It’s becoming more and more common for big publishers to announce post-game expansions, DLC, and release schedules even before the game itself has been released. During the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Direct, Nintendo showcased a lot of footage and information on the upcoming RPG threequel, including the newly announced Expansion Pass ($29.99).
In the world of Aionios, the nations of Keves and Agnus are constantly at war. The main characters in the RPG are six characters that hail from the two nations. They become fugitives as they join forces to uncover the truth of their never-ending war.
As in previous Xenoblade games, the large open-world is free to explore and filled with dangerous monsters, not unlike an MMORPG.
In battle, all six party members fight together, and you can freely swap between them. Characters begin as certain classes, but can later be swapped (including their outfit). Classes are also specialized through roles.
The six main party members aren’t your only allies, however. You can recruit heroes from around the world to fill a seventh slot in the party. Heroes come with their own class roles, which can then be unlocked and learned by your main party members.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3’s signature feature is the Ouroboros. Two party members can link together to become a powerful mecha creature, unleashing unique abilities for a limited time. The Ouroboros can also switch forms depending on which character is in control.
The Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass will feature four waves of content, releasing between launch day of the main game through the end of 2023. Expansion Pass content includes a new challenge mode, new hero characters, new outfits, and a new original story scenario.
However, the story scenario won’t release until the fourth and final wave, in late 2023.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3, and the first wave of the Expansion Pass, will release on July 29. The RPG is rated T for Teen.
