In so many ways,Xenoblade Chronicles Xis the most unique title in the four-games-strong Xenoblade franchise. Definitive Edition brings these differences into sharper focus for a far larger number of potential fans, taking the Wii U original and porting it to a console which far more gaming enthusiasts possess: the Switch.

Arguably most strikingly of all, Xenoblade Chronicles X features an online mode. Such a thing will surely blindside long-time fans of Xenoblade Chronicles 1-3 who head into X with no prior knowledge. What’s the deal here, and is it better to play Xenoblade Chronicles X online than offline?

The player pilots a skell in xenoblade chronicles x.

What Is Online Mode In Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition?

If you take your game online,you will have access to a wide array of optional side missions which must be completed alongside other players.You’ll find three modes (well, two-and-a-half?) here:

You’ll need to reachChapter 3in order to begin playing online, and you’ll do so by accessing theBLADE Networkback at theBLADE Barracks.Furthermore,you must reach Chapter 6 before you can conduct Skell missions, which just so happen to form a fair number of online scenarios.

Selecting online functionality in Xenoblade Chronicles X

Once you’re in Conquest or Friends mode, access will be granted toSquad Missions, Nemesis Battles, and Time Attack Missions.

The first of these frequently pits you againstseveral successive waves of enemies; the next includes a couple of fights againsthighly powerful enemies; and the last involvesdefeating bosses within set time limits.

Online mode in the settings in Xenoblade Chronicles X

What Are The Perks To Playing Online?

First, the obvious: You might find a more enriching experience by playing alongside others, especially if you’re good buds. More tangibly, however,there are missions in online play which can be especially challenging, mandating acoordinated approachfor victory.

you’re able to work togetherto locate crafting materials, too, and you’ll earnReward Ticketswhich can be exchanged forespecially rare materialsthat are tougher to come by via single-player gameplay.

In the Wii U version of Xenoblade Chronicles X, players needed to head to a specific location in order to cash in their Reward Tickets. In Definitive Edition,you can do this at any time via the main menuonce online functionality has been unlocked.

Should You Play Online Or Offline?

The truth is - and as you may have guessed -there’s no wrong way to playbetween the two versions. Key to this conclusion, though, is the fact thatReward Tickets can be earned in single-playeras well, albeit in more limited quantities.

Therefore, there’s very little reason to feel compelled to play Xenoblade Chronicles X online if the idea doesn’t sound inherently appealing to you. Which we totally get - personally, I’m only all that jazzed about online play when my friends are around, and even, only sometimes.

Still,you will see exclusive missionsin this manner. You’ll also havean easier time grinding, so there’s that. If you’re in the mood to check out even more of X’s already-substantial amount of gameplay, there’s no better way.