Buzz
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 has earned its place as one of the top-rated Nintendo Switch games this year, praised for its intricate combat system, expansive narrative, and a vast world that invites exploration. The game captivates from the outset, but there’s a method to enhance your immersion even further in this monumental JRPG.
According to the YouTube channel BoomStickGaming, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 can be played entirely in first-person. While long-time fans of the Xenoblade series might already know this feature, newcomers like myself were pleasantly surprised to discover this option.
After spending roughly the first 10 hours in first-person mode (with the exception of a single boss fight), I found it to be an incredibly immersive way to dive into the early stages of Xenoblade Chronicles 3. Although it may not be the most efficient way to play the entire game, I plan to continue using this perspective for as much of the adventure as possible.
How to Experience Xenoblade Chronicles 3
in First-Person Mode
To switch to first-person view, hold the ZL button on your Switch controller and move the right thumbstick upward to zoom the camera into a first-person perspective. Adjust the height by tilting the stick left or right. You can also customize the “camera movement” and “camera zoom” speed in the settings menu for a personalized experience. Ensure the “camera position” is set to the middle option to center the view on your character’s head, avoiding any awkward left or right offsets.
To enhance immersion, I turned off the “mini-map,” “auto-targeting,” and “additional information” settings. Additionally, I hid or disabled all quest markers and notifications whenever feasible.
While these adjustments are optional, they’re worth experimenting with, even if you stick to the default camera view. They reduce UI clutter, allowing you to appreciate more of the game’s world during exploration. This approach also encourages you to observe your surroundings more closely, fostering a deeper connection with the environment. If needed, you can quickly access the map from the shortcut menu to verify your direction.
Is Xenoblade Chronicles 3 truly enjoyable in first-person mode?
Just because something is possible doesn’t always mean it’s ideal, but I’ve found Xenoblade Chronicles 3’s first-person perspective to be surprisingly satisfying, albeit with a brief adjustment period.
First-person mode offers a closer, more detailed view of characters, enemies, and locations, highlighting the game’s immense scale. The parallels to other expansive first-person RPGs like The Elder Scrolls are clear, but traversing these sprawling terrains filled with futuristic military installations and exotic wildlife evokes a sense of an anime-inspired No Man’s Sky.
Movement, jumping, and collecting items remain smooth and straightforward. Other actions, such as switching party members, conversing with NPCs, climbing ladders, and interacting with key objects, are intuitive and function seamlessly.
Combat is the only aspect of the game that requires significant adjustments, but it’s entirely manageable.
The MMO-inspired battle system functions well in first-person mode. The game clearly indicates your position relative to your target—front, back, or side—making it easy to align for attacks, even when facing towering enemies. Party members’ dialogue keeps you informed about their actions, and the first-person perspective lends a tactical feel reminiscent of CRPGs like Wizardry 8 or Might & Magic X.
However, some settings adjustments are necessary for long-term first-person play, as the combat UI and effects can become overwhelming. Follow the BoomStickGaming video’s advice and disable all battle numbers except your character’s damage indicators in the settings menu. This significantly improves first-person combat comfort. I also disabled the “Battle camera” option to avoid interruptions from cinematic attack cutscenes.
With these tweaks, I’ve found the game fully playable on normal difficulty. If combat still feels challenging, consider switching to “Easy” mode. You can also switch to third-person view before battles for a tactical advantage, then return to first-person for exploration.
While first-person mode isn’t the “intended” way to play Xenoblade Chronicles 3, it has made it easier for me to immerse myself in one of the year’s standout JRPGs. If you enjoy first-person games or want to experience Xenoblade Chronicles 3 in a fresh way, I highly recommend trying it.
