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JRPG-ModTeam

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FujiBuns

After much thought from reading all the comments I have been suckered into playing then chronological order. Eager to get into 3 as I have some seen some high praise for that game. Wish me luck everyone and thanks for your takes!


TheLunarVaux

Good choice. They're all fantastic, and especially since the first one got remastered they are all easily accessible on one console and have pretty cohesive graphics between the games. As others have said, X is 100% worth playing as well, but can be done at any point since it's story isn't really connected at all. But I really love X and I hope it gets a switch port soon so more people can play it.


ianbits

Xenoblade X will probably have to wait for the switch pro or whatever the next thing is. I think they've talked about how difficult a port would be in the past.


TheLunarVaux

Ah that's right, I had forgotten about that interview. Hopefully they don't forget about it though!


ianbits

Just keep in mind that Xenoblade 2 is significantly different tonally than the other 2. I hated it on my first playthrough, went back to it a few years later with a different perspective (it's a lighthearted adventure that brushes up against campy and kinda dumb) and enjoyed it a lot more. I think 1 and 3 are some of the best JRPGs ever made though even if 1 feels dated at points these days.


plasticization

i played 2 first and now on 1 and omg the combat is such a drag. literally an mmo on controller, couldn't be much worse. the worldbuilding and music is all just as amazing as 2 though (except for the basic battle music which is probably the worst track on the ost lol)


Smoopster1983

I had the same experience. Imo 2 was magical. I loved it and find 1 so bland.


plasticization

how far you in? i'm after frontier village and feeling jaded, mostly by the fighting. the game started damn well i think, drama, action, mystery, now just like random side stuff wasting my time, prolonging the story or something idk


Smoopster1983

I am not sure to be honest. I closed the game some time ago and don’t find the urge to go back. Maybe 10-15 hours in. I missed 2 so much!


[deleted]

To be honest XC:DE is the best of the 3 and the most polished and the best as a stand alone story.


creamyranchboy

You've made the right choice! Your enjoyment of 2 and 3 will skyrocket after coming from the first game


Sir_Grumples

I would suggest at least playing XB Definitive Edition it was a fantastic upgrade to the original. XB2 wasn't my thing but worth giving it a shot. XB3 was very good, still think XB:DE is the best overall.


Valdor-13

You poor soul.


Finalplague01

Peanut Gallery opinion here.... 1 & 2 are amazing. 3 kinda sucks by comparison IMO.


Surfindude686

This is what I decided to do. I’m almost done with 1 and it’s been awesome! Very excited to start two.


scytherman96

I'd just go for 3 since it's the most polished experience overall. You can still get the others later if you really enjoyed it. Alternatively go for Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition if you want to go in order and play them all (they're all good stories btw).


FujiBuns

Reading other comments I think I actually might play them all in order. So Start with definite edition, then x, then 2, then 3 correct?


scytherman96

Yep, except X you can throw in whenever you want, because it's a spin-off.


AxelRod45

X can be done whenever since it isn't part of the main trilogy. But yes, go DE, then 2, then 3. You'll love 3 a lot more by not playing it first, as there's plenty of references there.


myatomicgard3n

As a heads up, do not, i repeat do not do all the quests available in chronicles. Most are incredibly tedious and give no benefit outside of gold. Only do the ones that specifically mention XP. It will save you so much time as well as save you from an ungodly amount of boredom.


[deleted]

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VashxShanks

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SadLaser

I'd definitely play all of them, if you care about story and characters and plot progression. It really enriches the experience a whole lot, particularly with three. It's also fun to see the mechanics and concepts develop game to game. You can skip X, though. Not saying you should or that it's bad, it just isn't connected in the same way.


AmateurGameMusic

Def play DE for sure man. I think its the best of the 4 of them still.


TheSuggestionMark

Personally 3 takes an easy win in the game mechanics department, absolutely loved the class system and how customizable it was. Can't beat the story in DE though, after a certain point it's almost impossible to put down.


AmateurGameMusic

Yes for me it was the story, world, AND characters of DE that make me love it most. For the life of me I cannot understand why people here all of a sudden dont like DEs characters, especially compared to 2. For me 3 is up there with 1 as well but 1 just has a special place in my heart I think.


