Learn about Ouroboros Powers and Union Attacks in the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 DLC

Nintendo has released a variety of short gameplay videos and details on new combat mechanics like the Ouroboros Powers and Union Attacks, in the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Future Redeemed DLC. While it seems characters won’t be able to change classes, combine different Arts, or perform Interlink, these mechanics have been replaced with new systems for the first generation of Ouroboros..

Ouroboros Power seem to be Arts that characters can equip on the left side of the Art palette. When like Fusion Arts in the main game, it will create powerful combined moves. Additionally, when using fused Fused Ouroboros Powers, the faint aura of an Interlink form can be seen surrounding each character.

通常のアーツより強力な「ウロボロスパワー」は、左側にセットして、ほかのアーツと「融合」させることができ、さまざまな追加効果を得ることができますも。得られる効果はウロボロスパワーとアーツの組み合わせによって異なりますも。オーラのようなものが見えますも…？#ゼノブレイド3 #新たなる未来 pic.twitter.com/xtmxc97MYm

— ゼノブレイド総合 (@XenobladeJP) April 20, 2023

In the video shared by Nintendo, several characters use their own Fused Ouroboros Powers. As an example, Matthew can be seen combining Raging Force and Mighty Strike, creating the unique Mighty Force attack. By equipping different arts in different slots of the Art palette, characters will use different and unique Fused Ouroboros Powers.

The Interlink mechanic has been replaced with Union Combos. These are special attacks, similar to the Level 4 Blade Specials present in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and its DLC. However, this time around, players will be able to fully mix and match which two characters join for a Union Combo, as shown in the video below.

2人の力を合わせ「ユニオンコンボ」と呼ばれる必殺技を繰り出すことができますも。ライジング状態のエネミーに必殺技を実行することで、ユニオンコンボを発生させることができますも。必殺技のリキャストは、アーツを使うことで増えますも。#ゼノブレイド3 #新たなる未来 pic.twitter.com/u3t5zV7dgi

— ゼノブレイド総合 (@XenobladeJP) April 20, 2023

Union Combos consist of two parts: the ability or attack performed. known as Union Skill; and the Union Combo effect. Union Combos apply no matter what when an enemy is Launched. This means that Burst combos or Knockback combos can be performed even on Launched enemies. A second video showed a healing Union Skill when combining Nikol and Shulk. It also showed different colored frames for the character combinations. This might indicate the existence of some sort of character affinity between party members.

ユニオンコンボは、2人の組み合わせによって異なり、ダメージや範囲などに違いがありますも。また「スマッシュ」「バースト」「ブロー」のいずれかを必ず発生させますも。さらに実行したキャラ2人には「覚醒」バフがつくから、積極的に狙いますも～！#ゼノブレイド3 #新たなる未来 pic.twitter.com/IYIrxqykHz

— ゼノブレイド総合 (@XenobladeJP) April 20, 2023

Nintendo also released a relationship chart for all the new and returning characters that will appear in the Future Redeemed expansion.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is readily available on the Nintendo Switch. The Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Future Redeemed DLC will release on April 25, 2023. It will be the last wave of DLC for the game.