Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Any% - Normal, No DLC FAQ

Q: What is this speedrun?
A: This is a speedrun of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Any% - Normal, No DLC. The goal of the category is to complete the game as quickly as possible from a new game. The game is to be played on normal difficulty. The use of DLC is not allowed.

Q: What is DLC and why do you not use it?
A: DLC stands for downloadable content. The DLC for Xenoblade Chronicles 2 include rare Blades such as Crossette and Corvin who are so powerful they fundamentally change the way the speedrun is played. For this reason, the leaderboards are split between runs using DLC and runs not using DLC.

Q: Which Blades do you use and why?
A: Pyra is used for the early game because she is the strongest Blade we have reliable access to. In Chapter 4, I will switch to Wulfric, who is a lot stronger. Pneuma will be the main Blade once we get access to her in Chapter 7.

Q: What are the hardest parts of the run?
A: There are many. The hardest fights in the run include Makhos, PatMik and Jin 3. There are many other fights that can lose significant time if not lucky, but these three have the highest potential of wiping, even with safety strategies. There is also the infamous gacha section where I need to pull 3 Earth Blades. The backups for not having enough Earth Blades are too slow, so I will reset if I do not get enough.

Q: Are you doing anything differently?
A: Yes. Since this is an extremely high variance category, I am planning to opt for more consistent strategies over the fastest ones for certain fights such as Makhos and PatMik. In addition, I will be using the Memory Locket, which is obtainable from the Unique Monster Moonlight Elwyn. This accessory prevents affinity loss upon death, which provides a safety net in case things go wrong.

Q: What is the WR?
A: 4:26:29 by me.

Q: What is your goal time?
A: I don't have very concrete goals for this category. Sub 4:25 would be nice while I'm studying.