Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Update

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 News

2025

April 3

⚫︎ Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set to provide PC players with a broad spectrum of graphical settings, ranging from Low to Epic. Console players will have the choice between Performance and Quality modes. Notably, the game is PS5 Pro Enhanced, although specific details about these enhancements remain under wraps. Xbox enthusiasts can already pre-load the game in anticipation of its global launch on April 24 at 12 AM PT / 3 AM ET. The game boasts an impressive array of 56 achievements and trophies, challenging players to complete 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 a deliberate choice to exclude a minimap from Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, opting instead for a compass to guide navigation. Producer Francois Meurisse explained that this design decision aims to foster a genuine sense of exploration and discovery. This approach not only enhances the gameplay experience but also aligns with the game's narrative, where players are part of an expedition into uncharted territories, following the paths of explorers who never returned. Meurisse emphasized, "They don’t have a map because every previous expedition failed," reinforcing the immersive feeling of venturing into 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 driven by his passion for turn-based RPGs. Starting development in 2019 as a labor of love, Broche drew inspiration from beloved titles like Final Fantasy, Lost Odyssey, and FromSoftware's Sekiro. His vision was to blend strategic turn-based combat with skill-based mechanics, catering to fellow enthusiasts craving fresh experiences 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 (PC Gamer)

March 19

⚫︎ In a recent interview, producer Francois Meurisse shed light on Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's distinctive gameplay, which combines turn-based strategy with challenging, off-rhythm enemy attacks. The game pays homage to JRPG traditions but stands out with its Belle Epoque-inspired art style, a nod to the French developer Sandfall Interactive's commitment to a visually and mechanically unique experience. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 draws from classic Final Fantasy games 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 (Game8)

March 3

⚫︎ Gaming News Media had the opportunity to experience playable demos of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 before its release, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The game's turn-based combat system was highlighted as an evolution, skillfully combining elements from the best JRPGs that came before it.

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

January 30

⚫︎ Even before hitting the shelves, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set to become a movie. Sandfall Interactive has teamed up with Story Kitchen, known for bringing games like Sonic and the upcoming Dredge to the screen. Although details about the director and cast are yet to be announced, the project is in the capable hands of producers Dmitri M. Johnson, Mike Goldberg, and Elena Sandoval. Story Kitchen is eager to transform the game's compelling narrative and intricate characters into a cinematic adventure.

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

2024

August 29

⚫︎ Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is deeply rooted in the tradition of classic turn-based RPGs, with creative director Guillaume Broche drawing inspiration from Final Fantasy VIII-X, Persona, and Octopath Traveler. A devoted fan of the genre, Broche aimed to create a turn-based RPG with stunning, high-fidelity graphics, blending real-time reaction-based combat with strategic depth. Players can switch party members in the open world and use unique traversal abilities to tackle puzzles. Broche was thrilled by the game's warm reception, hoping players would experiment with creative builds to "break the game." The development team aspires for Expedition 33 to have a lasting impact, similar to the RPGs that inspired them.

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 draws its inspiration from the rich tapestry of real-world art and literature. The game's title references the Clair Obscur artistic movement from 17th-18th century France, while its narrative is influenced by the novel La Horde du Contrevent. Broche highlighted the game's commitment to high-fidelity visuals and its innovative reactive turn-based battle system. Influences from Souls games, Devil May Cry, and NieR are woven into the game, aiming to revolutionize the turn-based RPG combat experience.

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