"Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Updates"

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 News

2025

April 3

⚫︎ Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set to enhance the gaming experience for PC players with a variety of graphical settings ranging from Low to Epic. Console enthusiasts will have the choice between Performance and Quality modes. Notably, the game is optimized for the PS5 Pro, though specific details on these enhancements remain under wraps. Xbox users can get a head start by pre-loading the game, preparing for its worldwide launch scheduled for April 24 at 12 AM PT / 3 AM ET. The game boasts 56 achievements and trophies, challenging players to complete feats 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](Noisy Pixel)

March 24

⚫︎ Sandfall Interactive has made the bold choice to exclude a minimap from Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, opting instead for a compass to guide players. Producer Francois Meurisse shared that this decision aims to foster a true sense of exploration and align with the game's narrative, where players join an expedition into uncharted territories. This mirrors the experience of past explorers who ventured without maps, as Meurisse noted, "They don’t have a map because every previous expedition failed," encouraging players to feel the same uncertainty and thrill of 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

⚫︎ Guillaume Broche, the director behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, embarked on this project out of a deep passion for turn-based RPGs. Feeling a lack of new entries in the genre, Broche started development in 2019, driven by the belief that others shared his enthusiasm. His vision was to create a game that combines the strategic depth of classic RPGs like Final Fantasy and Lost Odyssey with the skill-based challenges found in FromSoftware's titles such as Sekiro.

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 detailed interview, producer Francois Meurisse shed light on Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's innovative gameplay, which blends turn-based strategy with challenging, off-rhythm enemy attacks. The game stands out not only for its JRPG roots but also for its unique Belle Epoque-inspired art style, a testament to Sandfall Interactive's commitment to visual and mechanical innovation. Drawing from classic Final Fantasy titles, the game introduces 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 been showcased through playable demos to gaming media, receiving high praise for its turn-based combat system. Critics and players alike have noted how the game evolves and pays homage to the great JRPGs of the past, offering a fresh yet familiar 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 hitting the shelves, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is making waves in the entertainment industry with a confirmed movie adaptation. Sandfall Interactive has joined forces with Story Kitchen, known for their successful game-to-film projects like Sonic and the upcoming Dredge movie. Although details such as the director and cast are yet to be announced, the project is in capable hands with producers Dmitri M. Johnson, Mike Goldberg, and Elena Sandoval. 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 proudly wears its influences on its sleeve, drawing heavily from classic turn-based RPGs. Creative director Guillaume Broche has cited Final Fantasy VIII-X, Persona, and Octopath Traveler as major inspirations. Aiming to push the boundaries of the genre, Broche sought to integrate high-fidelity graphics with a combat system that melds real-time reactions and strategic depth. Players can look forward to switching party members on the fly and using unique traversal abilities to solve in-game puzzles. Broche expressed his delight at the game's reception, hoping that players will experiment and "break the game" with inventive builds, echoing the impact the genre had on his own gaming journey.

Read more: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Wears Its FF and Persona Influences on Its Sleeves

July 30

⚫︎ Creative director Guillaume Broche has 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 17th-18th century French artistic movement, Clair Obscur, while its narrative is influenced by the novel La Horde du Contrevent. Broche's vision is to deliver a game with stunning high-fidelity visuals and an innovative turn-based combat system that incorporates elements from Souls games, Devil May Cry, and NieR, aiming to bring a modern twist to the classic RPG formula.

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