You'll want to learn how to unlock the Guardian Commander class in Xenoblade Chronicles 3 if you're looking for a traditional sword and board tank. It's actually one of the first classes you can unlock beyond the initial set your team has by default, but the unlock process can be easily missed if you're not careful.
Down below, we're going to go over how the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Guardian Command class works, who it's best suited to, and the steps you'll need to take to unlock it. It's not difficult, but you can run right by it if you're focused solely on progressing the story.
For more on the new open-world JRPG, check out how to climb in Xenoblade Chronicles 3. We even cover how to use ziplines, and how to walk up sand if you're struggling to make it to those secret areas you keep coming across on your travels.
How to Unlock the Guardian Commander Class in Xenoblade Chronicles 3
If you're looking at your character's class screen with an empty silhouette between those two hero classes, it's not too late to turn back. You haven't missed anything serious just yet, but you have wandered right by a side-quest that offers the sword and shield class to you on a silver platter.
If you've tried teleporting back to Colony 9 only to be barred by the words "fast travel isn't available", that's not because you're unable to enter the old home of Lanz, Eunie, and Noah after you tried to that first time. It would make sense, for sure, but there is a way in - and figuring it out will unlock the class you want.
To unlock the Guardian Command class, you need to pay a visit to Colony 9 under strict conditions to complete the Where The Heart Is quest. Instead of attempting to fast travel there, teleport to Sepulchral Cliffpath in the middle of the Aetia Region, Full map and make your way on foot.
As you start to travel up the slopes that lead to Colony 9, you'll run into the team's old rival Zeon, who's now commander of the camp and out with his men to capture you.
After a brief battle, you're free to carry on your walk of shame back to the colony. Head up into the Ferronis and into the main office to meet up with Zeon again. Let the cutscenes play out, head toward the battlefield due north that set the game's events into motion, and you'll fend off three waves off forces in another battle alongside Zeon.
With that done and dusted, a few more cutscenes will play out, involving another one back at the camp, a broken Flame Clock, another liberated Colony, and an inevitable fight with yet another Moebius Consul.
Get through the fight and you'll convince Zeon to stand by your side. He'll become another Hero you can swap into your party at will, unlocking the Guardian Commander class for Noah to try out. Like any other, you'll need to raise your affinity with Zeon to have your other party members use it instead.
For more Xenoblade content, check out our Xenoblade Chronicles 3 preview to see if your early thoughts match our own. Also, read our Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition review if you're yet to play that one.