Who are the main Xenoblade Chronicles 3 characters?

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 characters, Mio and Noah performing an off-sending
(Image credit: Monolith Soft)

The colourful host of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 characters are a big part of what makes the game’s central narrative stand out. It’s a diverse cast, with heroes from many different backgrounds meeting on the battlefield to duke it out in combat.

Recently released on Nintendo Switch to critical acclaim, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 might well earn a place amongst the best Nintendo Switch games ever made. The title has been well received by fans and critics alike, with many arguing that its story marks a step up for JRPGs in the broader scope of the genre. From Noah to Mio, every one of the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 characters defy the established JRPG tropes, offering unique and poignant storytelling moments as the game’s central narrative unfolds. In addition, with the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass already available, we can expect plenty more Xenoblade content in the coming months thanks to a detailed roadmap of scheduled drops.  

Though we’ve kept our guide spoiler-free, we’ve done our best to highlight what makes each of these characters special both in terms of personality and with regard to their starting Xenoblade Chronicles 3 classes

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 characters guide

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 characters: Noah the Swordfighter

A character with a sword in Xenoblade Chronicles 3

(Image credit: Credit: Monolith Soft)

A soldier from the belligerent nation of Keves, Noah is more reserved and thoughtful than your standard JRPG protagonist. Equipped with exactly the sort of distinctive red sword you’d expect from a Xenoblade hero, Noah is more understated than his predecessors. 

Far from being brash and hot-headed, he takes the sacrifices of his fellow soldiers seriously and clearly struggles with the scale and cost of the war in which he finds himself. In the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 combat system, Noah starts off as a Swordfighter, an agile melee Attacker. In addition to his role as a combatant, he is also an Off-Seer, responsible for laying slain soldiers to rest after battles. 

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 characters: Lanz the Heavy Guard

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 characters guide, Lanz looks to the left of the screen, draped in shadow

(Image credit: Future)

At first glance, Lanz may seem like a bit of a bruiser, but there’s more to him than meets the eye. First and foremost, Lanz is dedicated to protecting his friends and comrades. He is opinionated, and often stubborn but has a strong sense of duty. Like all of the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 characters, however, Lanz has hidden depths which become clear as you progress through the story. 

In combat, Lanz starts off as a Heavy Guard, a robust tanking class that draws the attention of enemy combatants while offering defensive buffs to nearby allies. 

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 characters: Eunie the Medic Gunner

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Characters, Eunie stands on a battlefield, facing the camera

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Eunie may be a healer, but she is no push-over. A comrade and childhood friend of Noah and Lanz, she’s a soldier through and through. She’s tough as nails and refuses to suffer fools or the pretensions of characters like Taion. She often provides an air of realism during party interactions – a welcome novelty during Xenoblade Chronicles 3’s more abstract and lofty moments. 

Gritty and down-to-earth, Eunie begins the game as a Medic Gunner and uses a gunrod in battle. This ranged weapon not only heals allies, allowing Eunie to heal and revive allies but also provides vital combo finishers when you’re on the offensive. 

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 characters: Mio the Zephyr

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 characters, Mio with her flute

(Image credit: Monolith Soft)

 Mio is an Off-Seer from Agnus, Keves’ mortal enemy. After circumstances force her and her comrades to team up with Noah’s squad, she becomes a uniquely practical member of the party. Though still prone to the occasional bout of idealism, like Noah, she is grounded in the harsh realities of her situation. 

In combat, Mio starts off as a Xephyr. These tanks wield chakrams and use agility and evasion to mitigate damage. 

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 characters: Sena the Ogre

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Characters, Sena prepares an attack, holding her weapon behind her ready to swing

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Sena is the heart of the party. A part of Mio’s squad, she is a bruiser, boasting superhuman strength. She is often high-spirited and highly supportive of her fellow party members –  especially Mio. Like Lanz, she is exceptionally loyal, but unlike her counterpart from Keves, she has a sense of humor. 

In combat, Sena starts off as an Ogre. This fearsome class dishes out large amounts of damage, as well as Knockback attacks. Ogres are great at keeping your enemies off balance. 

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 characters: Taion the Tactician

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 characters guide, Taion looks to the left of the screen. He is wearing an orange scarf and glasses.

(Image credit: Future)

Taion is the brains of the operation, and he wants you to know it. A pragmatist to the core, he is often the voice of reason within the party. Though he often comes across as cold, calculating, and somewhat ruthless, there is surprising depth to his character; especially once the game begins to explore his backstory. 

Starting out as a Tactician, Taion offers a repertoire of healing and buffing abilities in combat. He also starts with a technique that can put enemies to sleep, a must in the early stages of the game. 

Since we kept things spoiler-free, you can rest assured that there's a lot more to these intrepid heroes than meets the eye. Still, even at first glance, it's clear that the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 characters roster is as varied and colorful as they come. Thrilling adventures await you out in Aionios – time to get stuck in! 

Cat Bussell
Staff Writer

Cat Bussell is a Staff Writer at TechRadar Gaming. Hailing from the crooked spires of London, Cat is an experienced writer and journalist. As seen on Wargamer.com, TheGamer.com, and Superjumpmagazine.com, Cat is here to bring you coverage from all corners of the video game world. An inveterate RPG maven and strategy game enjoyer, Cat is known for her love of rich narratives; both story-driven and emergent.