Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Update

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 presets ranging from Low to Epic. Console gamers, on the other hand, can opt for either Performance or Quality modes. The game is confirmed to be PS5 Pro Enhanced, though specific details on enhancements remain under wraps. Xbox enthusiasts can now pre-load the game in anticipation of its global launch scheduled for April 24 at 12 AM PT / 3 AM ET. Players will have the opportunity to earn 56 achievements and trophies, including challenging 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 a bold choice for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 by excluding a minimap and instead implementing a compass to guide players. Producer Francois Meurisse explained that this decision aims to foster a deeper sense of exploration rather than dependence on UI elements. This design choice is intricately linked to the game's narrative, where players embody explorers venturing into uncharted territories. Meurisse noted, "They don’t have a map because every previous expedition failed," emphasizing the immersive experience 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 inception of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was fueled by director Guillaume Broche's passion for turn-based RPGs. Feeling a void in the genre, Broche decided to craft a game that would appeal to fellow enthusiasts. He embarked on this journey in 2019, drawing inspiration from beloved titles like Final Fantasy, Lost Odyssey, and FromSoftware's Sekiro, with the goal of integrating strategic combat with skill-based elements.

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 shed light on Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's innovative approach, blending turn-based strategy with off-rhythm enemy attacks for a unique challenge. While rooted in JRPG traditions, the game sets itself apart with a Belle Epoque-inspired art style, reflecting Sandfall Interactive’s commitment to creating a visually and mechanically distinctive experience. The game draws from classic Final Fantasy titles and incorporates real-time defensive mechanics inspired by Sekiro, alongside action point-based skills reminiscent of deckbuilders.

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

March 3

⚫︎ Gaming news outlets have had the opportunity to experience playable demos of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 ahead of its release, and the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The game's turn-based combat system has been praised as a fresh evolution, skillfully paying homage to the greatest JRPGs while introducing new mechanics.

Read more: [How Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s turn-based combat pays homage to all-time great JRPGs](Epic Games Store News)

January 30

⚫︎ Before even hitting the shelves, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is slated for a movie adaptation. Sandfall Interactive has teamed up with Story Kitchen, known for bringing games like Sonic and the upcoming Dredge to the big screen. Although no director or cast has been announced yet, the project is in good hands with producers Dmitri M. Johnson, Mike Goldberg, and Elena Sandoval. Story Kitchen is eager to bring the game's rich narrative and complex 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 proudly wears its influences from classic turn-based RPGs on its sleeve, with creative director Guillaume Broche citing Final Fantasy VIII-X, Persona, and Octopath Traveler as key inspirations. Broche, a dedicated fan of the genre, sought to create a turn-based RPG that combines high-fidelity graphics with a blend of real-time reaction-based combat and strategic depth. Players can freely switch party members in the open world and utilize unique traversal abilities to solve puzzles. Broche expressed his excitement over the game's positive reception, hoping players will explore and "break the game" with innovative builds. The development team aspires for Expedition 33 to resonate with players as profoundly as 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 revealed that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 draws inspiration from real-world art and literature, specifically the 17th-18th century French artistic movement known as Clair Obscur and the novel La Horde du Contrevent. Broche highlighted the game's commitment to high-fidelity visuals and its groundbreaking reactive turn-based combat system. The game aims to modernize the genre by incorporating influences from Souls games, Devil May Cry, and NieR, creating a dynamic and engaging experience for players.

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