InXenoblade Chronicles, one of the most rewarding and emotional side quests is the long-term effort to rebuild Colony 6. Situated on the Bionis’ Leg, Colony 6 suffers devastating destruction during an early Mechon attack. What remains is a ruined settlement filled with memories and potential. As players progress through the game, they gain the opportunity to take part in the Colony 6 reconstruction project, an expansive endeavor that not only revitalizes the colony but also deepens the lore, encourages exploration, and strengthens bonds with NPCs across Bionis. The process is far more than just collecting materials it’s about restoring hope to a devastated people.
The Story Behind Colony 6
Colony 6 once stood as a prosperous and important location within the Homs civilization. Known for its technological advancements and organized leadership, the colony represented stability and progress before the events of the game. However, after the attack by the Mechon, it was left in ruins, its inhabitants scattered or in hiding, and the once-vibrant outpost turned into a symbol of tragedy.
After the main party defeats key enemies and gains the ability to travel more freely, they return to Colony 6 and discover that the survivors want to restore their home. Juju, a brave young survivor, becomes a central figure in this rebuilding effort, calling upon the player’s help to bring life back to what was lost. This initiative becomes a major ongoing objective that spans most of the game’s runtime.
How Colony 6 Reconstruction Works
To begin rebuilding Colony 6, players need to complete specific story events and speak to Juju. From there, the reconstruction is divided into several key categories:
- Housing Provides shelter and increases population growth.
- Commerce Reopens shops and stimulates economic activity.
- Nature Restores the natural environment, making it more beautiful and increasing collectible availability.
- Special Adds unique features like entertainment and community elements to improve morale.
Each category has levels from 0 to 5, and upgrading requires a variety of rare materials and a certain number of residents. These materials can be found throughout Bionis in locations ranging from lush plains to hazardous caves, often requiring players to revisit earlier areas and explore thoroughly.
The Importance of Materials and Exploration
Gathering the items needed for reconstruction requires time and dedication. Players will need to:
- Collect rare drops from specific enemies
- Search for glowing collectible spots across numerous regions
- Trade with NPCs, some of whom only appear during certain times or weather conditions
This encourages deeper engagement with Xenoblade’s world and its intricate time/weather mechanics. As you search for items like Giant Dynamos, Ice Cabbages, and Nopon Silver Coins, you’ll learn the value of persistence and exploration. Some of these items only spawn in certain zones during specific in-game conditions, adding a layer of strategy and planning.
Recruiting for Colony 6
Reconstruction doesn’t rely solely on materials it also needs people. As the player travels across Bionis, they’ll encounter numerous unique NPCs who can be recruited to live in Colony 6. Each recruit has specific requirements that must be met before they will agree to move in. Some need you to complete a side quest, others may require a certain affinity level with their home region, and a few are even in direct competition with other NPCs for the same role in the colony.
Notable Recruits
Here are a few interesting characters you can bring to Colony 6:
- Narine A florist from Colony 9 who adds charm to the Nature upgrades.
- Daza A Nopon merchant who contributes to the growth of Commerce.
- Rasha A driven Homs with a focus on rebuilding infrastructure.
- Cherri Adds variety to the community and supports Special improvements.
Recruiting is not just a means to an end it’s a narrative in itself. Each character brings personality, stories, and sometimes conflicts that play out in Colony 6, making the settlement feel like a living community rather than just a background hub.
Benefits of Colony 6 Restoration
While rebuilding Colony 6 is technically optional, the benefits are significant:
- Improved shops with rare items, equipment, and collectibles
- Access to powerful gems and ether crystals
- Increased affinity with various regions through NPC connections
- New quests and interactions within the colony
- Achievements and experience that aid in late-game preparation
Beyond these gameplay bonuses, the emotional reward of seeing the colony come back to life is immense. Players witness buildings rise, greenery flourish, and people regain their sense of purpose and joy. It’s a reflection of the game’s theme of resilience and hope in the face of overwhelming despair.
Strategic Considerations
To make the most out of the Colony 6 reconstruction, players should plan their upgrades in a balanced manner. Focusing too much on one category may delay progress in others, especially if you’re lacking in certain types of items or recruits. It’s helpful to track what you need for each level of restoration and prioritize exploration in regions where those materials are likely to be found.
Affinity and Time Investment
Affinity is another important factor. To unlock certain recruits or trades, you’ll need to raise the affinity between Shulk’s party and different regions by completing quests and engaging in Heart-to-Hearts. This adds yet another layer to the reconstruction process, tying it into the broader progression of the game and encouraging relationship-building with characters throughout Bionis.
A Testament to Xenoblade’s Design
Colony 6 reconstruction showcases the strengths of Xenoblade Chronicles’ game design. It blends narrative, exploration, and character interaction into a meaningful and satisfying side activity that enhances the core story. It’s not just a minigame it’s a parallel journey of healing and rebuilding that mirrors the emotional arc of the protagonists.
As you help Colony 6 rise from the ashes, you aren’t just checking boxes you’re restoring a future. Every piece of scrap metal collected, every NPC convinced to join, and every rare flower planted is a defiant act of hope. In a world shaken by war and loss, Colony 6 becomes a symbol of what can be reclaimed through determination and compassion.
Rebuilding Colony 6 is one of Xenoblade Chronicles’ most immersive and rewarding long-term goals. It exemplifies the game’s rich world-building, attention to detail, and emotional storytelling. Whether you’re in it for the completionist rewards, the heartfelt community development, or simply the joy of bringing life back to a broken place, this side quest offers depth and meaning that few games achieve. In the sprawling narrative of Xenoblade, Colony 6 stands as a testament to the power of rebuilding brick by brick, person by person, hope by hope.