All Xenoblade Chronicles Games, Ranked

The Xenoblade Chronicles series is the new kid on the block who instantaneously becomes everyone's favorite, if you ask me. The first title in the series hit the ground running, and since then, every launch in the franchise has witnessed tremendous success. But what is the Xenoblade Chronicles? 

For starters, it is an action role-playing game where players control one character from a roster of three. Each title features new characters with a distinct storyline, which the player develops as they progress. The games center on a survival story rooted in humanity's destruction. With all titles in the series built on this foundation, it's no surprise that some games outdo others. So which Xenoblade Chronicles game is the best? Let's find out below.

5. Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna

Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna is an expansion of the events in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 that takes place 494 years after its predecessor. The game, launched on the Nintendo Switch, features a new combat system, story, and environment. Unlike the previous titles, the game's storyline sheds light on the past of the mainline characters, including Malos, Mythram, Jin, and Praetor Amalthus. On top of that, it also introduces two new playable characters; Addam and Lora.

Although the game runs for a shorter time, the newly improved combat system makes the entire experience wholesome and exhilarating. According to Tetsuya Takanashi, the upgrade significantly enhances the gameplay and how players interact with the game. For instance, you can easily switch between teams using a single button while on the battlefield. This addition substantially contributed to the game's commercial success.

Furthermore, Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna raises the number of playable characters to nine, for a maximum of three teams with three members. However, despite the praise, critics pillory the side quests that prompt players to complete all missions before facing off with the final boss. Notwithstanding, we still consider the game a top hit, earning its position on our list of the best Xenoblade Chronicles games.

4. Xenoblade Chronicles 2

As the third installment in the Xenoblade Chronicles franchise, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 takes you on an adventure in the land of Alrest. The game's plot takes off from where its predecessor left off. However, instead of a war-torn tale, the story centers on an orphaned salvager, Rex. You can't help but notice Rex's inspiring ambition despite sifting through junk to make a living. However, his misfortunes take a turn for the better after coming across Blade- the only invincible living weapon to ever exist in his world. 

As usual, you take control of one player from a roster of three. However, you also get control of sentient beings known as Blades, which leads to Rex's irrevocable bond with them. In this title, you'll view events in the game from Rex's perspective. Moreover, due to the outstanding nature of Rex's blade, he soon gets a target on his back, giving birth to Xenoblade Chronicles 2 battles.

Speaking of battles, the game uses an action-based battle system where you control the main character in real-time while other team members launch an auto-attack against enemies within their vicinity. 

3. Xenoblade Chronicles X

After endless hours exploring the vast uncharted planet, Mira, it's clear that Xenoblade Chronicles X forges its own path instead of building on the events that transpired in the game's predecessor. Xenoblade Chronicles X is the second installment in the Xenoblade franchise. However, there's no connection between the series' storyline and other titles. Notwithstanding, the game retains elements, such as gameplay, from the Xenoblade Chronicles series.

The new world, which is gorgeous and open for exploration, will leave you awestruck. The terrain boasts versatile creatures bursting with rays and color under a cyberpunk theme. Events in the game transpire after the Martians' irreparable destruction of the earth. This forces humanity to seek refuge in neighboring habitable planets aboard the few ships. However, one of these ships makes a narrow escape and crashes into Mira. Soon later, a rescue by Elma prompts your character to join BLADE, a special unit on the planet that protects its lifeforms. 

Notably, this is the only game in the series that didn't get a Switch release, presumably because of its port censorship controversy. Regardless, you can still enjoy this Xenoblade title on the Wii U Console.

2. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition

In light of giving a new face to the series' original title, Monolith Soft provides its fan base with yet another intense action game that further develops the franchise's plot. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition gives a history lesson about its greatest races while featuring an impeccable facelift.

The game lets you re-live the war between men and machines. After automatons invade your hometown while also feasting on its inhabitants, you set off on a quest, accompanied by your loyal friends, to avenge your people. This marks the start of your quest into the vast, well-detailed world with varying picturesque and mystique terrain. 

At some point, you'll explore a creature's anatomy while battling foes inside it. That brings me to the topic of antagonists. Each enemy you encounter will have varying qualities but will still put up a tough fight. 

1. Xenoblade Chronicles

It's only fitting to pay tribute to the game that started it all, Xenoblade Chronicles. As the first installment, the game put the wheels on the Xenoblade franchise bus, paving the way for the rise of other subsequent games. It's still a favorite for many despite making its debut two decades ago.

Xenoblade Chronicles lays the foundation of the plot that involves the Homs and Mechon machines. Moreover, the moving storyline introduces us to the franchise's protagonist, Shulk, who wields the all-powerful Monado. The game's setting takes place in a massive world inhabited by two titans; the Mechonis and the Bionis. Apparently, the two colossal beings couldn't coexist in harmony, leading to a fatal battle that ended their lives.

Despite its timeline, Monolith took a risk with this title and went ahead to knock it out of the park. Featuring a vast, dazzling world open for exploration and plenty of intriguing characters, evidently, Xenoblade Chronicles is that former lover you simply can't get over. 

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top Xenoblade Chronicles Games, Ranked? Are there other games in the series we should include? Let us know down in the comments or over on our socials here.