Level (XC1)

Level is a measure of general combat ability in Xenoblade Chronicles. As level increases, so too do other stats, such as maximum HP.

For playable characters
Party members gain levels after collecting enough. When first added to the party, they start at a level equal to the average of all current party members, with no EXP towards the next.

As party members level up, their maximum HP, strength, ether, and agility are all incrased. The values at each level are based on a formula that approaches but never reaches a target number, so as level increases, the stat gain at each level becomes less significant.

The maximum level for party members is 99. The minimum level is a personalized value loosely related to the absolute minimum level a player could be when the character is first recruited.

Characters that only appear in one or two battles are marked as "guests", which means their level is fixed regardless of the party's.

Note that Dunban as a guest has two different levels, one for the Battle of Sword Valley, and another for the battle of Colony 9. After losing the Monado, he is no longer considered a guest and gains EXP normally, but he is not placed in reserve afterward, and when he returns later it is as if he is joining fresh.

Shulk's and Melia's minimum level in Future Connected is 60.

In Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, each character's level can be reduced to any value above its minimum level in Expert Mode. By doing this, the EXP that would be needed to reach the current level is converted into reserve EXP, so it is always possible to return to one's highest level at no loss of EXP.

For enemies
Enemies have a fixed "base" level that can be modified by how they spawn into the world. For example, an enemy may normally be level 35, but spwans 3 levels higher in a certain area. Enemies may also use an Awakening aura to raise their level while in battle. When an enemy's level changes from the base in these ways, their stats are modified on a linear basis - for example, an enemy's strength may rise 5 per level. This also works in reverse, if an enemy spawns at a level lower than their base level.

For most enemies, the maximum level is 99. Certain foes are even higher level, the highest being 120, earning them the title of "es" due to it being impossible for the player's level to match them.

Level difference
There are several ways that being higher-levelled than an opponent is a great advantage in battle. Aside from the naturally higher stats, there are other effects based on the exact difference in level. Level difference is shown by colouring the name tag of enemies.

When opponents have differing levels, the one that is higher-levelled:
 * Deals more damage, and takes less damage.
 * Is more likely to land attacks, and less likely to be hit by attacks.
 * Gains fewer rewards when victorious, and gives up more when defeated.

The following table lists what modifiers are active from the perspective of the attacker (for example, +3 means the attacker is 3 levels higher than the defender).