Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 News
2025
April 3
⚫︎ Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set to offer PC gamers an expansive selection of graphical presets ranging from Low to Epic. Console enthusiasts can choose between Performance and Quality modes. The game has been confirmed as PS5 Pro Enhanced, although specific details remain under wraps. Xbox users can now pre-load the game in anticipation of its worldwide launch on April 24 at 12 AM PT / 3 AM ET. The title boasts 56 achievements and trophies, challenging players with tasks 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 announced that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will forgo a traditional minimap, opting for a compass to guide players. Producer Francois Meurisse stated that this choice aims to foster a deeper sense of exploration, steering away from heavy reliance on UI elements. This design also aligns with the game's narrative, where players are part of an expedition into the unknown, following the paths of unsuccessful explorers. "They don’t have a map because every previous expedition failed," Meurisse explained, emphasizing the intended feeling 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 director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Guillaume Broche, shared that his passion for new turn-based RPGs spurred the game's development, which began as a personal project in 2019. Inspired by classics like Final Fantasy, Lost Odyssey, and FromSoftware's Sekiro, Broche sought to blend strategic combat with skill-based mechanics, believing there was an audience eager for such a fusion.
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 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's innovative gameplay, blending turn-based strategy with challenging, off-rhythm enemy attacks. The game, deeply rooted in JRPG traditions, features a unique Belle Epoque-inspired art style, showcasing Sandfall Interactive’s aim for a visually and mechanically distinctive experience. Drawing from Final Fantasy, it incorporates real-time defensive mechanics from Sekiro and action point-based skills inspired by deckbuilders.
Read more: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is Sekiro Meets Belle Époque Meets JRPG (Game8)
March 3
⚫︎ Ahead of its release, gaming media outlets received playable demos of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and many were impressed by its innovative turn-based combat. The game successfully evolves and combines elements from beloved JRPGs, offering a fresh take on the genre.
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 its launch, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set to be adapted into a movie. Developer Sandfall Interactive has collaborated with Story Kitchen, known for their work on projects like Sonic and the upcoming Dredge movie. While details on the director and cast are yet to be revealed, producers Dmitri M. Johnson, Mike Goldberg, and Elena Sandoval are involved. 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 Final Fantasy VIII-X, Persona, and Octopath Traveler as key influences. A passionate fan of the genre, Broche aimed to develop a turn-based RPG with high-fidelity graphics that merges real-time, reaction-based combat with strategic depth. Players can switch party members in the open world and utilize traversal abilities to solve puzzles. Broche was thrilled by the game's positive reception and hopes that players will experiment and "break the game" with innovative builds. The team aspires for Expedition 33 to leave a lasting impact, echoing the RPGs that have shaped their own gaming experiences.
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, specifically referencing the Clair Obscur artistic movement from 17th-18th century France and the novel La Horde du Contrevent. The game emphasizes high-fidelity visuals and introduces an innovative reactive turn-based battle system. Drawing inspiration from Souls games, Devil May Cry, and NieR, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 aims to modernize and evolve traditional turn-based RPG combat.
Read more: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's Historical Roots and Innovations (Game8)
