KEY POINTS

  • "Xenoblade Chronicles 3" will now release on July 29
  • The game previously had a September 2022 release window
  • Nintendo did not specify why the game is arriving early

The third mainline game in Nintendo’s “Xenoblade Chronicles” series will arrive ahead of its original September release window.

Instead of getting delayed, “Xenoblade Chronicles 3” will release two months earlier on July 29, as per an update from Nintendo. The publisher did not specify why the game’s release is getting fast-tracked, but it’s a welcome surprise in this era of delay announcements.

The game was first revealed in February 2022 during the Nintendo Direct presentation alongside a slew of other games under the publisher’s name.

A new trailer for the upcoming sci-fi RPG was also released in tandem with the release date reveal, showing the protagonist party being pursued by the forces of two powerful nations.

“Xenoblade Chronicles 3” takes place in the world of Alonios, where the technologically-advanced country of Keves and the magically-proficient nation of Agnus are at war. Embroiled in the conflict are Noah and Mio, “off-seers” belonging separate factions who mourn those who pass in battle.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 features an enhanced version of the series' deep action combat
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 features an enhanced version of the series' deep action combat Nintendo

The two off-seers and their friends: Lanz, Sena, Eunie and Talon, get into a much grander scheme involving powers they could have never imagined, forcing them to set aside their differences for the greater good.

“Xenoblade Chronicles 3” uses the traditional tactical action-combat of its predecessors but with the addition of the new Ouroboros mechanic, allowing party members to meld together and transform into more powerful fighters.

The party system is also getting expanded. From a limited three-person group fighting at any time, “Xenoblade Chronicles 3” will feature up to seven party members engaging in active combat.

Each party member also has the ability to change their classes, opening them up for additional skills and radically changing how they fight on the battlefield.

Like its predecessor, the third game will be a Nintendo Switch exclusive. Players who want to dive into the “Xeno” series will be able to pick up “Xenoblade Chronicles 3” without worrying about any of the earlier main games, as they tend to stand on their own unique settings.

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