A third main game in theXenoblade Chroniclesfranchise has been heavily rumoured for several months. If these rumors are to be believed, then the game’s story will be set in the far future, featuringreturning characters from across both of the first twoXenoblade Chroniclesgameswho have long enough lifespans to still be alive.
This has a ton of implications for where the story ofXenoblade Chronicles 3could lead. Each character’s appearance means something new for the story, and to see what role these characters take along the journey of whoever takes the protagonist reins.
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Xenoblade Chronicles 3: A Whole New World
One of the biggest problems for bringing characters from both games together is that they exist in entirely separate worlds, as the final chapter ofXenoblade Chronicles 2clarifies. However, fans have theorised about the way around this. Whencomparing bothXenobladegames, both end with the world in some way being born anew. Shulk asks Alvis to create a world without Gods, so the Bionis and Mechonis crumble, leaving Colony 9 in an endless sea of some sort. Similarly, the Architect clears the Cloud Sea of Alrest and causes the Titans to join up with a mysterious landmass in a similar endless sea.
Given the similar geography of the worlds both characters go to (in the minimal looks players get at them), connecting the dots and claiming that the two are one and the same isn’t too much of a stretch. This is pretty convenient forXenoblade Chronicles 3, as not only does it bring both game’s characters together, but it allows for a whole new world to be explored over the typicallyvery longXenobladeadventures. Perhaps by the time the game starts, sailors will have discovered some new landmasses, and players will get to be among the very first to explore them.
Additionally, it doesn’t seem too difficult to imagine how the game’s central conflict can stem from this. While the two worlds have plenty of similarities, there are definitely some differences that could cause tensions. A human vs homs war is something both Shulk and Rex would no doubt work together to try and prevent, but they likely won’t be around by the timeXenoblade 3starts.
Which Characters Will Be Returning?
This is an important question to answer, as what characters Monolith Soft decide to bring back will heavily influence the story’s direction. One that seems like a sure-fire bet is Melia Antiqua. She was one of the most popular characters from the firstXenoblade Chroniclesgame, and as a High Entia, she has a lifespan of a few centuries, so bringing her back shouldn’t be a problem. Additionally, Jenna Coleman, who voices Melia,was the one who seemingly leakedXenoblade 3’sexistence in the first place.
Pyra and Mythra seem like fair bets. As Blades, they have theoretically infinite lifespans, and their role as The Aegis means that they can retain all of their memories, unlike other Blades. Despite Rex being the protagonist, Pyra and Mythra have become the poster children forXenoblade Chronicles 2,getting a spot inSuper Smash Bros Ultimateinstead of Rex.
Nia is a realistic expectation too. As a Flesh Eater, she has a Blade’s lifespan but has no Core Crystal to return to, and will never lose her memories. This opens the door for Zeke to feature too, but he’s a bit more nebulous. Zeke is a Blade Eater, making him still fundamentally human, so his lifespan is unclear.
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Any prominent Nopon may very well make an appearance as well, depending on just how far in the future the game is set. Nopon don’t quite have the lifespan of the High Entia, but they can reasonably be expected to live upwards of 200 years. The Nopon Sage even claims to be just shy of 10,000 years old, although that may be an exaggeration. Either way, Riki and Tora may meet for the very first time, and if Tora’s around, then Poppi will no doubt have gotten a few upgrades too,expanding possibilities for skill trees and abilities.
Blades are an interesting topic unto themselves, as how they work compared to the world of the homs isn’t yet clear. The way creatures from the Bionis can draw Ether from the world for attacks makes them reminiscent of Blades. In fact, inXenoblade Chronicles 2’sDLC, both Shulk & Fiora can be used as Blades in Alrest. This could create a strange dichotomy, where Blades from Alrest have to bond with one human, while creatures of the Bionis can theoretically lend their power to anyone and not have to worry about returning to a Core Crystal when their Driver dies.
Xenoblade Chronicle 3’s Story Direction
So, where does this leave these characters in the third game? It would make sense ifXenoblade 3’sprotagonist were an entirely new character. While seeing all the returning characters will be plenty of fun, they have already had complete stories in their respective games. As such, the third game would want someone brand new so they can grow into a hero as Shulk and Rex did. Similarly, most of theirparty members inXenoblade Chronicles 3should be new too. A mixture of people they’ve got an existing connection with, and those they meet along the way, would be perfect to get the story going much quicker than usual.
That said, the door should still be open to old characters once again becoming party members, just not too many. Nia would be an excellent fit for this role. She can be both a Blade and a Driver, so she’d slot very nicely intoXenoblade 3’sgameplay changes/improvements, no matter what direction they take. There is the possibility of temporary party members, too. While Pyra and Mythra will probably want to live a quiet life, especially if they’ve outlived Rex (which is quite likely), their power will no doubt be necessary to overcome some obstacle. Seeking them out could be the main goal for an early section of the plot.
Melia could fill all sorts of roles. She may have been overthrown as ruler of the High Entia, or she may be a mature, wisened, and beloved leader. The latter seems more likely, as that’s whatXenoblade Chronicles: Future Connectedwas all about, making her perfect for taking up the role of mentor to the protagonist.
Whether it’s because the protagonist is High Entia, or they seek her aid along their journey, Melia is in the perfect position to give them all the tools and knowledge they need to complete their quest. Being a mentor in a JRPG is a tough job, though, and almost always results in an emotional sacrifice around the story’s mid-point, a fate Melia may very well share fora tear-jerking scene and memorableXenoblade Chroniclesplot twist.
As to why the game’s protagonist will go on their journey or who the antagonist will be is hard to say. Both Zanza and Malos were beaten very conclusively, so it’s unlikely they’ll be making a return. However, with a whole new world and time period to explore, the possibilities are endless, the series is known for beingunlike any other JRPG on the market, and fans will just have to wait and see what Monolith Soft have in store.
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