Xenoblade Chronicles 3 begins with an intense and emotional introduction that sets the stage for its sprawling narrative. Chapter 1, titled “Our Daily Lives,” introduces the game’s core mechanics, characters, and the world of Aionios. This walkthrough will guide you through every main story objective, battle encounter, and exploration opportunity in Chapter 1, ensuring you’re fully prepared for the challenges ahead.

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Introduction: The World of Aionios

The game opens with a cinematic that introduces the war-torn world of Aionios, where two nations, Keves and Agnus, are locked in an eternal conflict. You’ll meet the main protagonist, Noah, a soldier of Keves, alongside his allies Eunie and Lanz. This prologue introduces the key themes of the story and sets up the tragic backdrop against which the characters struggle to find meaning.

Gameplay Introduction

• Learn the Basics: The tutorial walks you through movement, interacting with the environment, and initiating battles.
• Combat Overview: You’ll engage in your first battles, learning about auto-attacks, arts, and how to position yourself for optimal damage.

Pay close attention to these tutorials, as they lay the foundation for the game’s intricate combat system.

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Main Quest: Escort Mission

After the opening scenes, you’ll take control of Noah and his party as they undertake an escort mission. This segment introduces the concept of the “off-seers,” soldiers who play a ceremonial role in sending off the souls of the fallen.

Objective: Reach the Colony Lambda Supply Base

• Follow the Path: Head toward the waypoint marked on your minimap. Along the way, you’ll encounter low-level monsters, perfect for practicing combat mechanics.
• Battle Tips: Use Noah’s Sword Strike to inflict Break on enemies, then follow up with Lanz’s Topple art to incapacitate them.
• Gather Resources: Look for sparkling items scattered along the route. These materials will be useful later for quests and crafting.

Upon reaching the supply base, a cutscene will advance the story, introducing the Keves-Agnus rivalry and the mysterious Flame Clock.

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Main Quest: Combat Training and Chain Attacks

After the supply base, you’ll be introduced to the concept of Chain Attacks and advanced combat strategies. This section includes a mock battle that pits your team against a squad of Agnus soldiers.

Objective: Win the Training Exercise

• Utilize Arts Combos: Focus on chaining arts like Break, Topple, and Daze to disrupt enemy formations.
• Control Your Team: Use the D-Pad to give commands like focusing attacks or spreading out to reduce AoE damage.
• Chain Attacks: Follow the tutorial to unleash a Chain Attack, combining your party’s abilities for massive damage.

This section is critical for mastering the deeper combat mechanics that will become essential in later chapters.

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Exploration: Colony 9

With the training exercise complete, you’ll return to Colony 9, your home base. This area serves as a hub where you can rest, stock up on supplies, and interact with NPCs.

Key Activities in Colony 9

• Talk to NPCs: Speak with characters marked with a “?” to gather information and unlock optional side quests.
• Visit Vendors: Buy and sell items at the marketplace. Prioritize purchasing healing items and accessories that boost your stats.
• Rest Spot: Rest at the barracks to cook meals that grant temporary buffs, such as increased XP or improved combat performance.

Spend time exploring Colony 9 to familiarize yourself with its layout and the services it offers.

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Main Quest: The Mysterious Encounter

The chapter’s climax begins when Noah and his team are sent on a reconnaissance mission outside the colony. During this mission, they encounter a group of Agnus soldiers led by Mio, Sena, and Taion. This pivotal moment introduces the game’s co-protagonists and sets the stage for the main conflict.

Objective: Defeat the Agnus Squad

• Use Positioning: Focus on positioning Noah for side attacks and Eunie for backline support.
• Prioritize Healing: Ensure Eunie’s healing arts are ready to keep the party alive during this challenging fight.
• Watch the Enemy: The Agnus squad employs coordinated tactics, so adapt your strategy to counter their moves.

The battle concludes with a cinematic that reveals the mysterious Ouroboros transformation, uniting the Keves and Agnus teams into a single party.

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Ouroboros: A New Power

With the introduction of Ouroboros, the party gains the ability to interlink, combining two characters into a powerful form with unique abilities. This marks a significant shift in combat dynamics and opens the door to more advanced strategies.

How to Use Ouroboros

• Interlink in Combat: Press the designated button to activate the Ouroboros form during battles.
• Manage Heat: Keep an eye on the heat gauge to avoid overheating and losing the form prematurely.
• Experiment with Combos: Each pair of characters offers different Ouroboros abilities, so try various combinations to find your preferred playstyle.

Ouroboros will become a key mechanic throughout the game, so practice using it effectively during this chapter.

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Chapter Conclusion: A New Journey

Chapter 1 ends with Noah and Mio’s teams joining forces to confront the mysterious Moebius threat. The Flame Clock is shattered, freeing them from their nations’ control and setting the stage for their journey across Aionios. This emotional conclusion lays the groundwork for the game’s central themes of unity, identity, and freedom.

Final Tips for Chapter 1

• Level Up: Ensure your party is at least Level 6-7 by the end of the chapter to prepare for tougher battles ahead.
• Explore Thoroughly: Collect resources and complete side quests to gain valuable XP and items.
• Experiment with Arts: Practice combining arts and positioning to maximize your damage output.

With Chapter 1 complete, you’re ready to embark on the expansive adventure that lies ahead in Xenoblade Chronicles 3.

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Chapter 1 of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 masterfully introduces players to the world of Aionios, its characters, and its complex gameplay systems. By following this walkthrough, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the challenges of this opening chapter and beyond. Happy adventuring!