Xenoblade 2 |OT2| THINK YOU CAN TAKE ME!? DON'T FORGET ME!

[dialogic]

I want to say almost everything outside of sidequests carry over to NG+, but I haven't started it yet so I don't know for sure.

It's definitely worth playing Torna before starting NG+, though.

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Great, thanks. I will dive into Torna before moving on. Do you mind explaining why you decided to continue the game on your original save file rather than switching over to NG+? I'm really torn on which direction to go. I've actually never played NG+ in any game I've owned, but I'm surprisingly not ready to move on from XC2 after 130 hours. There's still a ton of content left, obviously, with many blades left to acquire. I'm just not sure if I'd be better served playing more in NG+ vs my current save.

 

[TheGreatLugia]

Great, thanks. I will dive into Torna before moving on. Do you mind explaining why you decided to continue the game on your original save file rather than switching over to NG+? I'm really torn on which direction to go. I've actually never played NG+ in any game I've owned, but I'm surprisingly not ready to move on from XC2 after 130 hours. There's still a ton of content left, obviously, with many blades left to acquire. I'm just not sure if I'd be better served playing more in NG+ vs my current save.

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NG+ wasn't added until a March update and by that point I had already done most of the side content in my first playthrough. I also very rarely play NG+ in general, so I preferred going for 100% in my first playthrough.

 

[dialogic]

NG+ wasn't added until a March update and by that point I had already done most of the content in my first playthrough.

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Ah, gotcha. Thanks again.

 

[sixteen-bit]

 

[Mr.Fletcher]

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Always great to hear some Xenoblade 2 music. I don't think the soundtrack will ever leave me.

 

[TheGreatLugia]

Famitsu seemed to post an article about a meetup with Mitsuda, CHiCO and Manami Kiyota for the release of Torna's soundtrack, but there also seems to be some discussions about music in the main game: https://www.famitsu.com/news/201901/28171140.html

 

[TheGreatLugia]

Bumping because an English summary of the meetup article has been posted: https://xenomira.wordpress.com/2019/01/28/torna-sound-team-famitsu-interview-summary/

Bringer of Chaos! was originally planned to be an 8-bit track because (some) cutscenes with Zeke were originally going to be in a "pixel-art style", and the 8-bit music was supposed to complement that. The idea was eventually trashed, and the 8-bit track was remixed and repurposed as the track we know today. People at the event got to hear the original 8-bit version of the track.

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Takahashi and Mitsuda have talked to each other about wanting to do a concert for Xenoblade 2, but technical difficulties and scheduling conflicts have made it difficult.

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[NSESN]

cmon now I need this 8 bit bringer of chaos!

 

[BizzyBum]

After beating Tales of Vesperia: DE a few days ago I'm in a JRPG mood so I decided to finally get into this game. Not sure it's so smart to play such a long game right after another long ass game but we'll see how that goes. lol

Any tips / things you wish you knew when starting sorta things?

 

[SMD]

The battle system has so many layers there's even a tutorial before the final boss.

 

[Brewster123]

• The Battle System has a lot of layers to it, with said layers being gradually unlocked as you progress. If the battle system feels slow or janky early on, its because certain parts of it are still locked out.
• Screenshot the tutorials if you don't quite understand them so you can look back at them later.
• While the English VAs start out rough (particularly Rex's VA), I do think they really improve as the game goes on.

 

[OrakioRob]

After beating Tales of Vesperia: DE a few days ago I'm in a JRPG mood so I decided to finally get into this game. Not sure it's so smart to play such a long game right after another long ass game but we'll see how that goes. lol

Any tips / things you wish you knew when starting sorta things?

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My main advice to people playing any Xenoblade game is: don't rush it. If you're in a hurry to beat it and head to the next RPG in your list, you will hate most of the things that make Xenoblade games great.

Exploration is one of the best aspects of Xenoblade games. The worlds in these games are leagues above the competition. So, take your time, do some side quests -- even fetch quests, because they not only make you stronger, but also make you find new places and creatures.

