As a Moments subpage, all spoilers are unmarked as per policy. You Have Been Warned.
open/close all folders
Main Story
Chapter 1
- Matthew and A come across Nikol and Glimmer fighting each other as the sole survivors of their respective colonies. While A wants to leave them be, Matthew votes to set them free from the Clock and stop their senseless fighting.
Chapter 2
- Nikol jumps in front of W's massive laser blast to save Glimmer, who is almost more surprised by that than by the attack itself, before they're both saved by Rex. It's also probably not a coincidence that Rex's first appearance is praising Nikol for saving his daughter (even though he doesn't realize who Glimmer is until after the fight).
Chapter 3
- During the campout after the battle with Moebius W, Shulk notices Nikol tinkering with his weapon and expresses admiration for his invention. Recognizing Nikol as his son, Shulk takes pride in his child's work and is delighted that they share a common interest and love for machinery.
- While discussing Glimmer's resemblance to Pyra, Rex smiles at how much she resembles her mother but expresses a wish for the timing to be different. It conveys Rex's fondness for his wife Pyra and his bittersweet feelings about the current circumstances.
- As Matthew and the others settle in Colony 9, Rex approaches Shulk and comments on the ease of his relationship with Nikol compared to his with Glimmer. Shulk offers comfort to Rex, acknowledging that nothing about their situation is easy and that there is an awkward distance between him and Nikol. Shulk provides advice to Rex, encouraging him to be himself around Glimmer and reminding him of the shared experiences and independence they both possess from a young age. It demonstrates the support and guidance these two legendary heroes offer each other in navigating their relationships with their implied children.
- In a small but meaningful detail, Rex is depicted as the team chef, cooking various meals for others. This serves as a callback to Pyra, one of his wives, implying that he learned how to cook from her and likely assisted in preparing meals for their family before the events of Aionios.
Chapter 4
- As Rex prepares for the next day's journey, Glimmer approaches him alone and expresses her gratitude for saving her. In response, Rex apologizes to Glimmer for his earlier outburst, and she accepts his apology, expressing her happiness to be part of the group now.
- During their conversation, Rex reveals that he lost his eye during his battle with Alpha. Although it temporarily affected him, Rex has come to appreciate the change as it resembles a man he once admired—Zeke. Despite growing up and no longer being a kid, Rex still holds a deep respect for Zeke and the lessons he learned from him during their journey together.
- When Glimmer asks Rex why he risks everything, including his own life and well-being, to help others, his response reflects his core values. He explains that his goal is to bring smiles to people's faces and create a world where everyone can be happy. This reaffirms that Rex's fundamental nature remains unchanged from his adventures in Xenoblade Chronicles 2, and it serves as a poignant callback to the words he spoke to Malos during their final battle.
- The depth of Rex's knowledge about Pneuma and the other Trinity Cores suggests that not only did Pyra and Mythra retain their memories of their adventures with him, but they also regained much of their original knowledge and understanding.
Chapter 5
- Matthew and Na'el reconciling with each other and Na'el finally rejecting Alpha after all the misery the latter caused in pursuit of the desires of Na'el.
- If you slow down the scene, you can see that the Pneuma Core Crystal wasn't within Matthew's Gauntlet until he summons its power. This observation could lead to two theories: the Core Crystal appears when needed, or Pyra/Mythra sense that their family and world are in danger, manifesting themselves within Matthew to save everyone. Even beyond Aionios, Pyra/Mythra would do everything within their power to save their loved ones.
- Shulk and Rex giving up their lifeforce to free their respective children Nikol and Glimmer from their limited lifespans, thus explaining how both lived beyond the standard ten years of Kevesi and Agnian soldiers. And Shulk and Rex's departure, while sad for some, is mitigated by Shulk noting they are are not sacrificing themselves but simply "helping," and Rex confidently stating that they're just "taking a breather" while assuring Nikol and Glimmer that if they do their part in the struggle with Moebius, then they will be reunited eventually - and given that Origin does end up rebooting both worlds and restoring everyone, their confidence in the future is well-placed.Shulk: We'll be waiting, at the far edge of time.
