When I first jumped into Xenoblade Chronicles X, I was completely overwhelmed by how big and open the world felt. Unlike other JRPGs, this one throws you onto the alien planet Mira with almost no hand-holding. One of the biggest choices you have to make early on is picking a Division. If you’re confused, don’t worry. Here’s Xenoblade Chronicles X Divisions explained.
If you are playing Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition on the Nintendo Switch, Divisions are now purely cosmetic. In the original game, your BLADE Level played a huge role in your progression, and you earned Division Points (DP) based on which Division you joined. These points helped you level up and unlock various gameplay benefits.
In the Definitive Edition, all of that has been removed. Your chosen Division does not impact your progression, gameplay, or online buffs. So while Divisions may not matter mechanically, they are still a fun way to role-play and immerse yourself in Mira’s world. However, I’ll still provide the bonuses and rewards for each division in the original game.
What Are Divisions?
Divisions are factions within Blade, the organization responsible for keeping humanity alive on Mira. There are eight different Divisions, each with its focus, bonuses, and rewards. Your choice does not lock you out of anything major, but it does impact how you progress.
The game does not explain each Division’s role well, so let’s break them down.
The Eight Divisions
Pathfinders – The Explorers
Pathfinders are your go-to if you love uncovering every inch of the map. They specialize in setting up Data Probes, which are essential for unlocking Mira’s secrets and making money.
- Best for: Players who enjoy exploration and earning extra income.
- Bonuses: Extra rewards for setting up Data Probes and gathering intel.
- Downside: Less focus on combat, making fights more challenging.
Interceptors – The Frontline Fighters
Want to jump straight into action? Interceptors focus on hunting down Mira’s most dangerous creatures and protecting New LA.
- Best for: Players who enjoy combat and taking down big enemies.
- Bonuses: Extra rewards for defeating enemies, which makes it great for grinding XP.
- Downside: Does not help much with resource gathering or exploration.
Harriers – The Bounty Hunters
Harriers are all about taking down big threats. This Division focuses on eliminating the most dangerous enemies on Mira.
- Best for: Hardcore combat players who enjoy tough fights.
- Bonuses: Extra rewards for defeating large enemies and bosses.
- Downside: Not as useful for resource gathering or money-making.
Reclaimers – The Salvagers
Reclaimers specialize in retrieving lost Earth technology. They focus on finding and recovering useful wreckage scattered across Mira.
- Best for: Players who want steady money and valuable materials.
- Bonuses: Extra rewards for salvaging wreckage and gathering parts.
- Downside: Not as exciting early on compared to other Divisions.
Curators – The Collectors
If you love hoarding loot, Curators are perfect. Their job is to gather materials from fallen enemies and scattered resources.
- Best for: Completionists who want to collect every rare item.
- Bonuses: More rewards for collecting items and scavenging materials.
- Downside: Not very combat-focused, so battles may be tougher early on.
Outfitters – The Gear Specialists
If upgrading your weapons is your priority, Outfitters are the best choice. They work with companies that develop new gear.
- Best for: Players who want early access to better equipment.
- Bonuses: Discounts and exclusive access to advanced weapons.
- Downside: Does not directly help with combat or exploration.
Prospectors – The Miners
If your goal is to get rich, Prospectors are focused on mining Mira’s resources to generate revenue.
- Best for: Players who want to earn a lot of money with minimal combat.
- Bonuses: Increased revenue from mining operations.
- Downside: Does not offer much in terms of combat or exploration.
Mediators – The Problem Solvers
Mediators serve as the peacekeepers of Mira. They resolve conflicts and take on various odd jobs around New LA.
- Best for: Players who enjoy side quests and interacting with NPCs.
- Bonuses: Extra rewards for completing side missions and resolving disputes.
- Downside: Less focused on combat or exploration.
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The Best Division to Choose
If you want the best all-around experience in Xenoblade Chronicles X, Pathfinder is the way to go. Exploration is a huge part of the game, and Pathfinders get extra rewards for setting up Data Probes, which means more money, resources, and fast-travel points. This makes the early game much smoother, giving you a steady income while unlocking more of Mira’s secrets.
Unlike combat-focused Divisions, Pathfinders allow you to progress at your own pace. You constantly discover new areas, expand your influence, and build a strong foundation before tackling tougher fights. Plus, since exploration ties into everything, you naturally gain money, items, and experience just by playing.
Pathfinder is perfect for beginners and experienced players who want to see everything Mira offers. It gives you the most flexibility, making it the ideal choice for anyone who loves adventure and discovery.
How to Change Divisions
One of the best parts of Xenoblade Chronicles X is that your Division is not permanent. If you want to try something different, you can switch Divisions anytime by heading to the Blade Barracks in New LA.
Here is how to do it:
- Go to Blade Barracks in the administrative district of New LA.
- Talk to Eleonora, who handles Division changes.
- Select your new Division from the list.
That is all there is to it. There is no penalty for switching, and you can do it as often as you like. If you start as a Pathfinder but later want to focus on combat, you can switch to Interceptors without losing any progress.
The Guide Hall has been excited to jump back into the world of Mira. Stay tuned for more Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition guides!