Nintendo details Heroes, cooking, gem crafting, and more for Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Nintendo has provided another update for Xenoblade Chronicles 3, via Nintendo's Japanese website, introducing 'Hero' companions, cooking, gem crafting, and parts of the game's original soundtrack.
Some of the screenshots and details found on the new topical post have also been doled out piecewise on official Nintendo and Xenoblade Twitter accounts over the last several days.
The details can be found below with screenshots in the gallery. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is set to release on July 28 for Nintendo Switch worldwide. For more on the game, you can check out:
- The recent Aionis Trailer
- Details on Arts, Classes, Combos and more from June 2022
- Details on the world, exploration, and NPCs from May 2022
- Details on battle system basics from April 2022
- The release date trailer & screenshots
- The announcement trailer & screenshots
Editor's Note: The details below are a combination of official English descriptions given by Nintendo, as well as our translations of details from the Japanese website.
7th "Hero" Companion
As the story progresses, in addition to the six main playable characters, occasionally an extra character will participate in battle as well. This 7th companion is called a "hero", and cannot be controlled by the player.
Riku & Manana
This charming Nopon pair, Riku and Manana, is one of the special allies known as 'Heroes' that can be recruited to fight alongside you as a seventh member of your party in Xenoblade Chronicles 3. They have an an "Attacker" role and specialize in weakening the enemy.
Riku is in charge of gem crafting, while Manana is skilled at cooking.
Note: Riku and Mana were previously introduced.
Valdi
(Known as Rudy in the Japanese version)
The Keves mechanic Valdi is one of the heroes who you’ll join forces with in Xenoblade Chronicles 3. When he’s not tinkering with weapons and machinery, Valdi provides valuable combat support on the battlefield, healing allies and boosting their abilities.
Zeon
Zeon is a Keves soldier and a reliable hero who’ll go above and beyond to protect his allies in Xenoblade Chronicles 3. Armed with a sword and shield, Zeon’s defensive abilities are enhanced when he’s pitted against stronger enemies.
Juniper
(Known as Yuzuriha in the Japanese version)
The bow-wielding Juniper is among the heroes who’ll lend you their aid in Xenoblade Chronicles 3. Hailing from Agnus, this agile forest dweller can stealthily eliminate foes and take advantage of an enemy’s blind spot to deliver a powerful blow!
Adventure "Rest Points"
Once you find "rest points" around the world, you can travel to them instantaneously using fast travel. Additionally, there are two activities that can be done at rest points.
Cooking
Manana can cook meals for your party. You'll need to find ingredients in the field first, but eating Manana's food can have beneficial effects, such as temporarily increasing the experience points you earn after battle.
Some rest points have dining areas that can inspire new dishes for Manana.
Gemcraft
At rest points, Riku can assist the party with gem-crafting using items you pick up from the enemies you defeat. These "Gems" are powerful items that can be attached to characters, increasing attack power and recovery power, which can be helpful in battle.
Introduction of the OST
A Life Sent On
This sombre flute-based melody is played by off-seers Noah and Mio to mourn those who’ve fallen in battle.
The Weight of Life
This is “The Weight of Life”, a moving song that expresses the emotions of Noah, Mio and their friends as they fight their way through the world of Xenoblade Chronicles 3.
Keves Battle
Here’s one of the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 battle themes to get you all fired up for the weekend.
