Expedition 33 Unveils Release Date, Combat Details

Sandfall Interactive has unveiled exciting new details about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, including its release date, characters, and gameplay mechanics, during Xbox's Developer Direct. Dive in to discover what awaits in this highly anticipated game!

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 In-Depth Information Unveiled

Put an End to the Paintress's Madness This April 2025

Set in a fantasy world inspired by "Belle Epoque France," Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is slated for release on April 24, 2025, as announced by Sandfall Interactive during Xbox's Developer Direct. The game promises a fresh take on classic turn-based combat, built from the ground up by the developers to offer innovative gameplay. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will be available on day one with Xbox Game Pass, ensuring broad accessibility to players.

Players can pre-order the base game for $44.99 or opt for the Deluxe Edition at $59.99 through the Xbox Store. Both editions are available at a 10% discount on Steam and PS5, priced at $44.99 and $53.99 respectively. On the Epic Games Store, the game is currently available for wishlisting. Note that the Steam discount expires on May 2, 2025, and the PlayStation discount ends at the game’s release date at 3:00 PM local time, requiring a PlayStation Plus subscription for the introductory price.

In addition to the release date, Sandfall Interactive shared detailed insights into the game’s new characters and its innovative gameplay mechanics.

New Characters of Expedition 33: Monoco and Esquie

The game's full cast now includes seven fully playable characters and one dedicated to exploration, with the latest additions being Monoco and Esquie. Monoco, a "friendly and bloodthirsty Gestral," thrives on combat and sees competition as a form of meditation. This character can transform into defeated enemies, adding a strategic layer to combat by harnessing their powers. Unaffected by the Paintress’s influence, Monoco joined the expedition eager to face future challenges.

Esquie, known as the oldest and strongest being in the world, plays a vital yet non-combat role, enabling the team to access various locations on the open-world map by collecting special stones. These stones unlock new abilities and open up previously inaccessible areas.

The other playable characters, previously introduced in a YouTube video on October 16, 2024, include Gustave, Lune, Maelle, Sciel, Renoir, and Verso. Despite their diverse backgrounds and motivations, they unite to end the cycle of death once and for all.

Turn-Based Combat Innovation and Deep Character Customization

Sandfall Interactive is set to revolutionize the classic turn-based RPG combat system with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, as highlighted in an Xbox Wire article dated January 23, 2025. CEO and Creative Director Guillaume Broche emphasized the goal of creating a game that feels dynamic and engaging, with each character offering unique playstyles and extensive customization options.

The game introduces a reactive turn-based system, blending real-time elements with traditional turn-based combat. Players can dodge enemy attacks or execute powerful parries for significant damage, with the flexibility to adjust difficulty settings to suit their skill level. This innovative system challenges players' strategic thinking and reflexes.

Character customization is at the heart of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, with each character possessing unique mechanics and skill trees. For instance, Lune can harness "Stain" to enhance her abilities, while "Pictos" tied to equipment evolve into permanent "Luminas" after four battles, offering players hundreds of build possibilities. This deep customization allows players to tailor their gameplay experience, ensuring a personalized journey through the captivating world of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.