Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Update

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 News

2025

April 3

⚫︎ Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will offer PC players a wide range of graphical presets, from Low to Epic, ensuring an optimized experience for all hardware levels. Console users will benefit from choosing between Performance and Quality modes, tailored to their preferences. The game is confirmed to be PS5 Pro Enhanced, promising superior visuals, though specific details remain under wraps. Xbox enthusiasts can now pre-load the game ahead of its highly anticipated global launch on April 24 at 12 AM PT / 3 AM ET. Players can look forward to tackling 56 achievements and trophies, with challenging tasks such as defeating bosses without taking damage and collecting all 33 music records.

Read more: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Reveals Graphics Settings, Trophy Expectations, and Xbox Pre-Load Info Ahead of Launch

March 24

⚫︎ Sandfall Interactive has made a bold choice by excluding a minimap in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, instead introducing a compass to guide players. This decision, as explained by producer Francois Meurisse, is designed to foster a genuine sense of exploration and discovery, aligning with the game's narrative where players embark on an expedition into uncharted territories. Meurisse highlighted that the absence of a map reflects the in-game reality where previous expeditions have failed, leaving players to navigate the unknown much like their characters.

Read more: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 won't have a mini map to preserve its sense of discovery, says producer

March 21

⚫︎ The journey of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 began as a passion project in 2019, driven by director Guillaume Broche's craving for new turn-based RPGs. Drawing from beloved classics like Final Fantasy, Lost Odyssey, and FromSoftware's Sekiro, Broche set out to create a game that blends strategic combat with skill-based challenges, aiming to fill a gap he felt in the genre.

Read more: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's director was 'starving for new turn-based RPGs,' and figured if he wanted them, there would be others out there who'd want to play his game

March 19

⚫︎ Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands out with its unique fusion of turn-based strategy and the challenge of off-rhythm enemy attacks. While it honors JRPG traditions, the game also boasts a distinctive Belle Epoque-inspired art style. Producer Francois Meurisse emphasized the game's aim to offer a visually and mechanically unique experience, drawing from Final Fantasy classics while integrating real-time defensive mechanics inspired by Sekiro and action point-based skills reminiscent of deckbuilders.

Read more: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is Sekiro Meets Belle Époque Meets JRPG

March 3

⚫︎ Ahead of its release, gaming media were granted access to playable demos of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Critics praised the game's innovative turn-based combat system, which skillfully evolves and combines elements from the best JRPGs in history.

Read more: How Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s turn-based combat pays homage to all-time great JRPGs

January 30

⚫︎ Even before hitting the shelves, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has secured a movie adaptation through a partnership between developer Sandfall Interactive and Story Kitchen, known for bringing games like Sonic and the upcoming Dredge to the big screen. While details on the director and cast are yet to be announced, the project is in capable hands with producers Dmitri M. Johnson, Mike Goldberg, and Elena Sandoval. Story Kitchen is eager to bring the game's intricate narrative and compelling characters to life on screen.

Read more: Clair Obscur is Getting Its Own Live-Action Movie

2024

August 29

⚫︎ Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 draws heavily from classic turn-based RPGs, with creative director Guillaume Broche citing Final Fantasy VIII-X, Persona, and Octopath Traveler as major influences. A fan of the genre, Broche aimed to craft a turn-based RPG with stunning high-fidelity graphics, merging real-time reaction-based combat with deep strategic elements. Players can switch party members in the open world and utilize traversal abilities to solve puzzles. Broche expressed his delight at the game's warm reception and hopes players will experiment with creative builds to "break the game." The development team aspires for Expedition 33 to leave a lasting legacy, much like the RPGs that inspired them.

Read more: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Wears Its FF and Persona Influences on Its Sleeves

July 30

⚫︎ Creative director Guillaume Broche revealed that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is deeply rooted in real-world art and literature, with its title inspired by the 17th-18th century French artistic movement, Clair Obscur, and its narrative influenced by the novel La Horde du Contrevent. The game focuses on delivering high-fidelity visuals alongside an innovative reactive turn-based battle system. Drawing inspiration from Souls games, Devil May Cry, and NieR, the game seeks to revolutionize the turn-based RPG genre.

Read more: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's Historical Roots and Innovations