Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition marks the return of the least-known installment in Monolith Soft’s series of cherished RPGs, moving from the underappreciated Wii U to the highly successful Switch. This transition holds the potential to attract both new players and long-time fans.
Xenoblade Chronicles X has always been the odd one out within the series. It diverges significantly from the numbered entries, which could mean that this new port will introduce many players to the game for the first time. With that in mind, we’re sharing our perspective on whether Xenoblade Chronicles X is a worthy purchase—whether you’re considering revisiting it on the Switch or jumping into it for the first time.
Review
Our journey with Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition has been nothing short of amazing. The original game was tragically overlooked as it launched on a platform that struggled in sales, leading to disappointing numbers for this gem.
The game is filled with quests, boasts a vibrant and lush world, and presents satisfying central themes, showcasing some of the best world-building in gaming. However, it does have a slightly lacking main storyline, which is considerably shorter than those of previous Xenoblade games. What it lacks in primary narrative depth, it compensates for with exceptional side quests and the continuous thrill of exploring the alien planet, Mira.
In terms of the Definitive Edition, we are thrilled with the enhancements. Long-standing plot threads have finally been tied up—taking a decade and a console upgrade—and various quality-of-life improvements make the gameplay even more enjoyable. Plus, there’s a new area to discover and four new party members to join in on the adventure. Overall, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is a notable achievement.
Time Commitment
If you’re preparing to dive into such a vast RPG, it helps to know how much time you might need to invest. Without a doubt, Xenoblade Chronicles X is a substantial RPG.
Main Story Only
If you aim to focus solely on the main narrative, expect to spend around 60-70 hours on the story. Additionally, the post-game content will likely add another 10 hours or so. So, you’re looking at around 70-80 hours total as a reasonable estimate.
Main Story and Side Quests
The game truly shines through its numerous side quests, including deeper Affinity Quests. We highly recommend tackling these, as engaging with them will push your playtime closer to 100-110 hours.
100 Percent Completion
If your goal is to 100 percent Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, this will involve completing all side quests as well as thoroughly exploring Mira. This can be quite the time commitment, averaging around 190 hours to achieve this goal. However, we’ve adjusted this estimate down from the usual 200 hours because of the quality-of-life improvements available in the Definitive Edition, which can speed things up a bit.
Pricing
For players in the United States, the price for the game is set at $59.99, whether you opt for a physical or digital copy. There is no Collector’s Edition for this title, but in Europe, an Epic Edition is available. In the UK, the Standard Edition retails for £49.99, while the Epic Edition costs £57.99.
The Epic Edition includes:
- The game
- A polyester desk mat featuring blueprints of a Skell
- Five holographic stickers, each representing a Skell
With its rich content and captivating world, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is definitely worth considering for both new players and series veterans alike.
