It isn't uncommon to see newer games in a franchise reference its past. A developer may desire to give longtime fans something to be excited about like when Atlus added the Persona 3 and 4 protagonists as secret boss fights in Persona 5 Royal. Developer Monolith Soft similarly plans to give longtime Xenoblade Chronicles fans a familiar weapon.Xenoblade Chronicles 3 was first showcased to the world at the end of a Nintendo Direct in February of this year. The game was originally slated for a release in September but, for unknown reasons, was moved up to an earlier release slot. Through a recent Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Direct, Monolith Soft has given audiences new information about the upcoming game.Presented during the closing minutes of the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Direct was the announcement that Xenoblade Chronicles 3 will feature amiibo support. This will allow players to scan any of these figures for helpful items they'll be able to use. Scanning the Shulk amiibo specifically will allow players to wield the Monado from the first Xenoblade Chronicles when using the sword fighter class of new protagonist Noah.
While it is unknown at the current moment, some fans have begun to speculate if the inclusion of Shulk's Monado could mean other classic weapons will be added. The discussion centers specifically around the Aegis sword, the main weapon of Xenoblade Chronicles 2's protagonist Rex and his partner Pyra.
Xenoblade Chronicles has made a habit of featuring classic content from its older titles. Most recently Xenoblade Chronicles 2 not only brought back Shulk and Xenoblade Chronicles X character Elma but, also KOS-MOS from Monolith Soft's previous series, Xenosaga. This could be the reason some fans are debating the possibility of other Xenoblade characters or weapons appearing beyond the Monado. While Monado is currently limited to only Noah's sword fighter class, Monolith Soft may decide to add weapons for popular non-sword-wielding characters such as Sharla's rifle for the healer class.
Given that Pyra and her counterpart Mythra will be receiving amiibo of their own due to their inclusion in Super Smash Bros Ultimate, it is entirely possible Monolith Soft will include one or both of their blades as amiibo-specific content. Seeing the iconic Monado return is likely to be something longtime fans of the series enjoy. Though we have no knowledge on if any other weapons will return to Xenoblade Chronicles 3, fans won't need to wait long to have the game in their hands.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 releases on July 29th, 2022 on Nintendo Switch
