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Here's everything that was announced at today's Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Direct

Characters, story, and more

Here's everything that was announced at today's Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Direct

Excited about Xenoblade Chronicles 2? Well, you're in the right place then as Nintendo held a new Direct today all about the eagerly anticipated RPG.

Straight off the bat we know that the game will be available in Japanese with English subtitles on release day. This may not be exciting to some of you but it is pretty neat to give this option straight away.

We're shown a new trailer which explains a few more intimate details about the story's beginning, how Rex and Pyra came to be joined, and why they're search for Elysium. Other characters are shown off, including Nia, Dromarch, Tora, Poppi, Zeke, Pandoria, Morag, Brighid, Vandham, and more. Plus, a sneaky look at Pyra's other form, Mythra.

Before we get onto the nitty-gritty, it was announced that the Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Expansion Pass is also available for pre-order as of today. The full game will be available December 1st on the Nintendo Switch.

Back to the action, following the intense trailer we're given a run down on these elements:

Blade

Artificial lifeforms (such as Pyra) bond with Drivers (like Rex) to lend them their weapons and powers in battle. After touching the core crystal and resonating with the Blade born within, Drivers can use the Blade's powers and weaponry themselves.

Driver

A single Driver can resonate with many Blades, including powerful/rare Blades. It's impossible to tell which Blade you'll encounter so be sure to bond with them and earn their trust. Do that and your team will grow stronger and stronger.


Wildlife

You'll encounter plenty of different lifeforms across the multiple scenes and kingdoms of the world, from frozen lands to stunning beaches. The type of wildlife encountered depends on the time/weather and facing certain powerful beasts will give you a ton of valuable loot and the ability to face them again once defeated.

Blade abilities

A Blade offers different supportive abilities to a Driver. When out adventuring they could increase the number of items you collect, open new paths to explore, and more. Blades can also increase your strength/defence when battling.

Blades can be strengthened by using Aux Cores (enhance abilities), Core Chips (alter weapons), and Affinity Charts. When faced with too many Blades, you can stick them into Mercenary groups and dispatch them to complete missions. The team will then return after a certain amount of time with XP and rewards.

Alrest

Like its wildlife, exploring the world can differ depending on the time/weather. Certain areas will only be available at a certain time of day or under certain circumstances.

There are also many different interactive points where you can salvage or pull up items. After discovering the many land marks you'll be able to fast-travel in the expansive world and not faff about too much with walking around aimlessly.


Collection/Customisation

The Argentum Trade Guild, a large cloud sea faring vessel where you can shop and trade to your heart's content. Accessories can boost stats when worn, and Poppi can be enhanced by playing a cutesy little arcade game. She's the only character that can change her elemental power.

Combat

In battle, your party is made up of up to three Drivers who each have three Blades to use. However, Rex's Blade Pyra has a second form, Mythra, who can tag in whenever you please.

To win a fight you've got to think smart and bring the right Blades. Between Attackers, Tanks, and Healers, the combination you choose will affect the Driver's Class and also affect the bonuses you earn.

Combos

There are three types of Combos to master. Driver Combos are achieved by chaining Arts together and can break your opponent's defence. Blade Combos chain together Specials to increase damage and use your allies' Specials to keep the Combo going. Fusion Combos take place when you begin a Blade Combo while a Driver Combo is in effect.

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Emily Sowden
Emily Sowden
Emily is Pocket Gamer's News Editor and writes about all kinds of game-related things. She needs coffee to function and begrudgingly loves her Switch more than she lets on.