Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Update

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 News

2025

April 3

⚫︎ Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set to offer a diverse range of graphical settings for PC players, ranging from Low to Epic, while console gamers can select between Performance and Quality modes. The game has been confirmed as PS5 Pro Enhanced, though detailed specifications remain under wraps. 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 feature 56 achievements and trophies, challenging players to defeat bosses without taking damage and to collect 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 announced that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will forgo a traditional minimap, opting instead for a compass to enhance the exploration experience. Producer Francois Meurisse explained that this choice encourages players to immerse themselves in the game's world, mirroring the narrative where players join an expedition into the unknown, following in the footsteps of explorers who never returned. "They don’t have a map because every previous expedition failed," Meurisse noted, aiming to evoke the same sense of uncertainty and discovery in players.

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 director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Guillaume Broche, revealed that his passion for turn-based RPGs drove him to initiate the game's development in 2019. Inspired by classics like Final Fantasy, Lost Odyssey, and FromSoftware's Sekiro, Broche sought to blend strategic combat with skill-based mechanics, hoping to satisfy his own cravings for innovative gameplay and appeal to fellow enthusiasts.

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 highlighted Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's unique fusion 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, reflecting Sandfall Interactive's vision of a visually and mechanically distinct experience. It draws from classic Final Fantasy titles while integrating real-time defensive mechanics inspired by Sekiro and action point-based skills reminiscent of deckbuilders.

March 3

⚫︎ Ahead of its release, gaming media were treated to playable demos of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and the game's turn-based combat received widespread acclaim for its innovative approach, seen as an evolution and homage to legendary JRPGs.

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 its official launch, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set to be adapted into a movie. Sandfall Interactive has teamed up with Story Kitchen, known for transforming games into films like Sonic and the upcoming Dredge movie. Although no director or cast has been announced yet, producers Dmitri M. Johnson, Mike Goldberg, and Elena Sandoval are on board. Story Kitchen is enthusiastic about bringing the game's compelling narrative and intricate characters to the big screen.

2024

August 29

⚫︎ Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 proudly showcases its roots in classic turn-based RPGs, with creative director Guillaume Broche drawing inspiration from Final Fantasy VIII-X, Persona, and Octopath Traveler. As a dedicated fan of the genre, Broche aimed to craft a turn-based RPG with stunning graphics, merging real-time reaction-based combat with deep strategic elements. Players can switch party members in the open world and utilize traversal abilities to tackle puzzles. Broche expressed delight at the game's positive reception and hopes players will experiment with creative builds, echoing the impact of the RPGs that influenced him.

July 30

⚫︎ Creative director Guillaume Broche revealed that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 draws its inspiration from real-world art and literature, specifically referencing the Clair Obscur artistic movement from 17th-18th century France and the novel La Horde du Contrevent. Broche emphasized the game's commitment to high-fidelity visuals and its groundbreaking reactive turn-based battle system. Influences from Souls games, Devil May Cry, and NieR are woven into the fabric of the game, aiming to revolutionize turn-based RPG combat.