LogFAQs > #978621546

Xenoblade's separate from the other Xeno-games and only shares like...narrative themes and such that Takahashi loves to reuse. Xenoblade X is also (currently) a separate spin-off from the main trilogy in that it contains references to Xenoblade 1, but no direct correlation.

All the Xenoblade games are great to varying degrees, they all have their strengths and weaknesses. Xenoblade 2 might have the biggest hurdle though because it leaves a bad first impression. Poor dub, annoying trope-y characters (at first, they grow out of it), typical unfunny easy anime humor, slow-to-start combat, exploration locked off via field skills which is tied to the RNG-fest that is Core Crystals (it's just like gacha, just without using real money). It sounds bad but it shows glimmers of greatness that you may be interested in (the soundtrack is absolutely amazing and Chapter 1 is a perfect introduction to the world and plot, IMO), and if you stick with the game it greatly rewards you. It's almost an entirely different game in the second half (even the dub improves in quality).

The only game I'd say that would require homework is Xenoblade 3. It's meant to be the culmination of Xenoblade 1 and 2 both thematically (main game) and literally (the Future Redeemed DLC).