The optimal order to play the Xenoblade games is: Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, then Xenoblade Chronicles 2, followed by Xenoblade Chronicles 3.
So, you’re diving into the world of Monolith Soft’s sprawling RPGs and are wondering, what order should i play the Xenoblade games? It’s a common question, given the series’ interconnected but not strictly linear narrative. The good news is, you don’t need to play them all to enjoy a single title.
Each game offers a fresh experience. However, playing them in release order will allow you to appreciate recurring themes. And also make narrative connections across the games as intended by the creators.
What Order Should I Play the Xenoblade Games?
So, you’re ready to dive into the amazing world of Xenoblade! That’s fantastic! These games are known for their huge worlds, fun characters, and stories that will keep you guessing. But, with a few different games out there, figuring out where to start can be a bit tricky. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you make sense of it all! We’ll go over the best order to play the Xenoblade games, considering both story and gameplay, so you can jump in and have a great time.
Understanding the Xenoblade Universe
Before we talk about the playing order, let’s chat a bit about how the Xenoblade games connect (or don’t!). Unlike some game series where every game is directly connected, Xenoblade takes a slightly different approach. There are, in fact, a couple of different universes to consider. While there are some shared themes and ideas, the stories are mostly standalone. This means you have some flexibility with the order you choose, making it less rigid than some other popular series.
The Main Games and Their Connections
Let’s break down the main Xenoblade games you probably are thinking about:
- Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition: This is the first game in the series and the starting point for many players.
- Xenoblade Chronicles 2: This game has its own story and set of characters but has some minor connections with the first game towards its end.
- Xenoblade Chronicles 3: This one ties together the worlds of the first two games, making it a very interesting experience if you have already played the earlier games.
- Xenoblade Chronicles X: This game is completely separate from the main numbered titles, taking place in a different universe entirely. Think of it like a “side story”.
The key takeaway here is that Xenoblade Chronicles X is a separate entity, a spin-off if you will. For the main numbered games, however, you may want to think about the connections and how it may affect your experience as you go through the series. Now let’s discuss how the playing order might impact your enjoyment.
The Recommended Order: Release Order
For most people, playing the Xenoblade games in their release order is the best way to go. This means starting with Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, then moving to Xenoblade Chronicles 2, then finally playing Xenoblade Chronicles 3. Here’s why this order works so well:
Story Progression and Surprise
Going in order of release lets you experience the story as it was originally intended. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 builds upon elements and characters from both 1 and 2. Playing the games in order means all the exciting story reveals and connections will hit you at the right time. It’s like watching a movie series in order; you get the full effect of how everything unfolds and each of the elements are placed deliberately in their locations, and how it ties with the rest of the story.
Gameplay Evolution
The gameplay of the Xenoblade games has changed with each release. Playing in order of release allows you to get used to each game’s mechanics at a reasonable pace. Starting with the first game (Definitive Edition), you’ll learn the basic combat. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 adds a different system with Blades, and Xenoblade Chronicles 3 refines and expands further with features like Ouroboros forms and class switching. If you jump straight to the newest entry first, the earlier games can feel a little less polished.
Appreciating the Nods and References
As you move through the series, you will start noticing characters, items, and locations that call back to previous games. These little callbacks can provide a whole new layer of enjoyment if you have experienced the other games. These little tidbits of information add to the richness of the world and make it more interesting to explore. Playing them in release order lets you notice these nods and connections, enhancing the overall experience.
The “Release Order” List
- Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
- Xenoblade Chronicles 2
- Xenoblade Chronicles 3
- Xenoblade Chronicles X (You can play this one at any time, as it’s not directly related to the others. I’d recommend it after you have played at least one of the other games and get the feel of it)
What About Other Orders?
