Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Difficulty Settings: How to Change and Adjust Modes
Learn how to adjust difficulty settings in Xenoblade Chronicles 2, use Easy mode, and access Expansion Pass difficulty options.
Quick answer
- The base game includes Easy and Normal difficulty settings, which can be toggled at any time on your active save file.
- The Expansion Pass introduces two additional settings: Bringer of Chaos and Custom difficulty.
- To change difficulty in the options menu, you must use the left and right directional buttons (D-pad).
- Manage your challenge manually by using bonus EXP at Inns, upgrading Blade affinity charts, and using pouch items.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Beginner's Tips
Watch this spoiler-free beginner's guide to master Blade combos, core crystals, and fundamental combat systems in Xenoblade Chronicles 2.
Understanding Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Difficulty Settings
Tailoring your combat experience on the Nintendo Switch is straightforward thanks to the flexible Xenoblade Chronicles 2 difficulty settings. Whether you want a relaxed journey focused on the story using the Xenoblade Chronicles 2 easy mode or prefer a more standard tactical battle system, the game accommodates your playstyle.
Unlike many RPGs that lock you into your initial choice, the Xenoblade Chronicles 2 difficulty can be adjusted dynamically on your active save file. You can change these settings at any point without losing any progress or needing to restart the game.
How to Change the Difficulty Setting
Changing your difficulty setting can be done during active gameplay through the options menu. However, the game's menu navigation has a specific quirk that often confuses players: the analog control sticks cannot be used to toggle settings in this specific menu.
To adjust your difficulty, use the following sequence:
Remember, if you attempt to use the analog control sticks to change the difficulty, the setting will not respond. You must use the left and right directional buttons (D-pad) on your controller to switch between the available modes.
Base Game vs. Expansion Pass Difficulty Options
The availability of difficulty modes depends on whether you are playing the standard base game or have purchased the additional DLC content.
Base Game Difficulty Modes
- Normal: The default setting designed by the developers, offering a balanced challenge.
- Easy: This mode reduces the intensity of combat, making battles more forgiving. It is ideal for players who want to focus primarily on exploration and the narrative.
Expansion Pass Difficulty Modes
If you purchase and install the Expansion Pass, you gain access to two advanced difficulty options:
- Bringer of Chaos: An additional, more challenging difficulty option introduced in the Expansion Pass.
- Custom: An additional difficulty option introduced in the Expansion Pass that allows players to adjust settings.
Torna The Golden country
The prequel expansion, Torna The Golden country, shares the same foundational difficulty structure as the base game. It features Easy and Normal as its base difficulty settings, allowing you to experience the history of Alrest at your preferred pace.
Alternative Ways to Manage the Game's Challenge
If you find yourself stuck at a specific battle but do not want to drop down to the official easy mode, the game provides several natural mechanics to help you manage the difficulty level manually:
- Bonus EXP at Inns: When you complete side quests and discover new locations, you earn bonus experience points. This EXP is not applied to your characters automatically. To use it, you must visit an Inn and manually level up your party. (Note that leveling down your characters is restricted to New Game Plus and is not available on a standard first playthrough).
- Blade Affinity Charts: Take the time to unlock nodes on your Blades' affinity charts to gain powerful passive boosts and increase your overall combat effectiveness.
- Accessories and Pouch Items: Equipping accessories to your Drivers or placing helpful items in their pouches can significantly ease tough encounters.