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.