"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 a variety of graphical presets ranging from Low to Epic. Console players can opt for either Performance or Quality modes, ensuring a tailored gaming experience. The game has been confirmed as PS5 Pro Enhanced, although specific details are yet to be revealed. Xbox enthusiasts can now pre-load the game in anticipation of its worldwide launch on April 24 at 12 AM PT / 3 AM ET. The title will boast an impressive array of 56 achievements and trophies, challenging players to feats such as defeating bosses without taking damage and collecting all 33 music records.

March 24

⚫︎ Sandfall Interactive has made a bold decision for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 by excluding a minimap and replacing it with a compass to enhance the exploration aspect of the game. Producer Francois Meurisse shared that this choice was made to prevent players from relying too heavily on UI elements, fostering a deeper sense of discovery. This design choice aligns seamlessly with the game's narrative, where players embark on an expedition into uncharted territory, following in the footsteps of those who failed before them. "They don’t have a map because every previous expedition failed," Meurisse explained, emphasizing the thematic immersion.

March 21

⚫︎ The inception of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stemmed from director Guillaume Broche's passion for turn-based RPGs. Feeling a void in the genre, Broche embarked on this project in 2019, driven by his love for classics like Final Fantasy, Lost Odyssey, and the innovative gameplay of FromSoftware titles such as Sekiro. His vision was to craft a game that seamlessly integrates strategic combat with skill-based mechanics, appealing to fans yearning for fresh experiences in the turn-based RPG space.

March 19

⚫︎ Producer Francois Meurisse shed light on Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's innovative approach to turn-based strategy, highlighted by challenging, off-rhythm enemy attacks. Rooted in JRPG traditions, the game sets itself apart with its Belle Epoque-inspired art style, a testament to Sandfall Interactive’s commitment to creating a distinctive visual and mechanical experience. The game draws inspiration from classic Final Fantasy titles while introducing real-time defensive mechanics reminiscent of Sekiro and action point-based skills inspired by deckbuilders.

March 3

⚫︎ Ahead of its release, gaming media were granted access to playable demos of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The game's turn-based combat system stands out as an evolution of the genre, paying homage to iconic JRPGs while introducing new and exciting mechanics.

January 30

⚫︎ Even before hitting the shelves, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set to make a splash on the big screen. Sandfall Interactive has joined forces with Story Kitchen, the powerhouse behind game-to-film adaptations like Sonic and the forthcoming Dredge movie. While details such as the director and cast remain under wraps, producers Dmitri M. Johnson, Mike Goldberg, and Elena Sandoval are on board. Story Kitchen is eager to bring the game's compelling narrative and intricate characters to life in a cinematic adaptation.

2024

August 29

⚫︎ Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 proudly showcases its roots in classic turn-based RPGs, with creative director Guillaume Broche drawing significant inspiration from Final Fantasy VIII-X, Persona, and Octopath Traveler. As a devoted fan of the genre, Broche set out to create a turn-based RPG with cutting-edge graphics, merging real-time reaction-based combat with deep strategic elements. Players will have the freedom to switch party members in the open world and utilize traversal abilities to navigate through puzzles. Broche has been touched by the game's warm reception and hopes that players will experiment with creative builds to "break the game." The development team aspires for Expedition 33 to have a lasting impact, much like the RPGs that influenced their own journeys.

July 30

⚫︎ Creative director Guillaume Broche revealed that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 draws its inspiration from the rich tapestry of real-world art and literature. The game's title is a nod to the Clair Obscur artistic movement from 17th-18th century France, while its narrative is influenced by the novel La Horde du Contrevent. Broche underscored the game's emphasis on high-fidelity visuals and its groundbreaking reactive turn-based battle system. By integrating elements from Souls games, Devil May Cry, and NieR, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 aims to revolutionize the turn-based RPG genre.