Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Update

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 News

2025

April 3

⚫︎ Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set to deliver a visually stunning experience for PC players with customizable graphical settings ranging from Low to Epic. Console enthusiasts can choose between Performance and Quality modes, with the game being PS5 Pro Enhanced, though specific details remain under wraps. Xbox users can now pre-load the game in anticipation of its global release on April 24 at 12 AM PT / 3 AM ET. The game will boast 56 achievements and trophies, challenging players to 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 announced that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will forego a traditional minimap, opting instead for a compass to enhance the exploration aspect of the game. Producer Francois Meurisse explained that this design choice aims to immerse players in the narrative of venturing into the unknown, mirroring the experience of past explorers who did not return. "They don’t have a map because every previous expedition failed," Meurisse stated, emphasizing the game's theme 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, revealed that his passion for new turn-based RPGs fueled the game's development, which began as a personal project in 2019. Inspired by classics like Final Fantasy, Lost Odyssey, and FromSoftware's Sekiro, Broche sought to blend strategic combat with skill-based mechanics to create 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](PC Gamer)

March 19

⚫︎ Producer Francois Meurisse discussed Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's innovative approach to turn-based strategy, featuring challenging, off-rhythm enemy attacks. While rooted in JRPG traditions, the game stands out with its Belle Epoque-inspired art style, showcasing Sandfall Interactive's commitment to a visually and mechanically unique experience. The game melds elements from classic Final Fantasy titles with real-time defensive mechanics from Sekiro and action point-based skills inspired by deckbuilders.

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

March 3

⚫︎ Ahead of its release, gaming media outlets have had the opportunity to experience Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 through playable demos. The game's turn-based combat system has been widely praised for its evolution and homage to some of the greatest JRPGs in history, offering players a fresh take on a beloved genre.

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 set to hit the big screen with a movie adaptation. Sandfall Interactive has teamed up with Story Kitchen, known for projects like Sonic and the upcoming Dredge film. Although no director or cast has been announced yet, the project is being helmed by producers Dmitri M. Johnson, Mike Goldberg, and Elena Sandoval. Story Kitchen is eager to bring the game's rich narrative and intricate characters to life in a cinematic format.

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

2024

August 29

⚫︎ Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 draws significant inspiration from classic turn-based RPGs, with creative director Guillaume Broche citing influences from Final Fantasy VIII-X, Persona, and Octopath Traveler. As a fan of the genre, Broche aimed to craft a high-fidelity turn-based RPG that integrates real-time reaction-based combat with strategic depth. Players can switch party members in the open world and use traversal abilities to solve puzzles. Broche expressed his excitement over the game's positive reception and his hope that players will experiment with creative builds to "break the game." The development team aspires for Expedition 33 to have a lasting impact, akin to 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 shared that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is inspired by real-world art and literature, with its title reflecting the 17th-18th century French artistic movement, Clair Obscur, and its story drawing from the novel La Horde du Contrevent. Broche highlighted the game's commitment to high-fidelity visuals and its innovative reactive turn-based battle system. By drawing inspiration from Souls games, Devil May Cry, and NieR, the game seeks to modernize turn-based RPG combat.

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