Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass: what to note about the DLC

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass Guide, Noah Chain Attack
(Image credit: Nintendo)

The Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass is a truly gamechanging DLC experience. The title was released to critical acclaim with overwhelmingly positive reception from fans and reviewers alike. There are over a hundred hours of playtime to grind through, each boasting both main story quests and an eclectic cast of memorable characters.

If that’s not quite enough for you, however, the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass will flesh out your experience. The roadmap spans from now until the end of 2023, with content drops every six months or so. Better yet, Volume One is already available at launch.

The Xenoblade 3 Expansion Pass will cost you $29.99/£26.99/AU$43.18, and can be picked on the My Nintendo Store. It plans to add even more to a game that is already being regarded as a true step-up in JRPG storytelling, and one that might just end up on the list of the best RPGs in gaming before too long. The four main volumes revealed so far add everything from Xenoblade Chronicles 3 characters to new quests and story scenarios. 

Not all of the details have been revealed yet for some of the planned updates, but here’s what we know so far.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass guide

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass: DLC roadmap

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass Keyart

(Image credit: Nintendo)

The Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion pass is due to be released in four waves. Nintendo has already announced release dates for each one. Wave 1 is already out, and can already be enjoyed by anyone who owns the Expansion pass. Wave 2 is due to hit December 31, 2022 – a perfect pick-me-up after new year's. Wave 3 is set to release April 30, 2023, followed by Wave 4 on December 31, 2023. 

Though Nintendo has enigmatically stated that we should "stay tuned" for "additional details", this hasn't stopped us from gathering every morsel of information we have so far. Read on, below!  

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass: Wave 1

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass: 2 characters run towards a monster

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Here's what's already available in Wave 1: 

  • A large number of helpful items, including much sought after Nopon Coins.
  • Alternate outfits for each main character, offering fancy new color schemes.  

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass: Wave 2

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass, protagonist Mio performing her duties as off-seer

(Image credit: Nintendo / Monolith Soft)

Wave 2 is due to drop December 31, 2022. Expect the following:

  • A new Challenge Battle mode, offering a selection of difficult encounters. 
  • A new Hero Character and an accompanying questline. This also means access to a new class. 
  • More new outfits. 

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass: Wave 3

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass: Green Vista

(Image credit: Monolith Soft)

Coming out April 30 2023, here's what to expect in Wave 3:

  • More Challenge Battles, fleshing out the new mode added in Wave 2
  • Another Hero Character, as well as new quests to go with them and a new class to unlock. 
  • Yet more outfits.  

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass: Wave 4

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass, 3 Interlinked Characters

(Image credit: Monolith Soft)

The final wave that we know of (so far), Wave 4 only has one feature, but it is arguably the most exciting. On December 31 2023, we'll be treated to a "new original story scenario". We're not sure what shape that'll take yet, but the opportunity for more insight into the world and characters of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is certainly a welcome one. 

It may be a long way off, but there's clearly a great deal to look forward to in the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass. With plenty of content due to hit over the course of the four DLC "waves", it looks like there's plenty more in store for Xenoblade fans. 


Cat Bussell
Freelance contributor

An editor and freelance journalist, Cat Bussell has been writing about video games for more than four years and, frankly, she’s developed a taste for it. As seen on TechRadar, Technopedia, The Gamer, Wargamer, and SUPERJUMP, Cat’s reviews, features, and guides are lovingly curated for your reading pleasure.

A Cambridge graduate, recovering bartender, and Cloud Strife enjoyer, Cat’s foremost mission is to bring you the best coverage she can, whether that’s through helpful guides, even-handed reviews, or thought-provoking features. She’s interviewed indie darlings, triple-A greats, and legendary voice actors, all to help you get closer to the action. When she’s not writing, Cat can be found sticking her neck into a fresh RPG or running yet another Dungeons & Dragons game. 

Read more
A close-up of party member Elma in Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition
Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition remains one of the most ambitious and breathtaking RPG experiences a decade on from its original release
A Primordia vista in Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition
10 years later, Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition still has one of gaming’s best open worlds, but is it truly definitive?
Hunters gather around a table, raising their tankards in sync
Monster Hunter Wilds roadmap - all confirmed DLC so far
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii's New Game Plus mode is free, but it won't be available at launch
Assassin's Creed Shadows
Assassins Creed Shadows isn't even out yet, but it seems the game's first DLC may have already leaked online
New Stellar Blade Goddess of Victory: Nikke DLC outfit.
Stellar Blade is getting a new crossover DLC with some of its most outrageous outfits yet
Latest in Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con up-close from app store
Nintendo's new app gave us another look at the Switch 2, and there's something different with the Joy-Con
Samus Aran leaping through space
Metroid Prime 4 tipped to be at the heart of April's Nintendo Switch 2 deep-dive
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 expected to have AI upscaling and I can't wait to finally play Tears of the Kingdom with upgraded graphics
Super Mario Odyssey played on a Nintendo Switch in portable mode
YouTuber seemingly reveals the first hands-on look at the Nintendo Switch 2 and its new magnetic Joy-Cons
Nintendo Switch Pro
To the surprise of absolutely no one, another new look at the Nintendo Switch 2 has seemingly leaked
Nintendo Switch 2
If the Switch 2 can't perform at the same level as the Z1 Extreme Asus ROG Ally even with Nvidia's DLSS, then Nintendo is in trouble
Latest in How Tos
Computer memory RAM on motherboard background
How to enable XMP
Person using a laptop.
How to check battery health of a laptop
Cheerful Female Gamer Playing Online Video Game on Personal Computer
How to quickly optimize your PC for gaming
Mobile phone with logo of video game distribution platform Steam operated by Valve on screen in front of web page
How to gift a game on Steam
Venezuela's forward #09 Jhonder Cadiz celebrates after scoring during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Ecuador and Venezuela, at the Rodrigo Paz Delgado stadium in Quito, on March 21, 2025 ahead of Venezuela vs Peru
Venezuela vs Peru live stream: how to watch today's FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier anywhere online
The cast of Alone Australia season 3, standing in a knee-high body of water
How to watch Alone Australia season 3 online – stream the survival show from anywhere