Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Is the Focus More on Story or Gameplay?

Story vs. Gameplay in Xenoblade Chronicles 2: A Dual Focus

When diving into Xenoblade Chronicles 2 on the Nintendo Switch, players frequently ask: does the game focus more on story or gameplay? The short answer is that it heavily emphasizes both. Unlike some RPGs that compromise one aspect to elevate the other, this title treats both its narrative and its mechanical systems as core pillars.

The story is a massive, emotionally driven journey that players are strongly advised to experience completely spoiler-free. It features rich world-building, deep character relationships, and dramatic plot twists.

At the same time, the gameplay is incredibly deep, complex, and requires a significant investment of time and attention to master. Rather than serving as mere filler between cutscenes, the combat and progression systems are highly tactical, offering layers of customization that reward careful planning and active engagement.

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Mastering the Core Gameplay Systems

Because the gameplay systems are so intricate, understanding how to navigate them early on will greatly enhance your experience.

Managing Aggro

In combat, managing aggro (enemy attention) is vital. A red ring around a character's feet indicates that the enemy is currently targeting them. Early in the game, you want to keep this target off your fragile attackers and healers.

To draw aggro to bulky tank characters like Tora, equip them with aggro-boosting accessories such as the Nopon Mask. This ensures your high-defense party members take the brunt of the damage.

How to Level Up Using Bonus Experience

Unlike the first game in the series, bonus experience gained from completing side quests and exploring the world is not applied to your characters automatically. If you do not manually claim this experience, your characters may fall behind the level curve.

To apply your accumulated bonus experience, use the following sequence:

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Executing Advanced Combat Combos

Combat in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 relies heavily on chaining together specific attacks to deal massive damage. There are two primary combo systems you must learn: Blade Combos and Driver Combos.

Blade Combos

These are elemental chains executed by utilizing your special moves. To complete a Blade Combo, you must chain three elemental specials in a specific sequence before the target's combo timer runs out.

Note: You can track compatible elemental paths using the combo tree displayed in the top-right corner of the screen during battle.

Driver Combos

While Blade Combos focus on elements, Driver Combos focus on physical status effects. Performing a Driver Combo inflicts a sequence of four debilitating statuses on an enemy:

1. Break
2. Topple
3. Launch
4. Smash

In the early game, you can execute a basic version of this by having Nia use an Art that inflicts Break, and then waiting for Rex to follow up with his Anchor Shot Art to inflict Topple.

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Optimizing Blades and Character Progression

Your combat efficiency is directly tied to your Blades—the weaponized lifeforms that accompany your characters (Drivers).

By balancing your focus between the game's epic narrative and its deep, rewarding mechanics, you will get the absolute most out of your journey through the game on the Nintendo Switch.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Xenoblade Chronicles 2 more focused on story or gameplay?

How do you level up using bonus experience in Xenoblade Chronicles 2?

How do you perform a Blade Combo in Xenoblade Chronicles 2?

How can you increase the chance of getting rare Blades from Core Crystals?