Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Update

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 News

2025

April 3

⚫︎ Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set to offer PC players a wide array of graphical presets, ranging from Low to Epic, ensuring a tailored gaming experience. Console enthusiasts will have the choice between Performance and Quality modes, with the game being optimized for the PS5 Pro, though specific details remain under wraps. Xbox users can now pre-load the game in anticipation of its worldwide launch scheduled for April 24 at 12 AM PT / 3 AM ET. The game will feature 56 achievements and trophies, challenging players with tasks 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

March 24

⚫︎ Sandfall Interactive has made a bold choice with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, opting to exclude a minimap and instead use a compass for navigation. This design decision, as explained by producer Francois Meurisse, aims to enhance the game's exploration element, encouraging players to immerse themselves in the unknown. This choice is deeply integrated into the narrative, where players join an expedition into uncharted territories, echoing the fate of previous explorers who never returned. "They don’t have a map because every previous expedition failed," Meurisse noted, emphasizing the game's theme 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

March 21

⚫︎ The director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Guillaume Broche, embarked on this project driven by his passion for turn-based RPGs. Starting development in 2019, Broche's vision was fueled by his longing for new experiences in the genre, believing that others shared his enthusiasm. Drawing inspiration from iconic games like Final Fantasy, Lost Odyssey, and FromSoftware's Sekiro, Broche sought to blend strategic combat with skill-based mechanics, creating a unique gaming experience.

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

March 19

⚫︎ In a recent interview, producer Francois Meurisse elaborated on Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's innovative blend of turn-based strategy with challenging, off-rhythm enemy attacks. While rooted in JRPG traditions, the game sets itself apart with its Belle Epoque-inspired art style, showcasing Sandfall Interactive's commitment to creating a visually and mechanically distinct experience. The game draws inspiration from classic Final Fantasy titles, 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 release, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has garnered significant attention with playable demos provided to gaming media. Critics and players alike have praised the game's turn-based combat system, which stands out as an evolution and fusion of elements from some of the greatest JRPGs in history.

Read more: How Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s turn-based combat pays homage to all-time great JRPGs

January 30

⚫︎ Even before its official release, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set to be adapted into a movie. Sandfall Interactive has teamed up with Story Kitchen, known for their successful game-to-film adaptations such as Sonic and the upcoming Dredge movie. While details on the director and cast are yet to be announced, the project is being led by producers Dmitri M. Johnson, Mike Goldberg, and Elena Sandoval. 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

2024

August 29

⚫︎ Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 draws heavily from classic turn-based RPGs, with creative director Guillaume Broche citing Final Fantasy VIII-X, Persona, and Octopath Traveler as key influences. As a devoted fan of the genre, Broche aimed to craft a turn-based RPG that boasts high-fidelity graphics and integrates 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 and hopes that players will "break the game" with creative builds, aspiring for Expedition 33 to leave 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

July 30

⚫︎ Creative director Guillaume Broche revealed that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 draws its inspiration from real-world art and literature, specifically referencing the Clair Obscur artistic movement of 17th-18th century France and the novel La Horde du Contrevent. Broche's vision for the game includes high-fidelity visuals paired with an innovative reactive turn-based battle system. The game's combat is influenced by Souls games, Devil May Cry, and NieR, aiming to modernize and elevate the turn-based RPG genre.

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