Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a massive JRPG with a ton of depth when it comes to characters, customization, and fighting classes. One of the key mechanics in the game is the ability to switch between characters at will, whether it's on the field or in battle.

RELATED: Xenoblade Chronicles 3: How Long to Beat

Of course, everyone will have their favorite character or characters to play throughout the campaign in Xenoblade Chronicles 3. However, the importance of switching certain characters in battle can't be understated, especially during some of the more difficult fights in Xenoblade Chronicles 3.

How To Switch Characters In Xenoblade Chronicles 3

One can switch characters at any point in the game, whether it is in a Colony, on the field exploring, or in the middle of a battle. Thankfully, switching between characters is a simple affair, and it is a mechanic that becomes available around the 6 to 7-hour mark in the main story.

xenoblade 3switching characters

The instructions to switch between characters in Xenoblade Chronicles 3 are as follows.

  • Hold down the ZL button on the Nintendo Switch controller.
  • Press L and R buttons to choose the required character.
  • There is no limit to how many times players can switch between characters.
xenoblade 3 switching characters in battle

The Benefits Of Switching Class

xenoblade 3 switching characters pop up instructions in-game

Switching between characters in Xenoblade Chronicles 3 isn't just important because it allows one to change their style of combat, but it's the only way the player can manually revive a fallen comrade in battle.

In the early stages of the game, the default character Noah can't cast healing or revival Arts on damaged or knocked-out combatants.

As a result, if one of the party members falls in battle, the player needs to switch to one of the healers in the group or run away from fights that are too much in Xenoblade 3. The default healers in the party are:

  • Eunie - Healer/Tactician
  • Taion - Healer/Tactician

The party members Eunie and Taion are the default healers in the group. However, Eunie is available as a playable character from Xenoblade 3's opening. Taion, the male healer, will become available later as the story progresses.

Character Classes

xenoblade 3 class selection screen

Thanks to Xenoblade Chronicles 3's character class system, using healing abilities aren't limited to the two default healers. For example, once Noah has reached rank 10 in his Swordfighter class, it is recommended that players swap his class with one of the others available and learn their abilities and use him as a Tactician, Ogre, Heavy Guard, or Zephyr until he reaches rank 10.

Players can change and experiment with character classes using the following instructions:

  • Press X to access the menu screen
  • Select the Characters tab
  • Select the Class tab
  • Press L and R to select the desired character, and press A
  • Choose the desired class

Using the new character class on the battlefield will allow the desired character to increase in rank and learn the Master Skills and Master Arts associated with that class. This will make them better all-around fighters on the battlefield.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is available now for the Nintendo Switch.

MORE: Xenoblade Chronicles 3: How to Clean Clothes and What It Does