How to Prepare For Xenoblade Chronicles 3

With Xenoblade Chronicles 3 just around the corner, now is the time to prepare for the latest entry in MonolithSoft and Tetsuya Takahashi’s latest title. With Xenoblade containing such massive experiences, it might seem daunting on where to start if you are interested in playing Xenoblade Chronicles 3. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with the perfect play order of the Xenoblade Chronicles series to prepare you for Xenoblade Chronicles 3, which launches on July 29th.

Do I Have to Play Anything Before Xenoblade Chronicles 3?

The short answer is no, you do not. However, we highly recommend it for the best experience. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 can both be played separately of one another, as they are standalone experiences. This remains the same for Xenoblade Chronicles 3, as players will not need to know the stories of those two games in order to enjoy and understand the story of this title. However, one would greatly benefit from playing these games beforehand, as aspects of the new title will absolutely have much more impact with prior knowledge of the previous games. As for the play order we recommend, there is really one game that perfectly introduces players to the series, and is the best entry point for story as well.

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition

The first Xenoblade entry, Xenoblade Chronicles, was rereleased onto Nintendo Switch back in 2020 with updated visuals and a remastered soundtrack. This title follows Shulk as they fight against the Mechon, machines that seem set to take out there home and their people. This game offers the best entry point alone for the combat, as it introduces the basics of Xenoblade combat but does not dive deep into mechanics like later games do. Our review of the game dives deep into specifics surrounding the world and combat mechanics, so feel free to check it out if you are interested in starting here!

Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Next up on our list would be none other than Xenoblade Chronicles 2. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 released back in 2017 alongisde the launch year of the Nintendo Switch itself. This game introduced many new aspects, with the main one being Blades. Blades are beings that give people in Alrest the ability to fight with unqiue weapons. We recommend Xenoblade Chronicles 2 after Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition mainly for experience but also story. After playing the first game, players will be able to pick up the combat in 2 much quicker having prior knowledge. While the combat is much different, the benefit of knowing how the first game plays is huge. Also, certain story beats from Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition come into play here, which makes the impact of them much greater.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna ~ The Golden Country

Torna ~ The Golden Country was Xenoblade Chronicles 2’s story expansion, but it really is much more than that. Torna is a full new game in itself, with a refined combat system, new areas, and much more. While it can be played prior to XC2, the impact felt is much greater if played after the main game. Torna takes place 500 years prior to the events of Xenoblade Chronicles 2, and offers familiar and unfamiliar characters. It is part of the Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Expansion Pass and can be purchased there.

Xenoblade Chronicles: Future Connected

Last but not least, Xenoblade Chronicles: Future Connected. Future Connected is the latest game in the series, and continues the stories of Melia and Shulk. The two embark to locations found in the main game, only to ward off new enemies. Future Connected is the latest story timeline wise, so it is best to play this last. Takahashi has implied it would play a role into the future of the series as well. Overall though, Future Connected can be played after Definitive Edition if preferred.

For more information on Xenoblade Chronicles 3, be sure to check out the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Direct. Also, feel free to check out all our Xenoblade coverage here! Xenoblade Chronicles 3 launches July 29th.