Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Update

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 News

2025

April 3

⚫︎ Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 offers PC players a wide array of graphical presets, ranging from Low to Epic, allowing for customizable visual experiences. Console players can choose between Performance and Quality modes, ensuring optimal gameplay tailored to their preferences. The game is confirmed to be PS5 Pro Enhanced, although 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 includes 56 achievements and trophies, with challenges such as defeating bosses without taking damage and collecting all 33 music records, adding depth to the gaming experience.

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 bold move by deciding not to include a minimap in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, instead opting for a compass to guide players. This choice, as explained by producer Francois Meurisse, is designed to foster a true sense of exploration and discovery, aligning with the game's narrative theme of venturing into the unknown. Meurisse noted, "They don’t have a map because every previous expedition failed," emphasizing the game's immersive approach to storytelling and gameplay.

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 out of a deep passion for turn-based RPGs. Feeling a "starving for new turn-based RPGs," Broche aimed to create a game that would satisfy his own cravings and those of fellow enthusiasts. The game draws inspiration from iconic titles like Final Fantasy, Lost Odyssey, and FromSoftware's Sekiro, blending strategic combat with skill-based mechanics.

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 highlighted Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's innovative gameplay, blending 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, reflecting Sandfall Interactive's commitment to a visually and mechanically unique experience. The game takes cues from classic Final Fantasy titles 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

March 3

⚫︎ Ahead of its release, playable demos of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 have been shared with gaming media, showcasing a turn-based combat system that evolves from its predecessors. Critics have praised the game for its homage to all-time great JRPGs, offering a fresh yet nostalgic 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

⚫︎ Even before its release, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set to be adapted into a movie. Sandfall Interactive has teamed up with Story Kitchen, known for projects like Sonic and the upcoming Dredge film. While details such as the director and cast are yet to be announced, producers Dmitri M. Johnson, Mike Goldberg, and Elena Sandoval are leading the project. Story Kitchen is eager 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

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. As a devoted fan of the genre, Broche aimed to craft a high-fidelity turn-based RPG that merges real-time reaction-based combat with strategic depth. Players can switch party members in the open world and utilize traversal abilities to solve puzzles. Broche has been overwhelmed by the game's positive reception, hoping players will "break the game" with creative builds. The development team aspires for Expedition 33 to have a lasting impact, 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 is inspired by real-world art and literature, with its title referencing the 17th-18th century French artistic movement known as Clair Obscur. The game's narrative draws from the novel La Horde du Contrevent. Broche emphasized the game's commitment to high-fidelity visuals and its innovative reactive turn-based battle system, taking cues from Souls games, Devil May Cry, and NieR to modernize the genre.

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