Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Updates

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 News

2025

April 3

⚫︎ Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set to provide PC players with a comprehensive suite of graphical presets ranging from Low to Epic, while console enthusiasts can choose between Performance and Quality modes. The game has been officially confirmed as PS5 Pro Enhanced, though specific details remain under wraps. Xbox users can now pre-load the game in anticipation of its global launch on April 24 at 12 AM PT / 3 AM ET. The title will feature 56 achievements and trophies, with challenges ranging from defeating bosses without taking damage to 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 forego a minimap, opting instead for a compass to guide players. Producer Francois Meurisse explained that this choice aims to foster a deeper sense of exploration and aligns with the game's narrative, where players embark on an expedition into the unknown, mirroring the journeys of past explorers who failed. "They don’t have a map because every previous expedition failed," Meurisse stated, emphasizing the intended 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

⚫︎ The director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Guillaume Broche, initiated the project in 2019 as a passion project, driven by his desire for new turn-based RPGs. Inspired by classics like Final Fantasy, Lost Odyssey, and FromSoftware's Sekiro, Broche aimed to create a game that blends strategic combat with skill-based mechanics, catering to fans of 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 highlighted Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's innovative mix of turn-based strategy and challenging, off-rhythm enemy attacks. Rooted in JRPG traditions, the game sets itself apart with a Belle Epoque-inspired art style, reflecting Sandfall Interactive’s vision for a visually and mechanically unique experience. It draws from Final Fantasy 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 many praised the game's turn-based combat system as a fresh evolution, paying homage to iconic JRPGs while introducing new elements.

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 its launch, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is slated for a movie adaptation. Sandfall Interactive has teamed up with Story Kitchen, known for their work on projects like Sonic and the upcoming Dredge movie. Although no director or cast has been announced yet, producers Dmitri M. Johnson, Mike Goldberg, and Elena Sandoval are set to bring the game's compelling narrative and intricate 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 from classic turn-based RPGs, with creative director Guillaume Broche citing Final Fantasy VIII-X, Persona, and Octopath Traveler as major influences. A long-time fan of the genre, Broche's vision was to create a turn-based RPG with high-fidelity graphics that combines real-time reaction-based combat with strategic depth. Players will have the ability to switch party members in the open world and use traversal abilities to tackle puzzles. Broche expressed his delight at the game's positive reception and hopes players will "break the game" with innovative builds, aspiring for Expedition 33 to have a lasting impact akin to the RPGs that inspired it.

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 inspiration from real-world art and literature. The game's title references the Clair Obscur artistic movement from 17th-18th century France, and its story is influenced by the novel La Horde du Contrevent. Broche stressed the game's commitment to high-fidelity visuals and its innovative reactive turn-based battle system, drawing from Souls games, Devil May Cry, and NieR to modernize the genre.

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