It’s a strange feeling, knowing that the entire Xenoblade Chronicles saga is now playable on a single console. What started as a cult hit on the Wii has grown into one of the most ambitious RPG franchises Nintendo has ever backed. With the recent release of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, Switch owners can now experience every corner of this sweeping, emotional, sometimes chaotic series in one place, but the big question is: where do you start?
I’ll admit, I didn’t fall in love with the series straight away. I played the original on both Wii and 3DS and thought it was a solid RPG, but it didn’t really sink its hooks into me. That changed when Xenoblade Chronicles 2 came along. Something about its story, world, and characters just clicked with me, so much so that I hunted down a physical copy here in Australia and ended up paying nearly $90. I know I could’ve just downloaded it, but I was collecting cartridges at the time, and this one felt worth tracking down. Since then, I’ve played every mainline Xenoblade game with the exception of Torna: The Golden Country, which I’ve now added to the backlog. Each entry has left a different mark on me, whether it’s the scale and wild ambition of Xenoblade Chronicles X, the more serious, grounded tone of XC3, or the anime-inspired depth of XC2. They’re all great… just in different ways.
What Is Xenoblade Chronicles?
What happens when you cross Final Fantasy’s epic storytelling with the emotional weight of the world-ending stakes of post-apocalyptic science fiction… that’s Xenoblade Chronicles. It’s a series that isn’t afraid to swing big, and more often than not, manages to hit it home. Each game delivers a sweeping journey where you grow alongside your characters, forming bonds that feel genuinely earned by the time the credits roll. There’s a consistent tone that ties them all together: serious, thoughtful, and often heavy, though never without moments of levity. Characters like Tatsu bring some comic relief to the darker moments, but the overarching story always manages to make the player realise the stakes at hand. You’re not just saving the world, you’re unravelling its secrets, and in many cases, deciding its future. Even if you’ve played other JRPGs before, there’s something distinct about Xenoblade. It follows a familiar rhythm of exploration, combat, and character growth, but much like the Final Fantasy series, each game puts its own spin on things. What really sets it apart is the scale of the world and how much time you get to spend in it. You don’t just move from town to town, you live in these worlds for dozens of hours, slowly uncovering the secrets each one reveals.
Best of all, the games are accessible. Each title introduces its mechanics gradually, layering in depth as you go. Whether it’s the complex blade system in Xenoblade 2 or the class-based customisation in Xenoblade 3, the series respects your time while encouraging experimentation. If you bounced off the first game for any reason, it’s worth trying one of the others; 2 and X in particular are a bit more user-friendly up front, while still offering tremendous scope and momentum as they unfold. Above all else, the Xenoblade series is epic, not just in its visuals or set pieces, but in the way it makes you feel immersed, invested, and at times, awestruck. For those willing to dive in, few series deliver such a powerful mix of world-building, emotion, and adventure.
So, where to start?
Looking for a classic JRPG with a deep, emotional story?
Start with: Xenoblade Chronicles (Definitive Edition)
Why: It’s the foundation of the series, with a story that pulls you in and characters you’ll care about. If you love a traditional RPG with plenty of heart, the first Xenoblade Chronicles is your best bet.
It’s the one that started it all. You play as Shulk, a young man caught in a war between machines and humans, wielding a mysterious sword called the Monado that can see glimpses of the future. It’s classic JRPG fare with a sci-fi twist, but the real standout is the world which is set entirely on the bodies of two massive titans locked in eternal combat. This was my entry point back on the Wii, and while I enjoyed it, it didn’t completely hook me at the time. It wasn’t until I revisited the Definitive Edition on Switch that it finally clicked. The quality-of-life improvements, the cleaned-up visuals, and the added epilogue made a huge difference. It holds up incredibly well.
Good starting point? Yes, especially with the Definitive Edition’s updates. It’s the foundation of the series, and it introduces a lot of the tone and structure you’ll see carried forward.
Craving exploration and a massive open world to get lost in?
Start with: Xenoblade Chronicles X (Definitive Edition)
Why: The focus here is on freedom; you’ll spend hours exploring an absolutely massive alien planet, upgrading your mech (when you finally unlock one), and uncovering mysteries. The world feels alive and huge, making it perfect for players who love open-world games. Chronicles X is a different beast, and it certainly pushes the expectations of what the Switch can run. Set on a distant planet after Earth’s destruction, X puts a bigger focus on exploration and survival. Instead of a tightly guided story, it throws you into a sprawling open world full of secrets, dangers, and massive monsters that you’ll probably want to avoid… until you come back hours later in a Skell (The name for your mech suit.)
