Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Update

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 News

2025

April 3

⚫︎ Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will cater to PC players with a variety of graphical presets ranging from Low to Epic, while console players can opt for either Performance or Quality modes. Notably, the game is confirmed to be enhanced for PS5 Pro, though specific details remain under wraps. Xbox enthusiasts can start pre-loading the game now, gearing up for its global launch on April 24 at 12 AM PT / 3 AM ET. Players will have the chance to earn 56 achievements and trophies, with challenges 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](Noisy Pixel)

March 24

⚫︎ Sandfall Interactive has announced that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will forgo a traditional minimap, instead utilizing a compass to guide players. Producer Francois Meurisse highlighted that this choice enhances the game's exploration aspect, reducing dependency on UI elements. This design decision is deeply intertwined with the narrative, where players embark on an expedition into uncharted territories, mirroring the experiences of previous, unsuccessful explorers. "They don’t have a map because every previous expedition failed," Meurisse explained, emphasizing the immersive feeling of uncertainty and discovery.

Read more: [Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 won't have a mini map to preserve its sense of discovery, says producer](PC Gamer)

March 21

⚫︎ Guillaume Broche, the director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, initiated the project in 2019 driven by his passion for turn-based RPGs. Feeling a lack of new titles in the genre, Broche drew inspiration from classics like Final Fantasy, Lost Odyssey, and FromSoftware's Sekiro, aiming to blend strategic combat with skill-based mechanics in a unique way.

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](PC Gamer)

March 19

⚫︎ In a recent interview, producer Francois Meurisse shed light on Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's innovative combat system, which merges turn-based strategy with challenging, off-rhythm enemy attacks. Rooted in JRPG traditions, the game stands out with its Belle Epoque-inspired art style, a testament to Sandfall Interactive’s vision for a visually and mechanically distinct experience. The game draws heavily from Final Fantasy, while incorporating 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 launch, playable demos of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 were provided to gaming media, who praised the game's turn-based combat for its innovative evolution and homage to iconic JRPGs. The combat system has been lauded as a fresh take, combining elements from various beloved titles into a cohesive and exciting gameplay experience.

Read more: [How Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s turn-based combat pays homage to all-time great JRPGs](Epic Games Store News)

January 30

⚫︎ Before its release, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is already slated for a movie adaptation. Sandfall Interactive has teamed up with Story Kitchen, known for their work on game-to-film adaptations like Sonic and the forthcoming Dredge movie. Although no director or cast has been revealed yet, producers Dmitri M. Johnson, Mike Goldberg, and Elena Sandoval are set to bring the game's rich narrative and complex characters to the big screen. Story Kitchen is eager to translate the game's immersive story into a cinematic masterpiece.

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

2024

August 29

⚫︎ Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is heavily influenced by classic turn-based RPGs, with creative director Guillaume Broche citing Final Fantasy VIII-X, Persona, and Octopath Traveler as significant inspirations. As a devoted fan of the genre, Broche aimed to craft a turn-based RPG with stunning high-fidelity graphics, integrating real-time reaction-based combat with strategic depth. Players will enjoy the freedom to switch party members in the open world and utilize traversal abilities to tackle 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 mark, 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 draws inspiration from real-world art and literature, with its title referencing the Clair Obscur artistic movement of 17th-18th century France and its story inspired by the novel La Horde du Contrevent. The game emphasizes high-fidelity visuals and introduces an innovative reactive turn-based battle system. Influenced by Souls games, Devil May Cry, and NieR, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 seeks to revolutionize the turn-based RPG combat experience.

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