Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is an absolute thrill ride that we reckon is the best entry yet in Monolith Soft's epic franchise. But do you need to be well-versed in the complex lore of the Xenoblade series and should you have played the game's predecessors before jumping into this brand-new adventure?

So, do I need to play the other Xenoblade Chronicles games before Xenoblade Chronicles 3?

Thankfully, the answer to this question is a resounding no!

As was the case with Xenoblade Chronicles, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and Xenoblade Chronicles X, this latest addition tells an almost entirely separate story that's set in a brand-new world with an all-new cast of characters. Yes, there's some clever continuity here as the events that transpire in Xenoblade Chronicles 3 follow on in some cool ways from those in its predecessors, and there are some nice surprises along the way for those of us who've lapped up every second of this stellar series so far, but none of this will hold you back or create any sort of barrier to understanding everything that takes place this time around.

Further to this, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 does a great job of filling you in on the most important events leading up to the story that unfolds throughout its campaign with plenty of time taken to recall important aspects of previous games, meaning that every time there's something from an older entry that you really should know, it'll be referred to and shown to you here in cutscenes and/or through conversations.

Of course, as huge fans of this franchise, we wholeheartedly recommend that you take the time out to play all of the previous titles, but that's a very big undertaking, these are seriously meaty games and, if you're understandably finding yourself caught up in all the hype and just want to get started on part 3 at the same time as everyone else, rest assured you'll be able to follow the story, get stuck into the combat and enjoy every big emotional moment without having to do your research first. Aionios awaits!

This article is part of our Xenoblade Chronicles 3 walkthrough and guide series. We'll help you survive your journeys across Aionios with information you'll need to make the most of the game, such as How to Unlock Traversal Skills (Wall Climbing, Rope Sliding, Scree Walking, Hazard Neutralization), How to Unlock and Upgrade All Heroes and Classes, 16 Tips & Tricks We Wish We Knew Before We Started, How to Get Affinity and XP Rewards from Collectopaedia Cards, How to Gain 100% Completion, and How to Unlock the Nopon Coin Xchange.

We'll also let you know where to find Every Rest Spot Location, All Secret Area Locations, Every Ferronis Hulk Location, and All Unique Monster Locations (including Aetia Region Full, Aetia Region Upper & Elgares Depths, Fornis Region, Pentelas Region, Keves Castle Region, Cadensia Region, and Origin Interior), plus All Meal Recipes, Effects & Where to Find Them.

We can also help out with specific sidequests, such as How to Complete the 'Uniting the Seven Nopon' Quest, and How to Complete the Nopon Register Quest, tell you how to make the most of Chain Attacks and the Soul Hack ability, and offer advice on if you should play the previous Xenoblade Chronicles games before starting XC3, How Long to Beat the Game, and How to Take a Screenshot Without the HUD

And finally, you can check out our review and Where to Buy Xenoblade Chronicles on Nintendo Switch, if for some reason you haven't yet picked up the game!