Xenoblade Chronicles X takes place in the year 2056, on the planet Mira. See a comprehensive explanation of the Xenoblade timeline, where Xenoblade X fits in, and more!

Attention!	This page contains spoilers. Proceed with caution!

When does Xenoblade X Take Place?

Takes Place in the Year 2056

War Above Earth

The prologue of Xenoblade Chronicles X starts off in the year 2054, in the midst of a war between aliens with Earth caught in the crossfire. Due to the dangers, the Coalition government launched Project Exodus, an colonization operation with the goal of finding a habitable planet for humans.

Interstellar arks depart as the planet is devastated, with only a few ships managing to successfully escape without getting caught in the crossfire.

Settling in Mira

Two years into the voyage, one of the ships, named the White Whale, is being pursued by the aliens. The aliens attack the ship, causing it to crash into the planet of Mira. As a safety precaution, the ship ejects its passengers who are all cryogenically frozen.

Two months from the crash, Elma awakens the protagonist, Cross, from his slumber, and after a long, hard-fought journey, they make their way to New Los Angeles, a human settlement.

Xenoblade Timeline Explained

Xenoblade Chronicles X is the First Game Chronologically

The timeline of Xenoblade can get confusing as it involves parallel universes. Shortly after the devastation of Earth, the story of Xenoblade X takes place with humanity travelling the galaxy to find a habitable planet. In a chronological sense, Xenoblade X happens before Xenoblades 1, 2 and 3.

Split Timelines Explained

Because the conduit is a force that allows interdimensional travel, the destruction of Earth from the experiment also caused the birth of two timelines. Here, Professor Klaus exists in both worlds, as Zanza in Xenoblade 1, and the Architect in Xenoblade 2.

Xenoblade X Changes What We Know

Initially, it was widely accepted that the original timeline was destroyed after the experiment. However, the release of Xenoblade X recontextualizes this, as it was only those in the vicinity of the explosion who were rebirthed in separate universes. Thus, the original timeline exists through those aboard the White Whale.

Do You Need to Play Xenoblade 1-3 First?

No, Xenoblade X is a Standalone Title

Xenoblade X takes place before the events of Xenoblade 1 to 3, and is meant to be a spin-off of the series. It follows those who were able to escape the experiment and the war. To long-time fans of the series, this game dives deep into the events taking place in the original timeline.

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Related News

Latest News and Updates

All News Articles and Game Info