How to Use Combos

Combos are a game mechanic in Xenoblade Chronicles 3 that allows your party members to synergize their moves to apply reactions to enemies! Read on to know how to use a combo, all the combo variations you can do, and the benefits of executing a combo in battle!

How to Use Combos

Use Arts With Reactions

To use a Combo, you'll need to use arts that have the necessary reaction effect. Several art reactions need to be chained together to string combos.

Two Combo Variations

To execute a combo based on these art reactions, you'll need to follow two branching combo paths.

In essence, you'll need to start every combo with a Break status effect to make them vulnerable to Topples then topple them to put them in an immobilized state. Once Toppled, you now have the option of going for a Launch into Smash combo or a Daze into Burst combo. Determine which arts are present and usable in your party's art list before deciding on which combo path to take!

Best Tactics to Use Combos

Focus Attacks on One Target

One of the core requirements to use a Combo is to have all your party members focused on one target. It is vital to adjust your party's targeting AI to the leader's target exclusively because you must use these response effects on the same enemy and in the proper order for the combo to work. To switch your party tactics to Focus Attacks, just press ZL + Up and make sure that the Focus Attacks icon is lit up.

Change Combo Tactics

Another requirement is choosing the right combo focus for the team. You'll have three modes which are “free for all” (Any Combo), a Smash combo, and a Burst combo. Setting these tactics to the right combo choice is highly recommended to make the AI of your party members focus on executing the right arts at the same time!

What Does Combos Affect

Builds up the Chain Attack Gauge

This is one of the fastest ways to build up your Chain Attack Gauge which is a strong set of combos that your party can do once used. A Chain Attack pauses the battle so you may select the best characters and skills to utilize moves that buff your party members, debuff enemies, and even do damage to your opponents provided you were able to chain your moves properly!

Puts Enemies in a Vulnerable State

Executing a combo leaves an opponent weak for several seconds due to Topple and Daze/Launch. This gives you plenty of opportunities to employ buffs, heal your squad, and even use all of your arts without drawing aggro!

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Tips and Tricks

Tips and Tricks