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 presets 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 players can now pre-load the game in anticipation of its global launch on April 24 at 12 AM PT / 3 AM ET. The game will feature 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

March 24

⚫︎ Sandfall Interactive has made the bold decision to exclude a minimap from Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, opting instead for a compass to guide players. Producer Francois Meurisse explained that this choice is meant to encourage exploration and immersion, reflecting the game's narrative where players follow the paths of previous, unsuccessful expeditions. Meurisse stated, "They don’t have a map because every previous expedition failed," emphasizing the game's theme of venturing into the unknown.

Read more: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 won't have a mini map to preserve its sense of discovery, says producer

March 21

⚫︎ Guillaume Broche, the director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, started the project in 2019 out of a personal passion for turn-based RPGs. Inspired by classics like Final Fantasy, Lost Odyssey, and FromSoftware's Sekiro, Broche aimed to create a game that combines strategic combat with skill-based mechanics, filling a gap he felt in the market.

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

March 19

⚫︎ Producer Francois Meurisse highlighted Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's unique mix of turn-based strategy and challenging, off-rhythm enemy attacks. Rooted in JRPG traditions, the game stands out with its Belle Epoque-inspired art style, a nod to Sandfall Interactive’s French heritage. The game draws inspiration from Final Fantasy titles, while incorporating real-time defensive mechanics from 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 was showcased in playable demos to gaming media, who praised its turn-based combat as a significant evolution, drawing inspiration from iconic JRPGs. The game promises to be a homage to the genre while pushing its boundaries.

Read more: How Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s turn-based combat pays homage to all-time great JRPGs

January 30

⚫︎ Even before its release, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set to hit the big screen. Sandfall Interactive has teamed up with Story Kitchen, known for projects like Sonic and the upcoming Dredge movie, to bring the game to life in a cinematic adaptation. While details such as the director and cast are yet to be announced, producers Dmitri M. Johnson, Mike Goldberg, and Elena Sandoval are on board, eager to capture the game's rich narrative and complex characters on film.

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

2024

August 29

⚫︎ Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 draws heavily from classic turn-based RPGs, with creative director Guillaume Broche citing Final Fantasy VIII-X, Persona, and Octopath Traveler as key influences. Broche, a dedicated fan of the genre, aimed to create a high-fidelity turn-based RPG that blends 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 was thrilled with the game's positive reception and hopes players will experiment with creative builds to "break the game." The development team aspires for Expedition 33 to have a lasting impact, similar 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 revealed that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 draws inspiration from real-world art and literature, with its title referencing the Clair Obscur artistic movement of 17th-18th century France and its narrative inspired by the novel La Horde du Contrevent. The game emphasizes high-fidelity visuals and introduces an innovative reactive turn-based battle system, drawing influence from Souls games, Devil May Cry, and NieR. The goal is to modernize and elevate turn-based RPG combat.

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