The Xenoblade Chronicles franchise is rife with excellent characters that need to return in Xenoblade Chronicles 3. Nintendo states that the game brings together the futures from both Xenoblade Chronicles and Xenoblade Chronicles 2. What does this even mean? From this quote from Takahashi, it seems as if the two worlds have merged:
“The key visual features a broken great sword of Mechonis and the body of the Urayan Titan with a big gaping hole. I imagine everyone who saw the trailer was quite surprised by the final scene. What is this visual hinting at? I can’t reveal that yet. What I can tell you is that this visual was conceived quite some time ago.”
If this game does take place far in the future, a few of our former protagonists would have passed on, but blades don’t age and High Entia have incredibly long lifespans. With that being said, here are a few Xenoblade characters that should return in Xenoblade Chronicles 3.
Nia
Nia is one of the most lovable characters from Xenoblade Chronicles 2, and her return would make sense given that she doesn’t age. She is a flesh eater, after all. In fact, there is evidence that she is Mio, one of the protagonists in Xenoblade 3. Their core crystals are identical and they both use similar weapons. Mio looks like a grown up version of Nia.
If Nia is Mio, the game is sure to have a lot more surprises in store for us. Will Nia’s love for Rex go unrequited, or can she find happiness with someone else?
Melia
It’s time for best girl Melia to shine! Being half High Entia, she was 88 years old during the original game and ages slowly. Even if the game takes place far in the future, Melia will likely still be alive. Like Nia, her love goes unrequited, which is a shame because Melia is one of the best characters in the Xenoblade franchise.
There is an image of a High Entia woman with small wings wearing a mask; could this be Melia? There are also some High Entia party members. Hopefully Melia returns and the character is given the justice she deserves, as in the last half of Xenoblade Chronicles she kind of faded away.
Rikki
Rikki is everybody’s favorite Nopon. Although he may be annoying at first, he grows on you as your adventure progresses in Xenoblade Chronicles and offers some sage advice. He is an old man after all (looks can be deceiving)! Nopon were already established in the trailer, so it’s not a stretch to say that he could come back. Tora is great, but Rikki has real heart.
Mythra/Pyra
Given the fact that Mythra and Pyra were given their own character slot in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the company isn’t ready to give up on them just yet. If they’re able to return, they will return, with or without Rex (preferably with.) Better yet, they should simply introduce Mythra and Pyra’s true form, Pneuma. Given that Mythra and Pyra were already over 500 years old by the start of Chronicles 2, even if this game takes place in the far future there should be no limitations in bringing her back.
Shulk
Shulk is an obvious, but necessary choice. Rex was a great character but was somewhat lacking compared to Shulk. Shulk is incredibly well-rounded and is a wonderful protagonist. He shouldn’t be the focal point of the game, but if he appears, or Rex for that matter, the game will be better for it.
At this stage, it appears that at least Nia and Melia will appear in the game in significant roles. Anything after that is icing on the cake.