Core Crystal

Lore & Background

The world of Alrest is defined by its relationship with Core Crystals and the Titans upon which humanity lives. Legends speak of a time before exile, where humans lived atop the World Tree in paradise under the Architect, but were cast down to live on Titans instead. In this new reality, some individuals known as Drivers possess the ability to summon Blades from these crystals using a force called Ether. The personality of the Driver significantly influences the personality of the awakened Blade due to their close spiritual bond. This mechanic drives much of the world's conflict and history, particularly involving the legendary Aegis blades Pyra and Mythra, who share a single Core Crystal yet possess distinct personalities, consciousnesses, and abilities.

In Their Own Story

The central narrative begins when young salvager Rex is hired by Argentum Trade Guild Chairman Bana to aid in an ancient ship salvage. Inside, they find Pyra, a legendary Blade known as the Aegis. When Rex reaches out to touch her sword, Jin fatally stabs him. Rex awakens in a memory of Pyra's old home, Elysium, where she asks him to bring her there and gives him half of her Core Crystal to revive him. This act formally makes Rex her Driver. The story follows their journey across various Titans like Gormott and Uraya as they are pursued by Torna, a terrorist group seeking the Aegis's power. Other key moments include the awakening of artificial Blades by Nopon genius Tora and his creation Poppi, and the tragic cycle where drivers like Vandham die and leave their blades behind.

Reader's Guide

To acquire a Blade, a Driver must awaken a Core Crystal. While most Blades are optional and not found through the main story, there are exactly 40 unique Rare Blades available in the base game, with an additional 11 obtainable via downloadable content or New Game Plus. Notable examples include KOS-MOS and T-ELOS from Xenosaga, as well as Shulk, Fiora, and Elma added through Challenge Mode DLC. Each Blade determines a Driver's class and provides a unique set of Arts based on the Blade's weapon type and element (Fire, Water, Wind, Ice, Electric, Earth, Light, or Dark). Drivers can have three Blades active at any time. If a Driver falls in battle, their attached Blade reverts to a Core Crystal with amnesia, requiring a new Driver to wake them again.

Did You Know?

• There are exactly 38 unique Rare Blades available in the base game of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (excluding the two Aegis blades and DLC blades).
• When a Driver dies, their Blade reverts to a Core Crystal and loses all memory of their time together.
• Core Crystals can be awakened by different Drivers over time if the crystal remains intact after the previous owner's death.
• The legendary Aegis Pyra and Mythra share a single Core Crystal but have distinct consciousnesses and abilities.