While the release order is recommended for most players, there are other ways you could play the games. Let’s explore some alternatives and why they might (or might not) work for you:
Playing Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Before the First Game
Some players who have only played Xenoblade Chronicles 2 have enjoyed it and do not want to play the game series in order. While this is perfectly fine, playing Xenoblade Chronicles 2 before the first game isn’t the best choice for a first timer. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 includes many improvements over the original, and going from its more polished systems back to the first game can be a bit jarring to some players. Although, the story of 2 is fairly self-contained, and you can definitely enjoy it without playing the first game, you’ll likely miss out on some references and overall appreciation for the series’ world if you play it out of order.
Playing Xenoblade Chronicles 3 First
While tempting to jump into the latest installment of the series, starting with Xenoblade Chronicles 3 before playing 1 and 2 is not advised. The story of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is essentially designed to tie up loose ends and bring closure to the worlds and stories of 1 and 2, and many of the game’s emotional moments and story beats will fall flat if you’re not already familiar with those games. Additionally, gameplay-wise, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is more complex and if you don’t have experience with previous games you might struggle with the amount of mechanics thrown at you all at once.
Xenoblade Chronicles X, The Standalone Adventure
Xenoblade Chronicles X is a different beast altogether. Because its story is completely separate from the other numbered games, you can play it at any point during your Xenoblade experience without fear of spoilers or being lost. Its gameplay is also unique, focusing on exploration and customization of giant mechs called Skells. For this, its a good experience to try this after playing at least one of the other titles.
Why Release Order Is Usually Best
So, why do we keep coming back to the release order as the best option? It really boils down to having the most optimal experience:
Optimal Story Immersion
The release order ensures you experience the story in the manner it was conceived. The impact of story beats and connections is maximized this way. Each game builds upon the previous one, and playing in order lets you fully understand the evolution of the world and the lore.
Natural Gameplay Progression
The games build upon the previous game, making the later games a more evolved experience. Playing in order allows you to slowly adapt to the gameplay changes and makes the learning curve less steep. Instead of feeling like you are suddenly thrown into the deep end with a complex system, you get to see the new mechanics in a more gradual manner.
Maximum Appreciation For the Series
As you complete each game, you get a better understanding of the Xenoblade universe and its themes. When references and callbacks happen later, they will feel more earned and enjoyable if you have already experienced everything that came before. You start to really notice the patterns and how they connect, which makes each game more meaningful and allows you to appreciate the whole series.
A Few Tips for Your Xenoblade Journey
Before you begin your journey, here are a couple of additional tips to make sure you have a fantastic time:
Don’t Rush
The Xenoblade games are huge! There’s so much to see and do in each one. Try not to just focus on the main storyline. Take your time to explore the environments, complete side quests, talk to the characters, and truly get immersed in each game’s world. Rushing can make you miss out on many amazing aspects of the game and the overall experience.
Be Patient With the Combat System
Each Xenoblade game has a complex combat system that might feel overwhelming at first. Don’t worry if you don’t understand it all at the beginning. Take some time to learn the basic elements of the battle system, and you will improve as you keep going and things will come naturally. And don’t be afraid to consult online guides or videos if you are stuck on a certain aspect of combat.
Embrace the World
The Xenoblade series is not just about the fighting, but also about the world around you. Each environment is filled with details and things to discover, and the developers have put a lot of love into making the environment feel alive. Take time to enjoy the scenery, listen to the music, and appreciate the world around you. This will also greatly improve your experience overall.
So, there you have it! While there’s no “wrong” way to play the Xenoblade games, starting with Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition and going in release order (1, 2, then 3) is the most recommended approach for most players. It allows you to experience the story naturally, adapt to the gameplay progression, and fully appreciate all the connections and callbacks. You’re about to embark on an amazing adventure – enjoy every minute of it!
Which Xenoblade Should You Play First?
Final Thoughts
The simplest answer for what order should I play the Xenoblade games is release order. Start with Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, then move to Xenoblade Chronicles 2. Finally, play Xenoblade Chronicles 3.
This order ensures you experience the narrative connections and mechanical progression as intended. Following the release order is the most enjoyable experience, building on previous systems. Chronologically, the stories are very distant, so playing in release order is a must for fans of the series.
