How Long Does It Take To Get A Skell In Xenoblade Chronicles X?

One of the most anticipated moments in Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is when players gain access to the Skells, powerful mechas that assist in both combat and exploration across Mira. However, as mentioned by several NPCs during the early hours of the game, not every human has access to these machines, and a special license is required to operate them.

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Unfortunately, it takes some time before these mechas become available in this JRPG. Players must complete several main and side quests before the protagonist is offered the chance to take the necessary course to obtain a personal Skell. Here’s what must be done to unlock the missions that grant access to Skells in Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Skell In Xenoblade Chronicles X?

The Skell License Mission in Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition

Depending on how players prioritize main quests and secondary content, acquiring a Skell in Xenoblade Chronicles X can take over 20 hours, as Vandham only offers this opportunity after Chapter 6 is completed. Advancing the story requires completing a percentage of the Survey Rate in regions like Noctilum, making the process considerably time-consuming.

Additionally, the Skell License mission is not straightforward. To understand the responsibility of operating one of these mechas, characters must fulfill objectives across Mira’s map, and there are eight Proficiency Exams, each varying in complexity, tied to one of the BLADE Divisions responsible for exploring Mira.

The Proficiency Exams are as follows:

Proficiency Exam 1 (Pathfinders): Install a Data Probe at FN Site 117 in Primordia. This objective is simple, and if players previously explored this area, it completes automatically.
Proficiency Exam 2 (Interceptors): Defeat 12 Blitz Blattas in Noctilum, with their locations being conveniently marked on the map during the quest.
Proficiency Exam 3 (Harriers): Defeat Shatskikh, the Flash, a Tyrant located at Northpointe Cove in Primordia.
Proficiency Exam 4 (Reclaimers): Retrieve the Star Map from the Solar Ship located at Humdrum Peaks in Noctilum. The item sits on the beach, likely requiring a careful jump to reach it.
Proficiency Exam 5 (Curators): Collect 8 Rock Armadillos in Noctilum, 3 Beagflea Squashes in Oblivia, and 6 Multi-speckled Ladybugs in Primordia.
Proficiency Exam 6 (Prospectors): This is one of the most challenging missions of the Skell License. Players must configure FrontierNav to earn more than 15,000 credits in a single return. Ideally, install Research Probes of the same level (such as Research Probe G2) sequentially at FN Sites with Revenue Grade A.
Proficiency Exam 7 (Outfitters): Obtain a test weapon from Tauler in Division Drive within the Administrative District. Players must defeat 3 Grexes in Primordia using one of the provided test weapons (test knife, test assault rifle, or test longsword).
Proficiency Exam 8 (Mediators): Complete one of these side quests: “The Handy Ma-non,” “The Pip-Squeak,” or “That’s In-Credible!” If players have already finished any of these quests earlier, this objective counts as completed immediately.

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After completing all objectives, players must speak to Walter, an NPC located in the Hangar in the Administrative District, to finalize the Skell License exams. However, there is one final task. Fortunately, it is simple: Walter will ask questions, and choosing “Deduce,” “Confirm,” and “Thank” will grant extra affinity points with party members and finish the mission.

How To Get A Skell In Xenoblade Chronicles X

The first Skell is gifted to the protagonist by Vandham, provided for free. However, only one model becomes available, and to equip a full party with mechas, players must purchase additional units. This process takes time and credits, as cheaper versions are unlocked only at level 30 and still come at a high cost.

Moreover, Skells do not come with weapons by default. Aside from weapons obtained through enemy loot during Mira exploration, additional gear must be purchased at Armor Alley to improve attack effectiveness, as Mecha Skill Arts are tied to equipped items. Despite the investment, these mechas are powerful tools that simplify many battles, particularly against Tyrants.

Players should be cautious when using their mechs early on, as Skell Insurance to recover them after destruction is quite expensive.

The first Skell model players receive is the US0220 Urban ST, a relatively basic mech compared to other models acquired later in the game. While simpler in design, the Urban ST significantly enhances map exploration, offering longer and higher jumps compared to the protagonist on foot, and it substantially improves combat performance against various enemies.

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Overall, the mechs in Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition fall into three main categories: Light, Medium, and Heavy, each featuring unique strengths and playstyles:

Skell Type

Description

Light

High mobility and agility, lower durability, optimized for rapid movement and evasion

Medium

Balanced defense, mobility, and attack capabilities, versatile for varied combat situations and sustained exploration.

Heavy

Highest durability and physical defense, excellent for heavy weapon usage and combat but limited in mobility and evasion.

How To Fly A Skell In Xenoblade Chronicles X

Initially, Skells in Xenoblade Chronicles X feature two forms. The first is the standard battle-ready stance, and the second is the vehicle form, which varies depending on the purchased mech model. Switching to the faster vehicle form, ideal for exploration, involves pressing the left analog stick (the same button used to sprint).

However, players hoping to immediately fly and explore higher locations will need patience. Flight capabilities are unavailable when players first acquire their Skell after Chapter 6. The Flight Module becomes accessible only during Chapter 9 of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition. Until then, players must wait to fully unlock aerial exploration.