Expedition 33: Clair Obscur Latest 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 settings ranging from Low to Epic. Console gamers can opt for either Performance or Quality modes. The game is officially PS5 Pro Enhanced, though specific details on the enhancements remain under wraps. Xbox enthusiasts can now pre-load the game in preparation for its global launch on April 24 at 12 AM PT / 3 AM ET. The title promises an engaging challenge with 56 achievements and trophies, including feats like 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 decided that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will not feature a minimap, instead utilizing a compass to guide players. Producer Francois Meurisse explained that this choice is meant to foster a true sense of exploration and align with the game's narrative where players embark on an expedition into uncharted territories. Meurisse noted, "They don’t have a map because every previous expedition failed," highlighting the intended feeling of uncertainty and adventure.

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

March 21

⚫︎ Guillaume Broche, the director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, initiated the project in 2019 driven by a personal craving for new turn-based RPGs. Inspired by classics like Final Fantasy, Lost Odyssey, and FromSoftware's Sekiro, Broche aimed to craft a game that blends strategic combat with skill-based mechanics, hoping to resonate with fellow RPG 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 discussed how Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 uniquely combines turn-based strategy with challenging, unpredictable enemy attacks. Rooted in JRPG traditions, the game sets itself apart with a Belle Epoque-inspired art style. It draws from Final Fantasy, while integrating real-time defensive mechanics similar to Sekiro and action point-based skills reminiscent of deckbuilders, showcasing Sandfall Interactive's vision for a distinctive gaming experience.

Read more: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is Sekiro Meets Belle Époque Meets JRPG (Game8)

March 3

⚫︎ Before its official release, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been showcased through playable demos to gaming media, receiving praise for its innovative take on turn-based combat. The game is lauded as an evolution of the genre, paying homage to iconic JRPGs while pushing boundaries with 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

⚫︎ Even before hitting the shelves, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is slated for a movie adaptation. Sandfall Interactive has teamed up with Story Kitchen, known for their game-to-film projects like Sonic and the upcoming Dredge movie. Although details on the director and cast are yet to be announced, 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 the big screen.

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

2024

August 29

⚫︎ Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 draws significant inspiration from classic turn-based RPGs, with creative director Guillaume Broche citing influences from Final Fantasy VIII-X, Persona, and Octopath Traveler. Broche, a passionate fan of the genre, sought to create a turn-based RPG with high-fidelity graphics, blending 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 expressed his delight at the game's positive reception and hopes players will "break the game" with innovative builds, aiming for Expedition 33 to leave a lasting impact on the genre.

Read more: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Wears Its FF and Persona Influences on Its Sleeves (Game8)

July 30

⚫︎ Creative director Guillaume Broche revealed that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is inspired by real-world art and literature, with its title referencing the Clair Obscur artistic movement from 17th-18th century France and its narrative influenced by the novel La Horde du Contrevent. The game emphasizes high-fidelity visuals alongside an innovative reactive turn-based battle system. Drawing from Souls games, Devil May Cry, and NieR, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 aims to modernize turn-based RPG combat, offering a fresh take on a beloved genre.

Read more: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's Historical Roots and Innovations (Game8)