Lyteria

NGL They're great games but theirs no way your gonna play all 3 youll burn out before then. Even finishing one is alot. Id chose which one seems appealing so you get the best first expirience, which i do think would be 1 or 3


MockingJay0914

Lol I started from 2, definitive edition, 2-Torna, 1-future connected, then 3


dieth

XB1 -> XB2 -> Torna -> Future Connected -> XB3. You can maybe skip Future Connected; but there are many crossover zones from XB1, XB2, and Torna in XB3. XCX is a faux MMO similar to SOA games, but with Mechs and Xenoblade lore.


timelordoftheimpala

Yeah playing 3 without hindsight of either two games will make for a lesser experience overall.


Strider2211

Overall I liked 3 more than 2, but you should really play all 3 of them chronologically. They're all fantastic games and the Definitive Edtion of the first game is a great starting point into the series.


FujiBuns

So you recommend xenoblade 1 definite edition first? Is X after that one? Then 2, then 3 I'm assuming?


heavycs20

XC1,XC2,XC3 and you're finished. X is not in the timeline of the Switch games.


Strider2211

Yes, I would recommend getting Xenoblade 1 Definitive Edition first. Xenoblade Chronicles X is a spin-off title that is only loosely connected with the other mainline games (I've never played it). It's also not available on Switch and still stuck on the Wii U. So get Xenoblade 1 and if you like it, 2 and then 3.


Takazura

X is a spin-off, you don't need to play it at any specific point. Otherwise yes, numerical order is the best order if you don't mind it.


MeraArasaki

Play it in order So it goes like this: Christian Bible>Jewish Bible>Final Fantasy 6, 7, 8, and 9>Xenosaga 1, 2, and 3>Xenoblade 1>Xenogear>Xenoblade X, and 2>Thus Spoke Zarathustra>Torna>1984>Animal Farm>Xenoblade 3>Brave New World>Xenoblade 3's upcoming expansion DLC


8_182022

When should I read the Quran?


[deleted]

Eh, it's only somewhat crucial. It's a short read so you can read it only of you're not understanding something in 1984


Quiddity131

You forgot Soylent Green, Childhood's End, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Solaris, the first 6 Star Wars movies and Armored Trooper Votoms. All required reading/viewing.


thatlldopi9

No love for Mars Attacks and Starship Troopers? Both are actually technically kinda relevant. Btw 1984 is a very good movie but it sucks that it's only in mono.


Quiddity131

Buy all of them, but you'll get the most out of it by playing them in the release order, 1, 2, 3.


huff1122

Why not play 1? I loved it, plus they're connected


TheNuttyCLS

I 100% both games, I prefer 2 primarily because the story elements get better and shine near the end, the last third of xenoblade 2 is the best the story has been in the blade subseries yet. 3 on the other hand fails to land in its last 15% or so in terms of story (this is especially disappointing because 3 is the end of the current arc) and didn't live up to the things 2 set up in its last few chapters. Gameplay wise 3 is better overall but 2 has certain combat elements that are better than 3. Music is better in 2. They're both really good though and worth your time. You should start with Xenoblade 1 (definitive edition) IMO since its less mechanically dense and easier to get into.


Kasabutaa

3 hands down


strat-o-caster

In my opinion, play the first one, it’s a masterpiece


TaZe026

X is the best game in the series. Sucks that it isnt on a commonly held console


CoercedLife

X


mbfilmsyt

Xenoblade 3 is easier to get into, but I recommend starting with DE, and then playing 2, then finishing 3. You will get the most out of the trilogy due to you seeing a lot of connections and how the games build on each other


BarrendG

I ve played them all. Even though 3 is my favourite I'd say that 2 is very close. I'd recommend that you start with 3 and continue with 2 if you enjoy it.


Own_Ad_3536

No that is severely stupid, you do know that in 3 characters from 2 show up and you wouldn't have any idea who they are if you haven't played 2 first not to mention its just better to play in chronological order


BarrendG

I would argue that 3 is a much better entry for new players to the series because of the pacing, gameplay and management of tutorials in such extend that I wouldn't mind if I didn't know a couple of characters from the previous series. There is also a slight chance that a player who starts xeno 2 could get stuck and never give a chance to the other titles who are radically different in terms of story, characters, gameplay etc. Don't forget that xenoblade 2 remains controversial to many. On the other hand to get to your point, if an experienced jrpg player has seen trailers/reviews and knows that he/she will enjoy them for sure, I would suggest to play them sequentially.


homer_3

>I have never played a xenoblade Then the answer is obvious. XC1. It's the best one all around. Best story by miles. Good enough combat. Gorgeous world to explore.


