Comprehensive Walkthrough for Chapter 4 of Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Chapter 4, titled “Life in the Balance,” continues to build on the intense narrative of Xenoblade Chronicles 3. The story takes a darker turn, introducing moral dilemmas, deeper character development, and high-stakes battles. This chapter also unlocks new heroes, expands the exploration of Aionios, and presents some of the most challenging encounters yet. This walkthrough will guide you through all the key quests, exploration opportunities, and boss fights to ensure you’re fully prepared.

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Main Quest: A New Path Forward

Chapter 4 begins with the party seeking guidance after the revelations of the previous chapter. Their goal is to free more colonies from the Flame Clock’s control and gather allies for their fight against Moebius.

Objective: Travel to Colony Tau

• Follow the Map Marker: Head into the Maktha Wildwood, a lush forest area filled with new enemies and resources.
• Fight Aggressive Wildlife: Take on the local monsters to level up and practice combat strategies. Be cautious of high-level enemies that can ambush you.
• Gather Resources: Look for Ether Channels, collectible items, and hidden treasure chests along the way.

Upon reaching Colony Tau, you’ll meet Juniper, a scout from Agnus who plays a pivotal role in this chapter.

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Hero Quest: “Natural Selection” (Juniper)

To gain Juniper’s trust and unlock the Stalker class, you’ll need to complete her hero quest. This quest involves helping Colony Tau fend off a Moebius attack and liberating its Flame Clock.

Steps to Complete the Quest:

• Defend the Colony: Battle waves of enemies to protect Colony Tau. Use AoE arts to manage multiple foes effectively.
• Destroy the Flame Clock: Face a mini-boss encounter with a Moebius enforcer. Focus on Break-Topple combos to disrupt their powerful attacks.
• Recruit Juniper: Once the Flame Clock is destroyed, Juniper joins your roster, unlocking the Stalker class.

Stalker Class Overview:

• Role: Attacker.
• Strengths: Low aggro generation and high mobility, making it ideal for strategic positioning in battle.

With Juniper on your team, you gain a versatile attacker who excels at managing aggro and dealing consistent damage.

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Main Quest: Crossing the Erythia Sea

After liberating Colony Tau, the party sets out to cross the Erythia Sea to reach the City, a hidden refuge for those opposing Moebius. This quest introduces naval exploration and new mechanics.

Steps to Progress:

• Obtain a Ship: Speak to the Nopon merchants at Colony Tau to repair and acquire a small boat.
• Sail Across the Erythia Sea: Use the ship to explore islands and navigate to your destination. Be wary of aquatic monsters and high-level enemies in this region.
• Discover New Landmarks: Unlock fast travel points by visiting islands and rest spots along the way.

This segment introduces a sense of freedom and adventure, allowing you to explore a vast new area of Aionios.

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Main Quest: The City and Its Secrets

Upon reaching the City, the party learns more about the origins of Moebius, the Flame Clocks, and the Ouroboros powers. This part of the chapter is heavily story-driven, with multiple cutscenes and lore revelations.

Objective: Explore the City

• Speak to NPCs: Interact with key characters to gather information about the City’s history and its resistance efforts.
• Upgrade Equipment: The City offers new vendors and crafting opportunities, allowing you to strengthen your gear and prepare for the next battles.
• Accept Side Quests: Several side quests become available here, providing XP, items, and lore insights.

This segment provides a welcome reprieve from combat, allowing you to focus on character development and world-building.

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Hero Quest: “Vandham’s Heir” (Monica)

Monica, a leader in the City, offers her support to the party by joining as a hero. Completing her hero quest unlocks the Lost Vanguard class, a powerful tank role.

Steps to Complete the Quest:

• Assist the City’s Defense: Fend off a Moebius assault on the City gates using your team’s best defensive strategies.
• Defeat Moebius K: Face a tough boss fight where Monica’s support is crucial. Use Chain Attacks to deal significant damage and disrupt the enemy’s AoE attacks.
• Unlock Lost Vanguard: After the fight, Monica officially joins your roster as a hero.

Lost Vanguard Class Overview:

• Role: Defender.
• Strengths: High durability and wide-area taunting abilities, making it ideal for drawing enemy aggro.

Monica’s addition to your team provides a reliable tank option for managing tough battles.

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Climactic Battle: Moebius Y and Z

The chapter concludes with a dramatic showdown against Moebius Y and Z, who attempt to thwart the party’s progress and destroy the City. This multi-phase battle is one of the most challenging encounters so far.

Boss Fight: Moebius Y and Z

• Focus on One Enemy: Target Moebius Y first, as their attacks can disrupt your healers and cause significant damage.
• Use Ouroboros Forms: Activate Interlink during their ultimate attacks to minimize damage and deal heavy counter-damage.
• Chain Attacks: Save your Chain Attack meter for the final phase to finish off Moebius Z quickly.

Defeating Moebius Y and Z solidifies the party’s resolve to oppose Moebius and protect the City, ending the chapter on an emotional and triumphant note.

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Chapter 4 Conclusion

Chapter 4 of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 delivers a mix of intense battles, exploration, and storytelling, advancing the narrative significantly while providing opportunities for character growth. By liberating Colony Tau, exploring the Erythia Sea, and securing the City’s safety, the party takes another step toward unraveling the mysteries of Aionios.

Final Tips for Chapter 4

• Level Recommendation: Aim for Level 25-27 by the end of the chapter to prepare for the tougher challenges in Chapter 5.
• Experiment with New Classes: Try out Stalker and Lost Vanguard to diversify your team’s combat capabilities.
• Explore Thoroughly: Use the boat to visit islands and gather resources that will prove valuable in later chapters.

With Chapter 4 complete, the stakes are higher than ever as the party delves deeper into the mysteries of Aionios and the fight against Moebius intensifies.