- Rex giving Glimmer an Affectionate Gesture to the Head, to her confusion. Just from his smile, it's clear he's done this before, back in Alrest.
- Shulk addressing A as "Alvis" - Alpha may have taken the physical form of Alvis from the first game and bears the original Monado, but Shulk's old friend is still around as A and still dedicated towards fighting for a world where "all life will walk towards the future, hand in hand". It also vindicates Shulk's initial actions from the beginning of Future Redeemed of trying to appeal to Alvis' inner goodness - Alpha may be a "heartless machine", but A certainly isn't.
- While A initially protests over Shulk and Rex bending the rules to free Nikol and Glimmer of their limited lifespans, Rex says that "if they were here", they would tell A that it would be fine to break the rules. While "they" in this case initially seems to be referring to Pyra/Mythra by showing Matthew's Fists of the End as Rex says this, which has a core resembling Pneuma's, the camera then cuts to N's Sword of the End, which is heavily implied to have a core resembling Logos' - and it's clear that "they" in this scenario also refers to Malos. For all of Malos' faults, Rex still believes that he had the capacity for good deep down inside, had it not been for the despair of Amalthus. And unlike Alpha, A realizes that Rex is right in this case, and then proceeds to tell that "[they] didn't see anything" in regards to them extending the lives of Nikol and Glimmer.
Ending
- The credits are interposed with various cutscenes from Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, and Xenoblade Chronicles 3 presented as if they were being shown by a projector, all while "Future Awaits" plays over them. The song itself is sung by Joanne Hogg, the vocalist of Xenogears' own credits theme, and listening to it while seeing clips of all the heroes and villains of the "Klaus saga" is bound to be both heartwarming and tear-jerking. It feels as if these characters are thanking the audience for experiencing their adventures, and more than that, it feels like a celebration of a completed story - something that Monolith Soft was unable to achieve with Xenogears or Xenosaga.
- The Stinger of the game shows the results of Origin as the two worlds reform and drift apart as intended. However, the same color lights associated with Interlinking then begin to emanate from each planet, until a bright light obscures them both to then reveal there is only one planet remaining, implying that the two worlds connected properly this time — meaning that Nia's belief that everyone on Aionios will be reunited was proven true, that Noah and Mio will reunite, and that the inhabitants of the City will be reborn. But more than that, a single blue light can be seen falling to the world, implying that a certain someone finally made it home to the properly connected world just in time.
Camp Scenes
- Matthew and Rex share a laugh while enjoying a drink together. Unbeknownst to either of them, Matthew is the great-grandson of Mio, who is hinted to be the daughter of Rex and Nia. This means that Rex is bonding with his great-great grandson, adding an additional layer of significance to their interaction.
- Shulk and Rex sit down for a chat, and Rex bursts out in laughter, bringing a smile to Shulk's face. It's touching to see that despite being away from their respective friends and families, Shulk and Rex finds joy and happiness in their friendship with each other, forming a meaningful bond in their shared journey.
- After a side quest, A begins teaching Glimmer how to play the lute, and they appear to be having a fun time together. With the reveal that A is Alvis and Glimmer is the implied daughter of Pyra and Rex, the scene evokes a sense of an aunt/uncle bonding with and teaching their niece.
- Shulk and Nikol are depicted once again working and tinkering with machines and gadgets, further strengthening their bond as father and son, without Nikol realizing it.
Affinity Scenes
- In an Affinity Scene set in Chyra's destroyed village, Matthew expresses his desire to rebuild the city in honor of the fallen and invites A to come and live with them once the reconstruction is complete. A considers the offer, stating that it sounds appealing and that they will take some time to think it over.
