Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch, and easily one of the best JRPGs of all time. It features an epic narrative carried by compelling characters and an incredibly moving and memorable soundtrack. While fans will likely remember the many characters that appear across the game's lengthy runtime, it is its central cast of playable characters that stand out the most.
From loveable Nopon to father figures with heartbreakingly sad deaths, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 has an extremely charismatic, wonderful, and remarkable cast of characters. Although the player can't play as all six of the game's core cast simultaneously, they still make appearances in cutscenes and important moments regardless of who is in the party. However, despite all of them being incredibly compelling, some are simply more memorable than others. The question is, which of the playable characters ranks the highest?
Note: There will be spoilers for the story of Xenoblade Chronicles 2.
6 Tora
While picking a Nopon as the worst playable character in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 may come as no surprise to many, Tora still remains an excellent character in the game. From his relationship with the rest of the cast, especially Rex, to his companion Poppi and her heartbreaking finale with Pyra, Tora plays an incredibly important role in Xenoblade Chronicles 2's narrative.
Unfortunately, he can be quite grating and despite being somewhat useful in combat, is slightly overshadowed by the other characters and their blades. When Poppi is upgraded, Tora becomes a far more fearsome teammate capable of dealing some serious damage. But until that point late in the game, Tora remains a loveable, albeit slightly useless character.
5 Zeke
As one of the best JRPGs on the Nintendo Switch, it comes as no surprise that Xenoblade Chronicles 2 has a handful of characters that fit the JRPG tropes a little too well. Zeke is the bumbling villain the player will encounter on multiple occasions who eventually joins the crew. While his self-absorbed and flamboyant attitude can get a little grating, there is a layer of depth to his character that not only saves him from being a joke but makes him a far more memorable character.
Beneath his superficial exterior lies a far more thoughtful, wise, and intricate character with a complex backstory. While his character isn't as deeply explored as other members of the cast, there is enough to him to make him truly shine. There are a plethora of memorable moments between him and Rex as well as a series of touching Heart-to-Hearts.
4 Mòrag
Mòrag, not unlike Zeke, starts out as one of the main villains that Rex and his companions must face. While she eventually joins their side, she spends the early hours of the game as a formidable opponent. However, what makes her so special is her relationship with Rex throughout their time together. Going from enemies to companions is not quite the seamless transition, and Mòrag spends a considerable amount of time maintaining her fierce exterior. However, once she opens up, she reveals herself to be an emotional character with plenty of relatable character traits.
Alongside being a genuinely moving character that has some phenomenal scenes throughout Xenoblade Chronicles 2's narrative, she is also an incredibly useful fighter. Her blade, Brighid is very powerful and can turn the tide of battle with her varied range of fire-based attacks. Additionally, Mòrag is the only Driver capable of wielding her cousin's blade Aegaeon who is also incredibly powerful and indispensable to the team.
3 Vandham
It would be perfectly reasonable to assume that Vandham would be considered one of the least important playable characters due to only being present in the game for a brief period of time. However, within those brisk few hours, Vandham leaves such an impact on both the player and Rex that he is easily one of the best playable characters in the game.
Through the many lessons he teaches Rex and his heartbreaking death at the end of Chapter 3, Rex is able to grow as both a hero and a person. He learns when to back out of a fight and the importance of protecting those he loves. He grows to appreciate his bond with Pyra more and beings to understand better his feelings for her. Vandham's death also brings about one of Pyra's alternate forms, Mythra, who goes on to be one of the best blades in the entire game.
2 Nia
Nia is one of two playable characters that are present from practically the beginning of the game. She accompanies Rex on his entire journey, and as a result, develops one of the most heartwarming and bittersweet relationships ever seen in a JRPG. Her love for Rex and willingness to do anything for him sees her reveal to him and the player an astonishing secret late into the story.
Her charmingly witty attitude and brazenly crass sense of humor often gets her into a lot of trouble but is by far one of her most endearing qualities. Nia is also one of the few characters whose standard blade is capable of healing the party. As a result, she is practically indispensable as a fighter until much later into the game.
1 Rex
It would be hard to put Rex any lower than the very top. He is by far the best playable character not least because he is the protagonist and as a result sees the most growth. His bubbly attitude, good-natured spirit, and kindness to strangers make him immediately endearing. Additionally, his relationship with Pyra and their growth together unifies all of the other story elements and helps make Xenoblade Chronicles 2's narrative a coherent whole. It's just a shame that there is no amiibo of him.
Furthermore, his character arc is unbelievably satisfying from start to finish. At first, his brazen and overly confident nature puts him and his friends in a lot of danger. Then, he learns his lesson and tries to prioritize his friend's wellbeing and safety all while trying to accomplish his goal and protect Pyra. Before the end, Rex undergoes one final arc of overcoming his anxieties and understanding his place in the world. It is a beautifully executed character arc that makes Xenoblade Chronicles 2 one of the most amazing games on the Nintendo Switch.