Combat is very complex. I had a hard time understanding new mechanics whenever they were introduced. However, since I was doing lots of sidequests, I got into A LOT of fights and gradually understood how things work -- sometimes more than 10 hours after they were introduced by a tutorial, and that's perfectly fine. So, don't worry if the game seems overwhelming to you: if you take your time and don't rush it, you will understand everything, and the more you understand the game, the more you will enjoy the AWESOME mechanics.

And of course, if you have any questions, just ask!

 

[BizzyBum]

Nah, I don't plan on rushing it just to get to a next game. No point in that. I probably won't 100% it, though. I beat Vesperia in around 80 hours but didn't do a lot of the optional stuff but only because I heard it was mostly tedious things and unlocking costumes so I didn't bother.

The combat seems pretty stiff coming from Vesperia though but I'm still early on so I'm sure the complexity and ease of use will come with more time played like mentioned.

 

[Mr.Fletcher]

Nah, I don't plan on rushing it just to get to a next game. No point in that. I probably won't 100% it, though. I beat Vesperia in around 80 hours but didn't do a lot of the optional stuff but only because I heard it was mostly tedious things and unlocking costumes so I didn't bother.

The combat seems pretty stiff coming from Vesperia though but I'm still early on so I'm sure the complexity and ease of use will come with more time played like mentioned.

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I'd echo what everyone else has already said - and of course feel free to ask in here if you need help.

There are a lot of mechanics, skills and items you can use to speed up combat and make it more enjoyable.

But I think, early doors, it's better to just play the game and feel your way through it.

It does take a chunk of time before the combat really opens up though, so be aware of that.

Otherwise just enjoy the ride. :)

 

[BizzyBum]

• While the English VAs start out rough (particularly Rex's VA), I do think they really improve as the game goes on.

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I never really like English VA in these. I tried Vesperia and it was awful, I always prefer Japanese VA with English subtitles.

 

[Brewster123]

I never really like English VA in these. I tried Vesperia and it was awful, I always prefer Japanese VA with English subtitles.

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That's perfectly fair. I just wanted you to know that it does get better in-case you really get turned off by the dub early on. The Japanese cast is great too, and it has a lot of great talent behind it.

 

[stoke1863]

Just started playing this as my first ever JRPG, and I must say I really liked what I have played, just started chapter 3.

 

[BizzyBum]

With the expansion pass I got a bunch of rare and legendary core crystals. Should I just use these right away all with Rex or wait till later on when I have more characters and better stats? Is there a limit to how many Blades you can have at once?

 

[TheGreatLugia]

With the expansion pass I got a bunch of rare and legendary core crystals. Should I just use these right away all with Rex or wait till later on when I have more characters and better stats? Is there a limit to how many Blades you can have at once?

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It's worth waiting until you have more party members.

There is a limit to how many Blades each party member can have in total, but there is a way to increase the limit further into the game.

 

[BizzyBum]

It's worth waiting until you have more party members.

There is a limit to how many Blades each party member can have in total, but there is a way to increase the limit further into the game.

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Okay thanks, I'll hold off for now.

 

[Mr.Fletcher]

Just started playing this as my first ever JRPG, and I must say I really liked what I have played, just started chapter 3.

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Mate, it's about to pick up. If you've made it through the slow (but still really enjoyable) opening two chapters, you'll love what's coming... well, probably.

 

[stoke1863]

Mate, it's about to pick up. If you've made it through the slow (but still really enjoyable) opening two chapters, you'll love what's coming... well, probably.

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That's great I'm having an absolute blast and the hours are just melting away, I can't believe I've ignored this genre for so long.

 

[BizzyBum]

Mate, it's about to pick up. If you've made it through the slow (but still really enjoyable) opening two chapters, you'll love what's coming... well, probably.

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I'm currently just starting and in Gormott just wandering around exploring, doing side quests, picking up collections, finding new locations, etc.

It plays like an offline MMO. lol

 

[stoke1863]

Do i have to bother with the poppi upgrades? its quite overwhelming and the mini game is annoying.

Also do i have to wait for the Chain combo to unlock? saw a video that using + when the three bars is charged should start it but doesnt do it for me, Ive just got to meet Vanhalm.

I managed to get three rare blades so far


P.S Pyra for Smash!!!

 

[TheGreatLugia]

Do i have to bother with the poppi upgrades? its quite overwhelming and the mini game is annoying.