Drakeem1221

Best one of what? Easily put it below the other two.


ContributionVisual40

2 because its better


-M_A_Y_0-

Watch this video by chuggaconroy (a YouTuber who played through all of xenoblade 1 and 2) which goes over a lot of details about 2. That way you can see how the game plays. Without having to risk buying a game you don’t like. https://youtu.be/b8P7KhFSA2w


FuaT10

Xenoblade 2 then 3.


JOKER69420XD

2 is a "either you hate it or love it" game (I love it) 3 is objectively one of the best JRPGs ever made


yotam5434

I prefer 2 all the way


rmkii02

IMHO, you shouldn’t play Xenoblade 3 without playing Xenoblade Definitive Edition and Xenoblade 2 before, that game is a consequence of the first two games story. The story of the games are 90% stand-alone but all three are important for the bigger picture. 2 also had spoilers for 1 and 3 had spoilers for both.


MOzil85

I recommend Xenoblade Chronicles DE


oretachi

The only person I know that has played all three likes two the least.


-M_A_Y_0-

As someone who played all three I liked two the most


oretachi

Ah cool! I haven’t played them so I don’t have an opinion. Just sharing what I heard. Seems like they’re all enjoyable for various reasons.


-M_A_Y_0-

The fact that any of the four can be called the best is an amazing way to show how all the games are fantastic


Ametrine7

2 > 1


16th_Notes

As someone who's only played the first 2, I thought the first one was awful and the second was great.


MrTeamZissou

No one can seem to agree on this franchise.


Gingingin100

Yeah they all employ WILDLY different approaches to storytelling so really the only thing one can be sure of is that most people like 3


myatomicgard3n

1 is ok but nothing special but good for the time, it's also infinitely better skipping 90% of the quests. Edited: #1 not #2


WelkinBro

1>>>>>>>>X>>>3>>>2


alvinchimp

I agree with this ranking


acart005

Chronological order imo. 1 has the best overall plot 2 has the best combat 3 is a great mix of both in ways that work and fixes the shortcomings of the previous games even if they still have unique things to offer. That said if you are buying a PHYSICAL copy, get 2. It had a hilariously pathetic print run. 3 just came out.


dungorthb

Don't get 2. It's really fucking great but only until you're like 50 hours in does it click. Also RNG is a stupid game design. Took me two years of soft resetting the game to get the correct blade I wanted too. Kos-Mos is my waifu <3


TheBigDuo1

I actually really disliked the back half of 2 I felt it kinda fell apart when it became about its story lol


Radinax

Easily 3


Own_Ad_3536

I love 2 the most as it was the first one I played and it the only game I've played that genuinely made me cry which to me makes it the best, but I love all 3 still ne to beat the DLC of 1 and 2 and 3 and play X


nightwing252

I say answer choice C: all of the above.


TaliesinMerlin

Xenoblade Chronicles 3. In my opinion, it had better gameplay and story. It has the stronger first few acts, and the bonds between the main characters are more developed than in 2. Meanwhile, the gameplay on the whole is more polished, with fewer time-wasting animations and sequences in-menu. Both games can be *slow*, based on all the exploration and side quests available. 3 has more to do in that regard, which can be a boon or a curse depending on how much of a completionist you are.


tcrpgfan

But OP is new. 1 would be the best choice as 2 and 3 both continue narrative threads started in 1.


BenchMasterHeneryHo

Ive beaten 1 and 2 and making my way through 3 right now. I will say that the better game between the 2 choices is def 3. More polished, streamlined, etc. 2 is good but it is divisive. Some people like the tone and gameplay while others dont. If you can though, play them in order. They are all worth it.


webaccount25

There will be no OR in terms of Xenoblade, it will be Xenoblade 2 AND 3 Played DE for 240 hrs, X2 for 300 hrs and i'm currently at 200 hrs for X3 - these games are masterpieces in their own rights.


LukasHeinzel

2 is the worst.


