Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Update

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 News

2025

April 3

⚫︎ Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set to offer PC players a spectrum of graphical settings ranging from Low to Epic, catering to a variety of hardware capabilities. Console enthusiasts will have the choice between Performance and Quality modes, with the game being optimized for the PS5 Pro, though specific enhancements remain undisclosed. Xbox gamers can start pre-loading the game now, gearing up for the global launch on April 24 at 12 AM PT / 3 AM ET. The game promises an engaging challenge with 56 achievements and trophies, including feats like 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 made the bold decision to exclude a minimap from Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, opting instead for a compass to guide players. Producer Francois Meurisse emphasized that this choice fosters a deeper sense of exploration and aligns with the game's narrative of venturing into uncharted territories. "They don’t have a map because every previous expedition failed," Meurisse noted, immersing players in the uncertainty and adventure of the unknown.

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, embarked on this project in 2019 driven by his craving for new turn-based RPGs. Influenced by iconic titles like Final Fantasy, Lost Odyssey, and FromSoftware's Sekiro, Broche aimed to create a game that combines strategic combat with skill-based mechanics, appealing to both fans and newcomers alike.

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

⚫︎ Producer Francois Meurisse detailed how Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 uniquely blends turn-based strategy with challenging, off-rhythm enemy attacks. Rooted in JRPG traditions, the game sets itself apart with a Belle Epoque-inspired art style. It draws from classic Final Fantasy games while integrating real-time defensive mechanics inspired by Sekiro and action point-based skills reminiscent of deckbuilders, offering a fresh and engaging experience.

Read more: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is Sekiro Meets Belle Époque Meets JRPG (Game8)

March 3

⚫︎ Early playable demos of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 have left gaming media impressed with its innovative take on turn-based combat. The game pays homage to legendary JRPGs while pushing the boundaries, creating a combat system that evolves from its predecessors into something truly unique.

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 even hitting the shelves, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has secured a movie adaptation. Sandfall Interactive has joined forces with Story Kitchen, the team behind adaptations like Sonic and the upcoming Dredge movie. Although details on the director and cast are yet to be revealed, producers Dmitri M. Johnson, Mike Goldberg, and Elena Sandoval are on board. Story Kitchen is eager to bring the game's intricate narrative and compelling characters to the big screen.

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

2024

August 29

⚫︎ Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 heavily draws inspiration from classic turn-based RPGs, with creative director Guillaume Broche citing influences from Final Fantasy VIII-X, Persona, and Octopath Traveler. Broche's vision is to merge high-fidelity graphics with a combat system that blends real-time reactions and strategic depth. Players can switch party members in the open world and use traversal abilities to navigate puzzles. Overwhelmed by the game's positive reception, Broche hopes players will experiment with creative builds, aiming for Expedition 33 to leave a lasting impact similar to the RPGs that inspired him.

Read more: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Wears Its FF and Persona Influences on Its Sleeves (Game8)

July 30

⚫︎ Creative director Guillaume Broche revealed that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is influenced by real-world art and literature, notably the 17th-18th century French Clair Obscur artistic movement and the novel La Horde du Contrevent. The game aims to deliver high-fidelity visuals alongside an innovative reactive turn-based battle system, drawing inspiration from Souls games, Devil May Cry, and NieR to modernize the genre.

Read more: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's Historical Roots and Innovations (Game8)