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You can pretty much ignore it unless you want to use Tora for the superbosses or challenge mode.

Also do i have to wait for the Chain combo to unlock? saw a video that using + when the three bars is charged should start it but doesnt do it for me, Ive just got to meet Vanhalm.

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The Chain Attack mechanic should unlock soon.

 

[BizzyBum]

What's up with Gormott's field having insanely high enemies for such an early part of the game? I'm trying to do some sidequests but I keep triggering enemies that kill me way too quick. Am I supposed to just stick with the main story for now and just try to complete areas later on?

 

[TheGreatLugia]

What's up with Gormott's field having insanely high enemies for such an early part of the game? I'm trying to do some sidequests but I keep triggering enemies that kill me way too quick. Am I supposed to just stick with the main story for now and just try to complete areas later on?

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There are sections of each titan with high leveled enemies that you're not expected to explore for sidequests until later on.

From what I can remember, if you're getting a sidequest early on that puts you near a much higher leveled enemy than your party, there should typically be another path to the quest destination with enemies close to you level.

 

[Tryptobphan]

Finally made it to the final chapter, it seems. It's been quite the journey so far...

 

[OrakioRob]

What's up with Gormott's field having insanely high enemies for such an early part of the game? I'm trying to do some sidequests but I keep triggering enemies that kill me way too quick. Am I supposed to just stick with the main story for now and just try to complete areas later on?

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If you got the side quest, you probably can do it, just like TheGreatLugia said.

Also, this thing about way stronger monsters attacking you happens in all Xenoblade games. Some people like it, because it makes you slightly nervous while traversing the map; some people hate it. If I'm not mistaken, Monolith even added an option to Xenoblade 2 where you can avoid being detected by monsters? Maybe it was included in the DLC? Not sure, maybe one of the guys can clarify it.

 

[LinkStrikesBack]

Xenoblade 2 where you can avoid being detected by monsters? Maybe it was included in the DLC? Not sure, maybe one of the guys can clarify it.

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I think that option was only added months after launch with dlc and maybe requires the season pass, yeah

 

[Ryouji Gunblade]

If you got the side quest, you probably can do it, just like TheGreatLugia said.

Also, this thing about way stronger monsters attacking you happens in all Xenoblade games. Some people like it, because it makes you slightly nervous while traversing the map; some people hate it. If I'm not mistaken, Monolith even added an option to Xenoblade 2 where you can avoid being detected by monsters? Maybe it was included in the DLC? Not sure, maybe one of the guys can clarify it.

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Yes! You can toggle off enemy aggro ranges. I think it worked for every regular enemy as I had it on for most of the game and postgame. But bosses and such after cutscenes I don't think so.

 

[Tryptobphan]

Finally beat the game after a week of playing. It's the first Switch game I bought after I got my system last week.

 

[BizzyBum]

There are sections of each titan with high leveled enemies that you're not expected to explore for sidequests until later on.

From what I can remember, if you're getting a sidequest early on that puts you near a much higher leveled enemy than your party, there should typically be another path to the quest destination with enemies close to you level.

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If you got the side quest, you probably can do it, just like TheGreatLugia said.

Also, this thing about way stronger monsters attacking you happens in all Xenoblade games. Some people like it, because it makes you slightly nervous while traversing the map; some people hate it. If I'm not mistaken, Monolith even added an option to Xenoblade 2 where you can avoid being detected by monsters? Maybe it was included in the DLC? Not sure, maybe one of the guys can clarify it.

Click to shrink...

Yeah, I had enemy aggro turned off but unique enemies still target you. Some of them are really fast and aggro you from pretty far away so you really have to be careful. At the same time I don't really like having that setting on because it sorta breaks the game depending where you are (like I was on that warship in Gormott at the end of Chapter 2 and it was silly to just run past all the guards). It also probably has the potential to underlevel me if I avoid a lot of fights along the way so I'll probably turn it off.

Also, is there some way to have my teammates shut the hell up during combat?

Finally beat the game after a week of playing. It's the first Switch game I bought after I got my system last week.

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Damn, you beat it in a week? I thought this was supposed to be a long game!

 

[TheGreatLugia]

.

