LogFAQs > #978622411

What a bunch of jokers ITT

I'll be more detailed TC.

The order is Xenoblade 1 > Xenoblade 2 > Torna the Golden Country (XB2 DLC story) > Xenoblade 3 > Future Redeemed (XBC 3 DLC story)

It isn't necessary to do it in this order or play them all but it is recommended especially if you are playing Xenoblade 3 which has references to the previous games.

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition (Switch)

The recommended way to play the first game as it's on the same platform as the sequels and it includes the epilogue story Future Connected. The epilogue is NOT DLC, it's part of the base game and you can even play it before the main story though it's not recommended.

The definitive edition has upgraded graphics and some quality of life changes such as being able to lower your level, helpful if you feel over leveled or want extra challenge. The story features Shulk and his personal journey around the Bionis, a giant landmass known as a Titan that humans (Homs in game) live on which once warred against the Titan Mechonis, where the Mechon live. The Homs and Mechon also were at war but the Mechon were driven back by a weapon called the Monado.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and Torna the Golden Country (Switch)

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is the sequel to the first game but it features an entirely different world known as Alrest. The people there live on Titans that swim around in a sea of clouds surrounding a great tree at the center, known as the World Tree. The story features the journey of Rex and Pyra, a legendary living weapon called the Aegis as they attempt to climb the World Tree so they can reach a mythical land known as Elysium.

There game is pretty divisive and has some changes both in the narrative and gameplay which is why some dislike it. To condense it, the main complaint narratively is that it is more light hearted (and "anime") than the first game. Gameplay wise, the menu mechanics are a lot more busy and you will have to manage it often due to the Blade and Field Skill systems. Blades, are weapons like Pyra which you can obtain from core crystals. However what you get is random hence the comparison to gacha mechanics and there are some special Rare blades which have lower odds. Field skills are abilities that can be used on the world map and you will need many Blades with various types of skills to clear obstacles. In particularly at some points you will need sufficient Fire, Electric and Ancient Knowledge to advance or you will be walled off from progressing. It's ultimately not difficult at all to meet most field skill requirements but it can be annoying to manage your Blades since they need to be in your active party to use field skills. Blades in reserve cannot use skills.

Torna the Golden Country is a DLC story for Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and takes place 500 years before the main story. Despite being a prequel story, it's recommend to play it after the main story. The cast is different from the main game obviously and has some gameplay differences too which some consider an improvement over the main game. It's around 40 hours so it's pretty sizable for a DLC story. The story features the journey of the the Aegis and other heroes as they war against Malos who is also an Aegis.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and Future Redeemed (Switch)

The sequel to the first and second game, it takes places in a world called Aoinios and features a new cast. The story follows the journey of two groups of soldiers led by Noah from Keves and Mio from Agnes, two countries which are at war. Though initially mortal enemies, circumstances force them to join forces. The narrative goes back to how the first game is with less levity and high stakes as the party is considered traitors to their respective countries and will be hunted down throughout their journey. It's highly recommended to play the previous games and there are many references to them that you will miss otherwise but it's still a standalone story so it isn't strictly necessary.

Future Redeemed is a DLC story for Xenoblade Chronicles 3. I can't help you much with information as I haven't played it yet myself but I hear it's pretty well received and serves well to cap off the trilogy.

There's also Xenoblade Chronicles X which isn't part of the trilogy and it's only on the Wii U. So I don't personally recommend it but if you want to then I think it's not a bad plan to play it as well.