revealed trailer from Nintendo to preview the story and gameplay.
For more on Xenoblade Chronicles 3, visit some of our other articles here on Pro Game Guides.