- During a conversation about Shulk's former mentor, Dunban, Rex seeks clarification on whether Dunban is Shulk's mentor or brother-in-law. This reveals that Shulk and Fiora got married after the events of the first game, and that Nikol is also Fiora's son.
- In an Affinity Scene between Shulk and Nikol in Outlook Park, Shulk mentions someone (Implied to be Fiora) he knew all his life who'd bring him food there, and that it's thanks to her that he's still around, as well as Nikol. Shulk then asks Nikol to come back there with him and eat sandwiches together once everything is over, which Nikol agrees to.
- In a discussion between Shulk, Rex, and Matthew regarding the power of the Ouroboros' Stone, Matthew laments that without his grandfather's expertise, the stone is merely a paperweight. Shulk provides reassurance by promising that he and Riku will continue their efforts until they unlock its true potential.
- During this conversation, Rex reveals that he is familiar with the stone and emphasizes the importance of keeping it safe. He mentions that it was a gift from the true Queen of Agnus, Nia, and his tone, as well as Shulk's response, suggests that Rex's concern for the stone is intertwined with his deep care for Nia.
- Based on Shulk's tone at the end, it's implied that Rex frequently speaks about Nia and likely misses her.
- During a conversation near the Cliffs of Morytha, Rex opens up to Glimmer, sharing how he made a firm decision to do whatever it takes, even enduring challenging or difficult circumstances, in order to live up to the trust of the people he loves. Although Glimmer may not fully comprehend his sentiment, Rex reassures her that it’s alright and emphasizes that she is never alone.
- In addition, it is worth noting that this conversation takes place in the same location where Rex made a heartfelt declaration to never leave Pyra and Mythra's side again. He expressed his willingness to endure and share their hardships together. Recognizing a similarity between Glimmer and her mother, Rex is determined to ensure that Glimmer never experiences the same depths of despair that her mother did. He is committed to supporting and uplifting her, providing a sense of comfort and reassurance.
Side Quests
- In one conversation after "Where is That Guy?" where a Kevesi and Agnian are shown to have clearly fallen in love, Rex gives the man some advice on being there for her and how much it means to her. It's made clear he is speaking from ample romantic experience of his own, though most of the party are unsure what to make of it and Rex doesn't want to go into his current separation from his own lovers, leaving a bittersweet feel in the end.
- "If Walls Could Speak" is a call-back to both "The Riddle on the Wall" and "Salvager King" quests, moreso the latter, where Rex reminisces about the bond he managed to forge with King Eulogimenos over being salvagers. The quest implies that Eulogimenos setup a treasure hunt for Rex, hiding the Orbital Skyreader fished up back then. Linka has a knowing reaction, meaning she knows of her grandfather's personal hobby.
- When the old Ether Furnace is repaired, Shulk privately muses on how the Gem Man's furnace is still up and running even in the ravaged state of Colony 9, and promises to take care of it.
- We meet Giorgio's granddaughter Georgie, clearly named after her grandfather by her mother Paola. And like her grandfather, she's involved with preparing the food for the Liberators, even setting up a canteen. Furthermore, for her first dish, she asks you to find five Dance Apples, which Shulk reminisces about doing for Giorgio.
- "Linka's Birthday" kicks off when Rex informs everyone that it's his pupil's birthday and he wants to celebrate by preparing her favorite dish, Fried Octomayo, a meal that her parents (implied to be Zeke and Pandoria) used to make for her in Alrest.
- After tracking down the enormous octopus monster described by Linka's father, Rex serves the dish to her. To her surprise, the recipe doesn't actually involve a giant octopus (as her father was known to exaggerate). Rex begins to feel as if he had let her down, but when Linka tastes it, she mentions that it evokes a sense of home and thanks him for the wonderful gift, resulting in a genuine smile from Rex.
- Impressed by the taste, Linka decides to share the Fried Octomayo with her friends, spreading the joy of this delightful dish.
