In Xenoblade Chronicles X, crafting and upgrading powerful gear is essential to surviving the alien world of Mira, and one key item that often leaves players searching is the Spherical EM Motor. This elusive component is a required material for various Skell Frame upgrades and weapon development, making it one of the most sought-after items for advanced customization. While its name may sound technical, understanding what the Spherical EM Motor is, how to obtain it, and how it plays into Skell mechanics is crucial for any player wanting to optimize their late-game performance in Xenoblade X.
What Is the Spherical EM Motor?
The Spherical EM Motor is a rare mechanical part in Xenoblade Chronicles X primarily used for crafting Skell parts, tuning high-grade equipment, and progressing certain affinity missions that involve technological research. As with many crafting materials in the game, it doesn’t appear in stores or common enemy drops, making it a unique target for exploration and farming.
Item Classification and Use
- Item Type: Mechanical part
- Rarity: Rare
- Main Use: Skell frame enhancement and blueprint unlocking
- Obtained from: Enemy drops, treasure nodes, and specific missions
Due to its value in building and enhancing Skell units the giant mechs that define Xenoblade X’s combat and traversal system the Spherical EM Motor is especially important to players aiming to create top-tier gear.
Where to Find the Spherical EM Motor
Locating the Spherical EM Motor can be a bit tricky, as it’s not tied to just one straightforward source. However, players can focus their efforts in specific regions and enemy types known to drop it, particularly in late-game zones.
Best Locations to Search
- Cauldros Region: This volcanic area is home to high-level mechanical enemies. Several veteran players confirm this is the most reliable zone for farming Spherical EM Motors.
- Oblivia: While less consistent, some mechanical enemies here, particularly in the northern desert and near wreckage sites, have a small chance to drop the motor.
- Treasure Nodes: With the right field skill level in Mechanical (Level 4 or 5), treasure boxes in Cauldros occasionally yield Spherical EM Motors.
Enemy Drop Guide
Specific enemy types that are most likely to drop the item include:
- Forfex-type enemies: These spider-like machines are frequently found in Cauldros and are known to drop various mechanical parts.
- Mechanoids: Flying mechanical drones often patrol high cliffs or ruined facilities defeating them in groups increases drop odds.
- High-Level Tyrants: Elite boss-type enemies in mechanical zones may have a small chance to drop the motor, but they’re time-consuming to farm.
Improving Your Drop Rate
Farming rare materials like the Spherical EM Motor can be time-consuming. However, there are several ways to increase your efficiency:
Equip Drop Rate Augmenting Gear
Some armor and weapons come with traits that boost enemy drop rates. Equipping these on your party members especially on those dealing the final blow can slightly improve your odds.
Use Probe Optimization on Mira
Deploying FrontierNav probes in high-yield mechanical zones like Cauldros and upgrading them can indirectly assist by revealing more treasure node locations or increasing currency for Skell parts, allowing you to purchase related blueprints.
Increase Mechanical Field Skill
The treasure nodes that sometimes contain the Spherical EM Motor require a high Mechanical field skill. Assign characters with this specialty or upgrade your Avatar’s skills to level 5 to unlock the best nodes.
Crafting and Blueprint Usage
Once you have obtained one or more Spherical EM Motors, you’ll be able to use them at the Skell Development Lab located in the Armory Alley area of New LA. These motors are typically used in:
- Skell Frame Upgrades: Boosting HP, armor integrity, or fuel efficiency.
- Skell Weapon Construction: Certain railguns, beam sabers, and shoulder-mounted weapons require the motor as part of their crafting recipe.
- Augments: Some advanced Skell augments enhancing mobility or energy efficiency include the Spherical EM Motor in their component list.
Important Blueprints Involving the Motor
Many level 50+ Skell blueprints will require 12 Spherical EM Motors each. Keeping a small reserve in your inventory is a good idea, especially if you plan on customizing multiple Skell units for different team members.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many players waste hours looking for the wrong enemies or exploring treasure nodes without the necessary field skills. Here are some mistakes to avoid when hunting for the Spherical EM Motor:
- Ignoring field skill requirements: You won’t access high-tier treasure nodes without Mechanical Level 5.
- Farming in early-game zones: This item won’t drop in areas like Primordia or Noctilum.
- Not using drop rate gear: Going in unprepared reduces your efficiency and leads to longer grind sessions.
Alternative Ways to Obtain the Item
While enemy drops and treasure nodes are the main source of the Spherical EM Motor, a few other paths exist:
- Squad Missions: Occasionally, a Division mission may list the Spherical EM Motor as a completion reward. These are rare but worth checking if you’re doing multiplayer or squad play.
- Reward Tickets: By participating in online missions and gaining reward tickets, you can exchange them for rare materials, including the Spherical EM Motor. This method saves time if you’re already playing online regularly.
Importance in Late-Game Progression
The Spherical EM Motor becomes significantly more important in the second half of the game, particularly after acquiring your first Skell. As new blueprints unlock and the need for better weapons rises, you’ll find yourself constantly in need of these rare components. Missing a key upgrade because you lack this item can delay your ability to tackle high-level missions, tyrant hunts, or story-based boss fights.
Tips from Experienced Players
- Always bring Elma or Lin: Their mechanical knowledge and skills help uncover hidden nodes faster.
- Time your farming sessions: Some enemies respawn more quickly at night or during certain weather conditions.
- Check Skell blueprints before crafting: Avoid wasting motors on unnecessary builds when better ones may be just a few missions away.
The Spherical EM Motor in Xenoblade Chronicles X may seem like just another crafting part, but its importance can’t be overstated. Whether you’re assembling powerful Skells, creating high-tier weapons, or finishing mechanical-themed missions, this item plays a central role in progression. By understanding where to find it, how to farm it efficiently, and the blueprints it unlocks, you can stay ahead in your journey across Mira. Like many elements in Xenoblade X, patience and preparation pay off and having a few Spherical EM Motors on hand can make all the difference when the game’s biggest battles come calling.