Xenoblade Chronicles 2 gameplay details, expansion pass, day-one updates, more announced
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 day-one updates, expansion pass, and a Japanese audio option were announced during today's Nintendo Direct devoted to the game.
Today, Nintendo presented a deep dive into Xenoblade Chronicles 2, providing information on upcoming content, as well as a look at the environments, Blades, and battle system.
Along with free, day-one content, the Nintendo Direct presentation provided information on the expansion pass and cross-promotion with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild were shown off.
At release, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 players will be able to download a free content update which adds Japanese audio and English subtitles.
Breath of the Wild players on Switch and Wii U will be handed free DLC this week on November 9. It comes in the form of a side quest and a Rex costume. The DLC aims to familiarize players with Rex, the main character in Xenoblade Chronicles 2.
The Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Expansion Pass is now available for pre-order through the Nintendo eShop. Pre-orders through retail will be made available shortly. It will run you $29.99 with content releases between launch and into fall 2018.
First DLC drops will contain quests and support items, and eventually include a challenge Battle Mode where players will face powerful enemies. Content also includes an additional adventure with a new side story.
Additional details regarding contents of the Expansion Pass will be released at a later date.
Along with aforementioned DLC, the Xenoblade Chronicles2 Nintendo Direct presentation explained the expanded battle system, insisting it will feel familiar to fans of the first game.
In Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Blades are artificial lifeforms that bond with Drivers to lend them their weapons and powers in battle. Rex, the main character, is a Driver while his companion Pyra is a Blade.
In and out of battle, Blades will have a wide array of support abilities. While adventuring, these abilities can increase the number of items that can be collected, open up new paths and perform other special effects. When players fight alongside a Blade, they might trigger effects that protect the Driver, strengthen attacks, and other helpful actions.
Abilities will differ from Blade to Blade, so selecting different Blades during battles will add a strategy element to gameplay.
While journeying through the game world, players will encounter both peaceful and aggressive wildlife. Should they manage to defeat certain Unique Beasts, a tombstone will be left behind to commemorate the creature and allow players to relive those battles for additional rewards.
Players will also run into shining spots called Collection Points which provide an opportunity to pick up valuable items or dive under the clouds to salvage hard-to-find treasures. Special landmarks can also be traveled to at any time.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 will release exclusively for the Nintendo Switch system on December 1. If you missed the Nintendo direct presentation, you can give it a watch through YouTube.