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There's a separate volume slider for combat dialogue in the settings.

 

[BizzyBum]

There's a separate volume slider for combat dialogue in the settings.

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Oh okay, thanks. Since I'm playing with Japanese VA it's even worse because it's just non stop rambling and I don't even know what they're saying. lol

 

[Tryptobphan]

Also, is there some way to have my teammates shut the hell up during combat?

Damn, you beat it in a week? I thought this was supposed to be a long game!

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I played with the English VA and I had to turn down the voices in the system settings. I thought Persona games were bad with in-battle voices, but Xenoblade Chronicles 2 takes it up a whole other level.

And unlike the advice people just gave you in this thread (i.e. don't rush it), I rushed through the game and beat it in about 43 hours. I've never written a LTTP topic before, but I'm seriously considering writing one. However, it seems everyone already knows about XBC2 and have their opinions about it already.

How are you enjoying your experience with it? It's ironic actually, I was thinking of Tales of Vesperia first but I couldn't find a copy so I got XBC2 first.

 

[Tigress]

Ok I'm in chapter 2 trying to do a sidequest and in like level 16 and I keep dying suddenly. First I thought it was that I was running into a high level mob (didn't even get a chance to see the mob cause they would one hit me) but then I found some level 9 red volfes and I'd get in a fight, health fine. And then I would suddenly die (like the main character). I notice every single time it puts a timer on the left screen that seems to start when I die and counts the seconds from there and the last time it happened something hit me for 5000 damage. I even tried a different blade last time.

 

[Oregano]

Ok I'm in chapter 2 trying to do a sidequest and in like level 16 and I keep dying suddenly. First I thought it was that I was running into a high level mob (didn't even get a chance to see the mob cause they would one hit me) but then I found some level 9 red volfes and I'd get in a fight, health fine. And then I would suddenly die (like the main character). I notice every single time it puts a timer on the left screen that seems to start when I die and counts the seconds from there and the last time it happened something hit me for 5000 damage. I even tried a different blade last time.

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The timer is how long the AI has to resurrect you using the party gauge before it resets you to a checkpoint.

5000 damage sure sounds like something high level though, could you be drawing Territorial Rottbart's attention?

 

[Tigress]

The timer is how long the AI has to resurrect you using the party gauge before it resets you to a checkpoint.

5000 damage sure sounds like something high level though, could you be drawing Territorial Rottbart's attention?

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There's only volffes around. I tried again and killed the level 8 and then the 9 ran over and one shotted me again. To be fair I'm still getting the hang of this game. This is the second time I've tried it and I literally am at the spot in the story I last got to but this time I do think I understand things a little better (still a little unclear about special combos) but then this happens making me totally confused on what I'm not getting. I like the game overal, just a bit confused by combat.

Oh, I'm in the plains around torigoth. Trying to get to the guy that needs rescuing in a tree.

Edit: maybe it is some mob coming I don't see as I just took out two level 10 and one level 9 volfe but in a slightly different area.

 

[OniLinkPlus]

The timer is how long the AI has to resurrect you using the party gauge before it resets you to a checkpoint.

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What? That mechanic is only in Xenoblade X. They're talking about the Unique Monster clock.

Tigress Basically, if you get in a fight with a unique monster, a clock will appear. It's kinda like a challenge thing to see how fast you can beat them. Almost certainly it's Territorial Rotbart spotting you.

 

[Oregano]

What? That mechanic is only in Xenoblade X. They're talking about the Unique Monster clock.

Tigress Basically, if you get in a fight with a unique monster, a clock will appear. It's kinda like a challenge thing to see how fast you can beat them. Almost certainly it's Territorial Rotbart spotting you.

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Wait really?

I've played through both Xenoblade 2 and Torna and somehow forgot/never realised this.

 

[BizzyBum]

How are you enjoying your experience with it? It's ironic actually, I was thinking of Tales of Vesperia first but I couldn't find a copy so I got XBC2 first.

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So far, so good. I just started Chapter 3 so I'm still early in the game.

I would recommend Vesperia, another great JRPG!

