Patch 1.2.3 Fixes Maelle's Stendahl Exploit in Clair Obscur

Sandfall Interactive, the developer behind the hit RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has rolled out Patch 1.2.3 for all platforms.

This update delivers a lengthy list of fixes and, importantly, several balance adjustments, including a nerf to the game's most overpowered build (full notes below).

The studio had previously indicated such a change was possible, noting that while early patches would focus on bugs, they would make balance tweaks "unless something clearly stood out."

"Well, Stendhal did," the developer stated.

The build in question centered on the young fencer Maelle and a sword named Medalum, which unlocks a Virtuose Stance granting a 200% damage bonus. Players combined this with ability-stacking and the Stendhal skill—a powerful single-target Void attack—to deal billions in damage, enough to defeat the final boss in one hit.

"It was underwhelming for most of development, so during our final pre-release balance pass, we gave it a significant damage increase. We clearly went too far, as it ended up overshadowing most other options," Sandfall explained.

"We still want players to find ways to break the game—and you absolutely still can—but Stendhal was making it a bit too trivial."

The nerf is part of the game's first comprehensive hotfix. While Stendhal remains a potent single-hit skill with strong synergy potential, its power is now more aligned with other abilities.

The patch also resolves what appears to be a bug causing Medalum's third Lumina to double all damage in Virtuose Stance, rather than only Burn damage.

Key points from today's patch notes include:

Fixed Medalum third Lumina doubling all damage in Virtuose Stance instead of doubling only Burn damage. Stendhal: Reduced damage by 40%.

Maelle Outfits and Hairstyles - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

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Clair Obscur has been a breakout success for Sandfall, surpassing 2 million copies sold. It's worth noting that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 launched day-one on Game Pass alongside Bethesda's Oblivion Remastered, making this sales achievement particularly impressive.

When Bethesda shadow-dropped The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered concurrently with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, many assumed only one could thrive. However, the market proved there was ample room for both titles to succeed.

The game has performed so well that French President Macron commended the development team. Be sure to check out our guide for essential tips before starting your adventure.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Update 1.2.3 Patch Notes

Steam Deck

Fixed an issue where background elements in various menus would not display correctly on Steam Deck.

Various Ultrawide Fixes

Gameplay no longer remains zoomed in after a cutscene when using ultrawide resolutions. The Options menu background image no longer appears stretched in ultrawide. Combat UI now properly adapts to ultrawide resolutions. The game will no longer minimize when changing settings in ultrawide mode. Cutscenes no longer have letterboxing in 32:9 aspect ratio. The title screen now displays in fullscreen when launched in an ultrawide resolution.

Mouse and Keyboard

UI button prompts in the Expedition Menu are now visible and fully functional with keyboard input. Mouse buttons no longer become unresponsive after initial use. Using 'WASD' or arrow keys to navigate the UI while the mouse cursor is visible will no longer hide the cursor instead of performing the intended action. A left mouse-button click no longer blocks subsequent keyboard navigation in menus. Mouse input is no longer lost after the first Jump counter-attack if the button is pressed only once.

Fixed Areas on the World Map Where Players Could Get Stuck:

Between lanterns scattered on the ground near the Stone Wave Cliff portal. While walking on the shipwreck near the Forgotten Battlefield level entrance. Between lanterns on the ground near the Bourgeon encounter next to Stone Wave Cliffs. Between two small rocks located between Spring Meadows and Abbest Cave. Between vases and corals when jumping from rooftops. In various rock formations. In ruins behind the Flying Manor level entrance. Near the bridge between Flying Waters and Spring Meadows. In rocks on the World Map, near Flying Waters. Next to hardened land close to the Flying Waters location exit.

Fixed Situations Where Esquie Specifically Would Get Stuck:

When taking off from painted bridges, causing him to fall through and restricting movement. When flying into the bottom parts of levitating structures near Visages. Near the Flying Waters entrance level. Near a giant hammer when traversing close to the Blades' Graveyard level.

Weapon and Skill Fixes and Adjustments:

Fixed Lithelim attribute scaling not functioning correctly at high levels. Reduced initial Vitality scaling from A to C (will still reach S at max level). Added Luck scaling starting at D. Fixed Blizzon attribute scaling not functioning correctly at high levels. Reduced initial Luck scaling from B to C (will still reach S at max level). Added Defense scaling starting at D. Fixed Medalum third Lumina doubling all damage in Virtuose Stance instead of only Burn damage. Stendhal: Reduced damage by 40%.

Other Fixes

The boss encounter in Stone Wave Cliffs can now be completed in New Game Plus. Players are no longer blocked by the Journal UI window after opening the first Journal in Spring Meadows. Fixed an issue preventing players from shooting in Free Aim while exploring due to worn controller triggers. Lune and Monoco no longer spawn in the same location at the end of their Level 6 relationship quests if completed without visiting camp. If at camp you select "remember the objective," then quickly choose "go to sleep" and immediately press "leave," the screen no longer turns black. Players can no longer trigger the "Discovering the truth" cutscene in Old Lumière twice in succession, which would permanently split the party, leaving only Verso and Maelle. Updated rolling credits sequence.