Release Date
April 24, 2025 More Details
Genre
RPG, Adventure, Action
Platforms	Price (MSRP)
	$49.99
Developer	Publisher
Sandfall Interactive	Kepler Interactive
Number of Players	Age Rating
1	M
Time to Finish	Cross Platform Play
TBD	No
Official Website	Official Website for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Latest News

　⚫︎　 Clair Obscur Dev Explains Why There is No Mini-Map (Game Rant)
　⚫︎　Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Director Open to Switch 2 Release (Game8)
　⚫︎　Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's French-inspired setting was originally steampunk London (Eurogamer)
　⚫︎　Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Is Struggling to Sell in One Region (Game Rant)
　⚫︎　Clair Obscur Nerfs Maelle's 2 Billion Damage Build (Game8)
　⚫︎　Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Director Was Bored at Ubisoft So He Made a 2025 GotY Contender (Game8)

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Overview

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (or simply Expedition 33) is an upcoming role-playing game developed by Sandfall Interactive and published by Kepler Interactive. The game is set to release in 2025. Development started with Unreal Engine 4 but later transitioned to Unreal Engine 5, leveraging its advancements in rendering and animation. Sandfall Interactive, a French studio with a team of approximately 30 developers, aims to create a modern, high-fidelity turn-based RPG inspired by titles like Final Fantasy and Persona.

The game’s setting takes inspiration from the late 1800 to early 1900 French period, Belle Epoque. It blends traditional turn-based mechanics with real-time elements to deliver an innovative combat experience.

Steam	Epic	Playstation	Xbox
$49.99

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Gameplay

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 features an innovative take on the turn-based RPG genre, as it introduces a real-time aspect to the combat. Players must time their actions precisely to execute combos or perfectly dodge incoming attacks. Parrying at the right moment opens opportunities for devastating counterattacks, while the free-aim system requires players to target vulnerable spots on enemies for critical damage.

Customizing each Expeditioner involves balancing various aspects, such as weapon types, armor, and character skills. Players can experiment with different builds to suit their preferred playstyle.

Exploration plays a significant role, with hidden areas and secret quests scattered across the World Map. Players can recruit legendary creatures as allies, unlocking new abilities and travel methods. This exploration not only deepens the narrative but also provides critical advantages in combat, encouraging players to thoroughly investigate every corner of the game world.

Created in a fantasy world inspired by Belle Époque France, the game is inspired by the cult classic turn-based JRPGs that came before it like Suikoden, Golden Sun, and Final Fantasy.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Characters

Gustave

Gustave is a central character in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, portrayed by actor Charlie Cox, known for his role in Daredevil. Growing up in Lumière under the oppressive influence of the Paintress, Gustave dedicated his life to safeguarding the city, focusing on its defense and agricultural systems to protect and provide for its inhabitants. As an engineer, he is resourceful and committed, embodying a strong sense of duty towards his community.

In the game's narrative, Gustave leads Expedition 33, aiming to defeat the Paintress and reclaim a future for Lumière's children. In combat, Gustave's engineering expertise translates into electricity-based attacks. His unique battle mechanic, "Overcharge," allows him to build up energy with each attack, culminating in powerful electrical strikes against adversaries.

Maelle

Maelle, voiced by Jennifer English known for her voice in Baldur's Gate III and Elden Ring, is another primary character in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Orphaned at the age of three, she has always felt like an outsider in Lumière, struggling to connect and trust others. Her only meaningful relationship is with her foster brother, Gustave. At 16, Maelle is the youngest member of Expedition 33.

In combat, Maelle's expertise in fencing introduces a unique mechanic involving different stances that influence her offensive and defensive capabilities. This system allows her to adapt to various combat scenarios, making her a versatile and strategic asset to the team.

Lune

Lune is another major character in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, portrayed by actress Kirsty Rider. As the daughter of prominent researchers, she possesses an insatiable thirst for knowledge and has made significant sacrifices to complete her parents' unfinished work. Her primary objective is to unravel the enigma surrounding the Paintress.

Entrusted with charting the course for Expedition 33, Lune is acutely aware of the immense responsibility she bears and the high stakes involved. Her unwavering determination and intellectual prowess make her an indispensable member of the team, as she strives to ensure the Expedition's success in their quest to confront the Paintress and end the cycle of loss afflicting their world.

Sciel

Sciel is a notable character in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, voiced by actress Shala Nyx. Formerly a farmer turned teacher, Sciel is characterized by her warm and outgoing demeanor, embracing each day with a cheerful and serene outlook. Having long accepted the harsh realities of their world, she remains untroubled by the possibility of failure in the Expedition's mission. Despite this, Sciel is deeply committed to the Expedition's cause, embodying resilience and acceptance as she endeavors to confront the challenges ahead.

Monoco

Monoco is a distinctive member portrayed by actor Rich Keeble. As a Gestra, a species known for their friendly yet bloodthirsty nature, Monoco thrives on the thrill of battle, viewing combat as a form of meditation. His insatiable desire for duels, even with allies, stems from his love of a good fight, which is his primary motivation for joining the Expedition.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 System Requirements

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Reviews

Deserves A Standing Ovation

Here at Game8, we gave Clair Obscur a glowing 96/100 for its almost flawless execution. If not for the occasional slow pacing and overly dense enemy areas that sometimes made exploration feel like a marathon, this game would have easily scored higher. Still, that 96 reflects just how impactful Clair Obscur is—its bold combat design, emotional storytelling, and jaw-dropping artistry make it one of the standout JRPGs of the year.

IGN echoed similar praise, awarding it a 9/10 and calling its "creative turn-based combat system brilliant," while noting that "impressive visual flourishes bring it all together." They pointed out that while the story occasionally dips into melodrama, its earnest exploration of mortality, grief, and fleeting joy keeps it grounded. IGN also highlighted the game's "fantastic performances from an A-list cast," delivering the heart the story needs to really hit.

Steam users are equally enamored, with a current 4.5/5 star rating and a flood of Overwhelmingly Positive reviews. Players have praised its top-notch combat, stunning visuals, and breathtaking audio design—many even calling it the best JRPG they've played in years.

On Metacritic, Clair Obscur is sitting comfortably at a 92, earning Universal Acclaim. Critics across the board have agreed that this is a game-changer for modern RPGs—one that could easily set a new standard for turn-based combat going forward.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Announcement Trailer

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Reveal Trailer

Lead the Expedition on a desperate journey to destroy the Paintress before she wakes and erases the last survivors of humanity in Sandfall Interactive’s debut title, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Trivia

　⚫︎　Monoco, a playable character in Clair Obscur, has a real-life dog counterpart in the development team at Sandfall Interactive. The real Monoco is listed as the "Happiness Manager" on Sandfall’s official website. Several easter egg paintings found throughout the game depict the real-life Monoco, serving as subtle tributes to the studio’s canine companion.

　⚫︎　While there are five playable characters, only three can participate in active combat at a time. However, it's essential to develop all members. If your main team gets wiped out, the remaining characters will tag in as reinforcements, letting you continue the fight without restarting the battle.

　⚫︎　To assist players in navigating the maze-like maps of Clair Obscur, floating lamps are strategically placed to guide you toward your next objective. When in doubt, follow the light.

　⚫︎　Throughout the continent, you'll encounter doors that transport you to locked rooms within The Manor. The Manor is a mysterious hub filled with secrets and in-game cosmetics waiting to be uncovered.

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Allisandra Reyes

I find joy in the adrenaline rush of horror games, but my thrill-seeking doesn't stop there. Beyond the digital realm, I like to take on the role of designated GM in TTRPGs.