Prerequisites: A modded Switch or emulator, two controller inputs, any update of Xenoblade Definitive Edition, version 2.0 or under for Xenoblade 2, specifically version 2.0 for Xenoblade 3, and a github account to run the action which generates the mod files.
First off, apologies but I write video essays not tutorials. I’m incapable of addressing things without preamble. Xenoblade is a series where the details matter but the shot composition rarely reveals them in full, which is why being able to unlock the camera is such a hugely exciting prospect. Like, until I discovered this project the single good image of Malos’ Monado available was that of the Torna promo art. But now I have more screens of it than I could realistically ever need. I’ve been messing with this mod obsessively enough over the past few months that I really feel maybe I should just write a quick, non-committal, non-comprehensive, no-i-am-not-tech-support introduction to how I’ve been taking freecam screenshots for the Switch’s Xenoblade games, to hopefully better disseminate that knowledge, or at least point out the mod’s existence. I’m not affiliated with this in any capacity, just think it’s a really fun tool that opens up valuable discussion potential. Yet barely anyone is aware it exists. The project I use is a set of atmosphere mods called Xenomods. To get it working you’ll need, firstly, the games/game files to be used either with a modded Switch or an emulator. Personally I advocate Ryujinx rather than Yuzu because the latter has issues with rendering shadows in Xenoblade 2, but that’s just preference and each holds performance advantage in different areas.
I can’t and won’t help direct anyone with regards to dumping or procuring the games, but I can comment on the quirks and limitations. According to the chart:
- Xenoblade: Definitive Edition works on any update version. This naturally also includes Future Connected.
- Xenoblade 2 only works on 2.0.0 and lower. If need be you could use your copy of Xenoblade 2 and simply revert it to base by removing any update files and DLC, but that does also take away the event theatre. For me, with what limited files I’ve found floating around, version 1.5 has been the best of the available options because it features the event theatre and freecam support together.
- Torna the Golden Country only works either at 1.0.0 of the standalone cartridge, or 2.0.0 as DLC for the main game. I haven’t located any of these so, frustratingly, haven’t had the chance to look at this chapter in freecam (but if anyone does, I beg you, please get this left shot taken closer and the right with bloom disabled then share an imgur link).
- Xenoblade 3 only gains support at 2.0.0. This is the update which added Future Redeemed so shouldn’t require much digging. Because XC3 reportedly changed the camera system from the previous games only basic camera movement works right now. Trying to use any of the effects like disabling fog or motion blur will crash the emulator.
Once you have the relevant emulator and game files arranged, you’ll also need a github account to generate the mod files. This is done by heading to the Actions tab while signed in, entering the most recent working revision and clicking on one of the “xenomods-release” artifacts. Again the chart on the actual page identifies these but bf2 is XC2, bf3 is XC3, bfsw is DE and ira is Torna. Pressing one will work through the code actions in-browser and then download the requested files. Now open the atmosphere mod directory of the relevant game. I don’t have my Switch modded so you’ll have to look elsewhere for instruction pertaining to actual hardware, but on Ryujinx the simplest way is to click “File > Open Ryujinx folder” enter into “sdcard” and extract the downloaded zip file there. The zip contains the same folder structure so its atmosphere and the one in Ryujinx should automatically place the files where needed. On Yuzu the process is basically the same, where you press “File > Open yuzu Folder” enter into “sdmc” and place the atmosphere folder from the zip in so that it merges with Yuzu’s existing atmosphere folder structure.
With the files appropriately placed, boot up a supported game version. Xenoblade 2 is the only one that will display a bunch of debug text on startup to confirm the code is working, but the others can still be easily checked by pressing the Y button to disable HUD elements. Majority of the functions are controlled by player 2’s gamepad. The full command list can be found on the github page but the most important are unlocking the camera by clicking both thumbsticks in, making the camera movement faster with L+R+Plus or slower with L+R+Minus and disabling HUD with Y. For Xenoblade 2 it’s also important to press B and hide the debug text that the game launches with. With those particular functions you’re now equipped to go into the event theatre, pause a cutscene where desired and begin exploring things from all the angles Monolith never wanted us to. You’ll never unsee the broken wrists and model distortions will occasionally border on monstrous. But you will finally be able to get a good look at Malos and Pneuma’s swords for once, or be able to pull out the camera and get proper perspectives of Meyneth who otherwise only appears for a brief moment in the original cutscene. It’s those kinds of things that make freecam so exciting.
skapbadoa 
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