Tales of Xillia
Tales of Xillia

Linked Artes & Link System Mechanics — Tales of Xillia Guide

Master the Link System and devastating Linked Artes in Tales of Xillia. This guide details effective partner abilities and combat strategies.

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Linked Artes & Link System Mechanics

The Link System is the cornerstone of combat in Tales of Xillia, allowing for dynamic cooperative attacks and strategic battlefield control. Mastering Linked Artes, in particular, is crucial for maximizing damage output, extending combos, and exploiting enemy weaknesses. This section will delve into the intricacies of linking, partner abilities, and how to effectively utilize these mechanics throughout your journey.

Understanding the Link System

At its core, the Link System allows your active character to "link" with another party member, granting them specific support abilities and enabling powerful Linked Artes. You can initiate a link by pressing L1 (default PlayStation 3 control) and selecting a partner. The linked pair will then share a "Link Gauge" and benefit from proximity bonuses.

  • Link Gauge: This gauge fills as you attack enemies and perform successful dodges. When full, it allows you to unleash a powerful Linked Arte.
  • Proximity Bonus: When linked, staying close to your partner grants increased critical hit rates and faster Link Gauge accumulation. Conversely, separating too far will temporarily break the link, though it can be re-established quickly.
  • Switching Partners: You can switch your linked partner at any time during battle by pressing L1 again and selecting a new character. This is vital for adapting to different enemy types and utilizing specific partner abilities.

Partner Abilities & Strategic Linking

Each character possesses a unique Partner Ability that activates when they are linked to the active character. Understanding these abilities is key to forming effective pairs and dominating encounters:

  • Jude: Snap Pivot - Automatically dodges enemy attacks and allows for a quick counter-attack. Excellent for aggressive playstyles and maintaining offensive pressure. Link with Jude when facing fast, single-target enemies or when you need to quickly close gaps.
  • Milla: Bind - Temporarily immobilizes enemies, making them vulnerable to follow-up attacks. Invaluable for controlling groups of enemies or setting up powerful combos. Link with Milla when dealing with multiple foes or when you need a moment to breathe.
  • Alvin: Breaker - Increases the chance of breaking an enemy's guard, leaving them open to attacks. Ideal for tackling heavily armored foes or bosses with high defense. Link with Alvin against resilient enemies to quickly wear down their defenses.
  • Elize: Teepo Drain/Teepo Revive - Teepo Drain steals HP from enemies, while Teepo Revive automatically revives a fallen ally. Elize is a versatile support partner. Link with Elize when you need consistent healing or a safety net against powerful boss attacks.
  • Rowen: Auto Magic Guard - Automatically guards against incoming magical attacks. Essential for battles against magic-heavy enemies or spellcasters. Link with Rowen when facing foes that frequently cast spells.
  • Leia: Item Steal/Item Extender - Leia can steal items from enemies and extend the duration of beneficial status effects. Useful for farming rare drops and maximizing buff uptime. Link with Leia when you want to acquire specific enemy drops or prolong the effects of your support Artes.

Actionable Tip: Don't be afraid to frequently switch your linked partner based on the battle situation. For instance, start a fight linked with Alvin to break an enemy's guard, then switch to Milla to bind them for a devastating Linked Arte combo.

Executing Linked Artes

Linked Artes are powerful cooperative attacks that are triggered when your Link Gauge is sufficiently filled and you perform a specific Arte. The type of Linked Arte depends on the combination of the active character's Arte and the linked partner's abilities.

  1. Fill the Link Gauge: Engage in combat, land attacks, and perform successful dodges to build up the Link Gauge (located near your character's portrait).
  2. Initiate an Arte: As the active character, perform any Arte.
  3. Press the Link Arte Button: While your character is performing their Arte, if the Link Gauge is full and a Linked Arte is available, a prompt will appear (usually R2 on PlayStation 3). Press this button to trigger the Linked Arte.

Key Strategies for Linked Artes:

  • Elemental Weaknesses: Pay close attention to enemy elemental weaknesses. Many Linked Artes have specific elemental properties. For example, Jude's "Swallow Dance" linked with Milla's "Rock Lance" might result in a powerful earth-elemental Linked Arte.
  • Staggering Enemies: Linked Artes are excellent for staggering enemies, interrupting their attacks, and creating openings for further combos.
  • Over Limit Activation: When your Over Limit gauge is full, Linked Artes become even more potent, often dealing increased damage and having extended effects.
  • Skill Customization: Explore the "Skills" menu for each character. Many skills directly enhance Linked Artes, such as "Linked Arte Boost" which increases their damage, or "Link Gauge Plus" which speeds up gauge accumulation. Prioritize these skills on the Lilium Orb for your main damage dealers.

Example Combo: As Jude, initiate "Demon Fist" (Martial Arte). If linked with Milla and the Link Gauge is full, press R2 to trigger the Linked Arte "Rock Buster" (Jude + Milla). This combines Jude's physical prowess with Milla's earth magic for a strong, area-of-effect attack.

Advanced Link System Tips

  • Targeting: Use the right analog stick to switch targets. This is crucial for directing your linked partner's attacks and ensuring Linked Artes hit the intended enemy.
  • AI Settings: Adjust your party members' AI settings in the "Strategy" menu to optimize their behavior. For instance, set healers to "Prioritize Healing" and attackers to "Attack Same Enemy" to ensure coordinated assaults.
  • Accessory Synergies: Certain accessories can enhance the Link System. Look for items like the Link Ring (found in the Rusalle Highroad, chest near the eastern exit) which increases Link Gauge gain, or the Partner Charm (dropped by certain Gigantos, like the Hammerhead in the Arklund Quag) which boosts partner ability activation rates.
  • Boss Battles: For boss encounters, carefully consider your linked pair. A common strategy is to link a strong attacker (like Jude or Milla) with a support character (Elize for healing, Rowen for magic defense) to maintain survivability while dishing out damage.

By understanding and actively utilizing the Link System and Linked Artes, you'll transform your combat experience in Tales of Xillia from simple button-mashing to a deeply strategic and rewarding dance of cooperative power.