 

[Tryptobphan]

There's only volffes around. I tried again and killed the level 8 and then the 9 ran over and one shotted me again. To be fair I'm still getting the hang of this game. This is the second time I've tried it and I literally am at the spot in the story I last got to but this time I do think I understand things a little better (still a little unclear about special combos) but then this happens making me totally confused on what I'm not getting. I like the game overal, just a bit confused by combat.

Oh, I'm in the plains around torigoth. Trying to get to the guy that needs rescuing in a tree.

Edit: maybe it is some mob coming I don't see as I just took out two level 10 and one level 9 volfe but in a slightly different area.

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The timer is for unique/hard monsters. The area in the Gormott plains you're at has a unique Volffe (Level 9, but powerful) and a Level 81 giant monster, whose name I forgot at the moment. Just be wary of them and rescue the kid in the tree, maybe try running to the tree with a different route/path to avoid the unique Volffe.

So far, so good. I just started Chapter 3 so I'm still early in the game.

I would recommend Vesperia, another great JRPG!

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Thanks, I'll give it a shot when the game restocks around here. I never got far with the game a decade ago.

 

[Blade24070]

4 hours in, reached Toragoth. Dying doesn't make you lose anything right? Just causes you to respawn and also seems to respawn all the collection points and enemies?

 

[Oregano]

4 hours in, reached Toragoth. Dying doesn't make you lose anything right? Just causes you to respawn and also seems to respawn all the collection points and enemies?

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Correct, no penalties for dying so you can explore as much as you want!

 

[Blade24070]

Is the option to turn off enemy aggro tied to the expansion pass? Death is a slap on the wrist but it's annoying to fight stuff I can beat only for some bird 30 levels higher than me to show up and kill me.

 

[Tom_Cody]

I'm planning to pick this up now that we know the other big Switch RPGs are coming in the second half of the year.

A few questions:

-I keep hearing that the various post-releases patches really improved the game, but also that a lot of that only impacts new game +. How should I approach the game? Should I try to simply clear it on the first run and then play more exhaustively on the new game + run?
-Is this likely to go on sale? Or should I just bite the bullet on the $90 bundle on the eShop?
-While researching the game, I watched the character trailer without knowing it contained spoilers. Roughly how far into the game does it spoil (in terms of hours)?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ygax_f4e5a8
-Is there anything else I should know going in or any specific faqs I should read/watch before I start my run?

 

[-shadow-]

Personal view on the questions:

- Just enjoy the first run without too much thought about the more indepth stuff and some of the blades, it's a fun ride and the game give what you need to finish it
- Nintendo and sales are two things that rarely go together and if there will be a sale, don't expect the price to drop below the €/$40 for the base game, I think the DLC was once on sale for €/$20, but don't quote me on that
- From what I remember going by the trailer, it shows stuff mostly from the first three chapters (of total ten) with a few very short snippets of later chapters. You're mostly spoiler free going in I'd say.
- Download the Japanese voice pack for free if you're into that, other than that, I can't think of much you have to know. Playing the original before is fully optional.

 

[Tom_Cody]

Personal view on the questions:

- Just enjoy the first run without too much thought about the more indepth stuff and some of the blades, it's a fun ride and the game give what you need to finish it
- Nintendo and sales are two things that rarely go together and if there will be a sale, don't expect the price to drop below the €/$40 for the base game, I think the DLC was once on sale for €/$20, but don't quote me on that
- From what I remember going by the trailer, it shows stuff mostly from the first three chapters (of total ten) with a few very short snippets of later chapters. You're mostly spoiler free going in I'd say.
- Download the Japanese voice pack for free if you're into that, other than that, I can't think of much you have to know. Playing the original before is fully optional.

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Thanks! That's everything I wanted to known.

 

[Blade24070]

Welp, talk about a fast turn around on this game. Starting to get really tired of this bullshit MMO design. I'm fighting a level 18 giant bird unique enemy, slaying it, what's that? Two little fuckers come and it's too much to handle. Okay, try again and move it further away. Everything going well until oh ANOTHER RANDOM LEVEL 22 BIRD FROM NOWHERE APPEARS AND I DIE AGAIN.

Seriously how the fuck do I turn off aggro from enemies higher leveled than me? This isn't fun... like at all, ever, and if I wanted an MMO lite RPG, I would just replay FFXII.