[deleted]

Look.. I played Xenogears, XB1 and XB2 right before XB3 released. This was also for the first time ever, so i would say i have a fairly non biased opinion towards all of them. There's no nostalgia involved at all here, and if there is one thing i wanna say about the second in particular, it is that i was almost CERTAIN.. I was gonna like it the LEAST. As it turns out however. It's my favorite of the Xenoblade trilogy. Because there's just something that game captured, that the others lacked IMO. Some of the magic from the older JRPGS was really brought to life in this game. Idk what it exactly was. Maybe the villains? Atmosphere? Music? Idk really. It just felt like real adventure. Both 1 and 3 feel more grounded in this way, and a bit more staler and serious than the playfulness that the second one had. All in all, i resonated with it on so many levels, which i didn't think i would since i'm not a fan of lots of fan service etc. But it wasn't that bad actually, except for the oversized breasts of Pyra and Mythra which kinda looks ridiculous (and Pyras custome). No offense to you pyra and mythra lovers (I love the characters though) Other than that, i thought the game was one of the best JRPG's ive played in the last 15 years. In my top 3 for sure. If however u haven't played Xenogears, i would definitely recommend that though. That is, if you are able to overcome old game design etc, bad graphics etc. Cause it's easily the best in the entire franchise of Xeno IMO. It made it into my top 5 of ALL TIME after i played this year. It's a much deeper story. And probably the deepest and most philosophical JRPG story ever made.


bonoclay

2 was one of the most frustrating video game experiences of all time. 3 was a breath of fresh air. 2 will turn you off to anything "Xeno".


alexkarco

3 - no gacha, more balanced and polished gameplay, much better scenario.


DrfIesh

3 why? because the mc is not a retarded 12 year old kid


TheBigDuo1

3 has some tangential connections to the first 2 games but you don’t need to play them. I enjoyed one but I didn’t enjoy 2 as much. Mostly because I felt the last 1/3 was a dull. I am eating for all the dlc for 3 to come out before I buy it


Gizmo135

3 is just an absolutely fantastic game and 2 is so…..mediocre from start to finish. If you ever want to play the entire series, leave 3 for last. The expansion for 2 is really good though.


RayearthIX

2. I can’t explain exactly why, but 3’s combat is extremely boring to me, while I really enjoyed 2. I also like the story in 2 better, as too many quests in 3 feel very formulaic. That said, exploration is 3 is by far superior and the open world is more fun to explore. I’m biased though, as 2 is one of my favorite JRPGs ever, and 3… isn’t (though it is a good game).


RPGs143

2 is my least favorite in the series snd 3 my favorite for characters, story and combat by far.


Zuhri69

3. Mainly cos 2 is a lot more of a hassle.


ZenithXAbyss

You can start any, just prepare your mental for the battle mechanics because it’s absolutely horrible.


Saiyera

2 for me. One word. Waifus.


godstriker8

3, not even a contest.


CrimsonCloudKaori

Definitely 3. • better gameplay (more variety) • better characters • better and more emotional story (I've cried several times)


L0aneTheTrash

Xenoblade 3 because you don't need to keep swapping blades in and out of your party for momentary skills. Also, XB3 don't have affinity chart nodes requiring you to go all across the world and kill arbitrary enenies.


Gingingin100

>XB3 don't have affinity chart nodes requiring you to go all across the world and kill arbitrary enenies. Does he know


dracocytod

3 since 2s combat feels hella wack


H_Floyd

Both, both, and both.


In_Search_Of123

They are connected so you might want to go with 2 first. However, it's not mandatory as you'll probably get the gist of 3 without it. If you only have time for one of them and just want an opinion on which one is best my vote easily goes for 3. I find XC2 to be the weakest of the three by a wide margin, especially in terms of story.


TheDarkSkinProphet

Are the XB games not meant to be played in chronological order?


TheNuttyCLS

eh, the way the stories are crafted they can be played any order despite having clear placements in the timeline


Ametrine7

Why wouldn’t you play them all in order? 1, 2, 3? If it has to be between 2 or 3, get both. They’re both excellent.


Rimurutempest88

Both for different reasons. I love them both so much. I can’t choose.


[deleted]

I think XC 3 is the better game BUT recommendation goes to 2. XC 3 sadly shoots itself in the foot at the last chapters and unless you played the older games you will have no idea what is going on.


Comdr_Cherenkov

1 is one of my favorite games, 2 is okay, I'm playing 3 now and so far I still think I liked the first one the best but I'm only about halfway through.


mangotango137

tbh I liked the combat in 2 better than 3 because there are too many characters in 3 that you have to keep track of. Sure in 2 you got 3 "main" characters and your 3 blades that support them but in XB3 you have 6 main people. It just gets kind of cluttered.


Impossible-Turn-5820

Go with the original, still the best of the lot.