Alongside Elma, Lin is one of the first characters to join the party in Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, and during the early game, she stands out as one of the best tanks available. With strong defensive capabilities, she can endure multiple enemy attacks and remain standing. She also inflicts status effects in battle, creating opportunities for allies to deal more damage.

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To fully benefit from her potential, choosing the proper abilities and arts plays a crucial role in ensuring she performs effectively during battles and supports the team robustly. For players seeking the best build for Lin in Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, these fundamental choices allow the character to remain effective throughout combat and provide better support over the course of the game.

Best Build For Lin In Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition

TP-based Arts setup with Wild Down equipped, highlighting the best build for Lin in Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition

One of the first things to consider in Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is that non-controlled characters can vary in effectiveness during fights. They may not always use the right Arts or stand in the best position, so even optimized allies might seem weak due to these random factors — especially Tanks like Lin.

In addition, although she is an excellent Tank, the best build for Lin in Xenoblade Chronicles X is not just about surviving enemy hits but also causing some damage. Some Arts she uses, like Drum Roll, are strong attacks, so even without certain defensive moves seen in other characters, Lin remains a solid choice.

Thus, the best abilities to equip with Lin in Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition are listed below. They cover a solid mix of defensive tools, status inflictions, and offensive moves that strengthen this character's role as a Tank who can also deal damage, making her effective in many situations.

Skill

Description

Drum Roll

Strikes with weapon damage and reduces the target’s physical resistance. Deals extra damage when part of a melee combo.

Reality Rift

Delivers weapon damage and inflicts Slow Arts, delaying enemy skill usage.

Trash Talk

Inflicts Taunt on enemies, drawing aggro. Generates additional TP when Morale is high.

Cool Off

Clears all debuffs. If under an aura, consumes it to restore TP.

Shield Wall

Grants a barrier.

Supershield

Requires TP; reflects physical attacks, reduces incoming damage, and nullifies stun effects.

Wild Smash

Hits with weapon damage and deals increased damage to enemies that are Toppled.

Wild Down

Uses TP to deal weapon damage and topple the enemy on impact.

With this selection, players achieve a solid balance for Lin’s build, providing a good mix of defensive Arts and a few others for attacks. However, it is best to invest the first Battle Points to upgrade Wild Down, a Skill available from the start, since Topple is a potent status to use against enemies.

For those who want to rely on the chance that Lin will use both moves in sequence, or have another party member who can also inflict Topple, Wild Smash is another great Art to upgrade when it appears, because it deals higher damage against enemies with that status. At the same time, Trash Talk is another important skill to prioritize early, as it draws everyone's attention to her, protecting the rest of the squad by making her the focus of enemies' attacks.

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Best Skills For Lin In Xenoblade Chronicles X

Skill menu showing Mighty Muscle in Lin’s setup, part of the best build for Lin in Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition

Another key factor in creating this build for Lin in Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition lies in the Skills the character can hold, which act passively and provide a buff to her attributes and damage. She can equip three at once, so it is crucial for players to select them with care among all the options available.

Ideally, the best picks increase Lin’s potential as a Tank, though there is some flexibility here since other options can work too. Considering the approach used for this build in Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, the three top choices would be the following:

  • Steel Flesh: Raises her max HP by up to 30% at the highest level.
  • Shield Screen: Reduces incoming damage when equipped with a shield.
  • Dirty Fighter: Increases the damage of Lin’s melee Arts when striking a Toppled foe.

These Skills focus on maximizing sustain, since Arts like Trash Talk can lure many foes in battle, and she needs strong HP and damage reduction to survive. However, there is room for adjustments depending on how she is used in the team, as Stand Strong and Long Tropple are also valid choices.

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Best Equipment For Lin In Xenoblade Chronicles X

Vivid Armor with Melee Attack Up and Max HP Up, great gear in the best build for Lin in Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition

Equipment is relevant but does not hold the same weight for a character’s build as Arts or Skills. They often vary throughout the game, so it is not rare to update them regularly, but those seeking the best gear for Lin in Xenoblade Chronicles X should watch for these options:

For Defensive Wear, it's best if these pieces grant higher HP or TP through their extra effects, which can be checked at the bottom of each item's info. Looking for gear that also offers plenty of upgrade slots is also a smart move, as it's possible to enhance the effects each piece provides in-game. However, depending on her current level, these options might be somewhat limited.

As for melee weapons, shields that provide a TP bonus on melee strikes are ideal, since they allow her to use certain Arts more frequently in combat. When it comes to the Gatling Gun, there isn't anything too specific that players need to look for, since this build mostly relies on her ending up with the shield equipped. Still, the best choices are the ones with the highest Attack and lowest Stability.

In Xenoblade Chronicles X, gear usually needs to be replaced every 10 levels, so it's a good idea to keep Lin’s equipment up to date.

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How To Play With Lin In The Party In Xenoblade Chronicles X

Having Lin in the party in Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition means acknowledging that, no matter how sturdy she is, there will be vulnerabilities and times when her HP might drop or result in defeat. Also, because many of her Arts consume TP, she has fewer opportunities to activate Overdrive in fights.

However, she compensates by dealing solid damage when using Drum Roll, particularly against a Toppled foe. The reason for the high damage is that this status already boosts incoming damage, and Dirty Fighter raises it even more, so if her AI uses these two actions, Lin can cut down some enemies’ HP with ease during Xenoblade X's combat.

In addition, those seeking greater synergy should equip the protagonist with abilities that make better use of the Topple status Lin applies. Having moves like Burst Grenade, learned through the Samurai Gunners, is essential among the protagonist’s Arts to further enhance what this Tank offers in many distinct encounters.

On the other hand, keep in mind that Lin stands out during the early game of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition but loses steam as stronger allies join. During the end-game, she may seem weaker than other options, yet she remains part of the team from the start and plays key roles in the story, so removing her is unnecessary since she can still contribute.

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Released
March 20, 2025
ESRB
Teen // Animated Blood, Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence
Developer(s)
Monolith Soft
Publisher(s)
Nintendo
Multiplayer
Online Co-Op
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
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Franchise
Xenoblade Chronicles
Number of Players
1 (Single-Player), 1-32 (Multiplayer)
Nintendo Switch Release Date
March 20, 2025
Genre(s)
RPG, Action
Platform(s)
Nintendo Switch