Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass is Happening, Vol. 1 Out Today

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 launched yesterday on the Nintendo Switch, and developer Monolith Soft has created the next big adventure for the series. The game won't be a one-off experience, though, as DLC for the title is set to arrive in the future, some of which is available right now.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass is Happening, Vol. 1 Out Today

MONOLITHSOFT’s newest Xenoblade Chronicles entry is finally in the hands of players, and marks the third entry in the series. As for post-release, the title isn’t going to just be a case of “it’s released and then it’s done with”; no, a Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass exists, thanks to the latest “Ask the Developer” from Nintendo UK. If you don’t know what Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is, you can view the game’s release date trailer below.

As for today’s Ask the Developer interview, Tetsuya Takashi (Senior Director at MONOLITHSOFT), Koh Kojima (Producer/Director at MONOLITHSOFT), and Genki Yokota (Entertainment Planning and Development, Production Group no.2) were all asked various questions about the studio’s creative process and their plans for future content.

For instance, when asked about whether they determine the game story first and then focus on gameplay (or the other way around), Kojima said, “The story is the basis. There is this story or world that Takahashi-san comes up with, and we develop it into something that customers can experience hands-on. Of course, Takahashi-san makes gameplay suggestions as well, so we do our best to incorporate those into the game.”

He continues, “Also, the entire development team will read the scenario and suggest things like, “There is a main character who plays the flute, so let’s incorporate gameplay featuring the flute”. With the story as the foundation, we expand the world and apply it as a form of gameplay.”

On the topic of the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass, Genki Yokota responds, “This is something to consider after you have played this game, but we are offering an additional Expansion Pass. We will be adding a new story at the end of the Expansion Pass, and we are thinking of making its volume of content as large as Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna – The Golden Country. We hope that those who enjoyed that content, as well as newcomers, will pick it up. It will be quite a high volume of content that will not let you down… I’m talking about the volume again.”

“I have not been able to participate in the development of the Expansion Pass, but the content looks like a lot of fun as I’ve been watching from the sidelines, so I’m a little jealous. (laughs) I hope you look forward to it,” Kojima responded when asked the same thing.

As for what’s inside the Expansion Pass, the following screenshots below will tell you what’s in there. Volume 1, which is out today (as of update 1.10), has Nopon Coins, accessories, and various color variations for in-game outfits.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass

Volume 1 of the Expansion Pass’ contents (available today)

Volume 2 (set to release before the end of the year), will include new Challenge Battles, a new playable Hero and quests, and new costumes for the game’s playable characters.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass

Volume 2 of the Expansion Pass is set to release before the end of the year.

Unfortunately, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass Volumes 3 and 4 do not have image previews at this time, but the Expansion Pass’ page from Nintendo UK has contents for what those Volumes will include, which will be listed below.

  • Volume 3 – Releasing before April 30th, 2023, includes
    • New Challenge Quests
    • A new playable Hero and quests
    • New in-game costumes
  • Volume 4 – Releasing before the end of 2023, includes
    • A brand-new Story scenario

It should be very well noted that, as a matter of fact, the series won’t end when the Expansion Pass finishes development. When asked about this, Yokota responded by saying, “Yes, it will still go on! I want to keep it going as long as possible!” Where the series goes after this, though, isn’t certain, but the series may very well still be ongoing.

We’ll continue to update as more information develops. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is available now.

Source: Nintendo UK.

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