Chapter 3, titled “Where We Belong,” marks a major turning point in Xenoblade Chronicles 3. The story expands significantly as the group begins to embrace their roles as Ouroboros while navigating the complexities of their new alliance. This chapter introduces new heroes, more challenging battles, and deeper exploration opportunities. This walkthrough will guide you through the chapter’s main quests, side quests, and boss battles to ensure you’re fully prepared for the challenges ahead.

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Main Quest: Journey to Colony 4

Chapter 3 begins with the party heading toward Colony 4, where tensions between Keves and Agnus remain high. This quest sets the stage for key story developments and introduces new gameplay elements.

Objective: Reach Colony 4

• Follow the Waypoint: Travel through the Fornis Region while engaging enemies to level up and gather resources.
• Defeat Unique Monsters: Take on optional named monsters for high XP and rare items.
• Ether Channels: Harvest Ether from glowing channels to use in later quests and upgrades.

Upon reaching Colony 4, you’ll trigger a cutscene that introduces Ethel, a prominent Keves commander and an important character in this chapter.

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Main Quest: Defend Colony 4

Shortly after your arrival, Colony 4 comes under attack by Moebius-controlled forces. This mission involves defending the colony and solidifying your alliance with Ethel.

Objective: Repel the Attack

• Battle Waves of Enemies: Use AoE arts and position your team effectively to deal with multiple foes at once.
• Defeat the Gatekeeper Boss: This fight introduces a mid-level boss that uses AoE attacks. Focus on exploiting Break-Topple combos.
• Coordinate with Ethel: Ethel temporarily joins your party as a guest hero, adding her powerful Flash Fencer abilities to your team.

Once the battle concludes, a cutscene will reveal more about the Flame Clock and Ethel’s growing trust in your group.

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Hero Quest: “No Want of Courage”

Ethel’s hero quest becomes available after the Colony 4 defense. Completing this quest will allow you to unlock the Flash Fencer class and add Ethel as a hero character.

Objective: Help Ethel Liberate Colony 4

• Destroy the Flame Clock: Navigate the colony and defeat enemies guarding the Flame Clock.
• Boss Fight – Moebius O: This challenging fight introduces a Moebius who uses status ailments. Bring plenty of healing arts and cleanse abilities.
• Unlock the Flash Fencer Class: Once the Flame Clock is destroyed, Ethel joins your roster, unlocking her offensive-focused class.

The Flash Fencer class excels at dealing critical damage and boosting party offense, making it a valuable addition to your lineup.

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Exploration: The Fornis Region

After liberating Colony 4, the game encourages further exploration of the Fornis Region. This vast area contains side quests, unique monsters, and valuable resources.

Activities in Fornis Region

• Visit New Colonies: Unlock fast travel points by discovering rest spots and landmarks.
• Gather Materials: Look for sparkling collectibles and Ether Channels to prepare for crafting and upgrades.
• Take on Side Quests: Speak to NPCs with “?” markers to unlock new quests that provide XP and items.

Exploring the Fornis Region is essential for leveling up and equipping your party with stronger gear.

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Main Quest: A New Ally

The next major story segment introduces Valdi, a Nopon engineer from Colony 30, and unlocks the War Medic class. This class provides powerful healing and AoE support abilities.

Objective: Assist Valdi in Colony 30

• Battle Mechon Enemies: These mechanical foes require strategic targeting and use of Break-Topple combos.
• Unlock War Medic Class: Completing Valdi’s questline adds him as a hero character and unlocks his healing-focused class.
• Enhance Your Team: Equip the War Medic class on Eunie or another healer to improve your party’s sustainability in battle.

Valdi’s quest also introduces crafting mechanics, allowing you to upgrade gear and create new items using collected materials.

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Side Quests and Unique Monsters

Chapter 3 offers numerous optional activities that enrich the gameplay experience and reward you with valuable items and XP. These side quests also provide deeper insights into the world of Aionios.

Recommended Side Quests

• “Material Shortage”: Help Colony 4 restock supplies in exchange for crafting materials.
• “A Nopon’s Dilemma”: Assist a wandering Nopon in the Fornis Region for rare Ether gems.

Unique Monsters

• Sandstorm Smarja: A challenging enemy located in the desert area of Fornis. Defeating it grants a powerful accessory.
• Echoes of Drakora: Found in the cliffs of the region, this monster drops rare crafting materials.

Taking on these challenges will strengthen your party and prepare you for the tougher battles in later chapters.

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Climactic Battle: Moebius D and Moebius J

Chapter 3 concludes with a dramatic confrontation against two Moebius members, D and J. This dual boss fight tests your mastery of the game’s combat mechanics and requires careful planning.

Boss Fight: Moebius D and J

• Focus Fire: Target one Moebius at a time to avoid being overwhelmed.
• Use Ouroboros: Activate Interlink during their AoE attacks to mitigate damage and deal heavy counterattacks.
• Healer Priority: Protect your healers and ensure they’re consistently reviving downed party members.

Defeating Moebius D and J marks a major victory for the group, solidifying their commitment to dismantling the Flame Clocks and opposing Moebius.

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Chapter 3 Conclusion

Chapter 3 delivers some of the most significant story developments in Xenoblade Chronicles 3, introducing new allies, classes, and gameplay mechanics. With the liberation of Colony 4 and the defeat of powerful Moebius enemies, the group takes their first major steps toward freeing Aionios from its cycle of conflict.

Final Tips for Chapter 3

• Level Recommendation: Aim for Level 20-22 by the end of the chapter to prepare for Chapter 4’s challenges.
• Experiment with Classes: Unlock and experiment with Flash Fencer and War Medic to diversify your team’s capabilities.
• Explore Thoroughly: Complete side quests and hunt unique monsters to strengthen your party and gather resources.

With Chapter 3 complete, you’re ready to dive deeper into the expansive world of Aionios and face even greater challenges in the chapters to come.