I recently reviewed the Definitive version, and there’s a moment early on when you escape the confines of the tutorial to step into the wide-open world of Primordia… It was unforgettable. It felt alive, like the world was breathing around me.
The story takes a backseat to the world here, but if you love the thrill of exploration, X delivers in a way no other JRPG really does.
Good starting point? For open-world fans and explorers, absolutely. It’s less traditional in structure, but incredibly rewarding.
Ready for a character-driven story with a dynamic combat system?
Start with: Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Why: The Blade system offers deep combat and customisation, while the story provides an emotional rollercoaster. If you want a gripping narrative with memorable characters, this is the one for you. Where it all really clicked for me. Xenoblade 2 follows Rex and Pyra on a journey across a dying world where civilisation lives on the backs of massive creatures. It introduces the Blade system, pairing characters with living weapons that add both combat variety and emotional weight to the cast.
This was the game that hooked me. I managed to snag a rare physical copy here in Australia, almost $90 AUD for a secondhand copy at the time, but it was worth it. The story pulled me in, the characters stuck with me, and the combat was layered without feeling overwhelming. It’s a beautiful, heartfelt journey.
Good starting point? Yes, especially if you’re after a story-driven experience. It takes a few hours to get going, but once it does, it’s fantastic.
Looking for a darker, more mature tone with fast-paced combat?
Start with: Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Why: 3 brings a more serious, mature approach to the series. If you’re after a narrative that tackles deeper themes, all while introducing a refined combat system, this entry will hit the mark. A culmination of everything that came before. Xenoblade 3 brings together the tone and systems of previous games into a darker, more militaristic story. It explores themes of identity, purpose, and war, all wrapped in a fast-paced class-based battle system that encourages experimenting with different roles.
I really appreciated how serious the tone was here. It struck a different emotional chord, more melancholy, more reflective. The world felt heavier, and the stakes more grounded. It’s a mature entry that still keeps the core Xenoblade feel intact.
Good starting point? A solid choice if you want something more serious and polished. New players are welcome, but longtime fans will get extra meaning from the nods to earlier games.
Just finished Xenoblade 2 and want more of the world and characters?
Start with: Torna: The Golden Country
Why: Torna is a great follow-up to 2, giving you more backstory and a chance to explore the events leading up to the main story. It’s shorter, but it’s a tight, well-polished experience. A prequel expansion to Xenoblade 2, Torna focuses on the events leading up to Rex’s journey, showing a different side of key characters. It’s a smaller game with a shorter run-time, but it refines 2’s combat in meaningful ways and offers a tighter, more intimate story.
Good starting point? Not on its own, but fantastic if you’ve just finished Xenoblade 2 and want more.
What Makes Xenoblade Chronicles Special?
So, what is it about Xenoblade Chronicles that has made it such a beloved series?
The answer lies in the way the series blends unforgettable worlds with immersive storytelling. Each game has its own unique charm, but the one thing they all share is a dedication to creating vast, living worlds that feel like they could exist beyond the screen. Whether you’re exploring the fields of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 or soaring through the skies in Xenoblade Chronicles X, these worlds are rich with history, intrigue, and mystery.
What sets Xenoblade apart is its ability to craft characters that feel real. From Shulk’s journey of vengeance in the first game to the ensemble cast of Xenoblade Chronicles 3, each character’s motivations are grounded in their own personal growth and struggles. Even in moments of high drama or action, the characters’ emotional arcs make them relatable and compelling.
The combat in Xenoblade is another highlight. It’s not just about button-mashing or repeating the same moves, it’s about strategy, teamwork, and using your team’s abilities to your advantage. Whether you’re commanding a team of Blades or managing a party in Xenoblade Chronicles X, each system introduces something new, making every battle an exciting challenge. Most importantly, these games have an incredible sense of scale, one that asks players to reflect on their role in the story while still providing the thrill of a traditional JRPG.
Wherever You Start, You’re in for a Ride
No matter which game you choose, Xenoblade Chronicles offers something for everyone. From epic battles and captivating worlds to unforgettable characters and deep emotional journeys, each entry in the series brings something unique to the table. Starting with any of these games will immerse you in a world of grand scale and powerful storytelling.
Whether you’re a newcomer or a longtime fan, there’s no wrong way to experience Xenoblade. So, pick up your controller, dive into the world, and get ready for an adventure you won’t soon forget.
