Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 News
2025
April 3
⚫︎ Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set to provide PC players with a spectrum of graphical presets ranging from Low to Epic. Console enthusiasts can select between Performance and Quality modes. Notably, the game is PS5 Pro Enhanced, though specific details remain under wraps. Xbox users 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 boast 56 achievements and trophies, challenging players to feats such as defeating bosses without taking damage and collecting all 33 music records.
March 24
⚫︎ Sandfall Interactive has announced that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will forgo a traditional minimap, opting instead for a compass to guide navigation. Producer Francois Meurisse explained that this choice aims to foster a sense of exploration, avoiding reliance on UI elements. This design decision is not just a gameplay feature but is woven into the game's narrative fabric, emphasizing the theme of venturing into the unknown. Meurisse noted, "They don’t have a map because every previous expedition failed," highlighting the immersive experience intended for players.
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, embarked on the project in 2019, driven by his passion 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, catering to fans of the genre.
March 19
⚫︎ In a recent interview, producer Francois Meurisse shed light on Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's innovative approach, merging turn-based strategy with challenging, off-rhythm enemy attacks. Rooted in JRPG traditions, the game stands out with its Belle Epoque-inspired art style, a testament to Sandfall Interactive's vision of a visually and mechanically unique experience. The game draws from Final Fantasy while integrating 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, gaming media outlets were granted access to playable demos of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The game's turn-based combat system was praised for its evolution and homage to iconic JRPGs, setting a new standard in the genre.
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 their work on Sonic and the upcoming Dredge movie, to bring the game's narrative to life. While 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 translate the game's rich narrative and complex characters into a cinematic experience.
Read more: Clair Obscur is Getting Its Own Live-Action Movie
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 fan of the genre, Broche aimed to create a turn-based RPG with high-fidelity graphics, integrating 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, hoping players would "break the game" with creative builds. The development team aspires for Expedition 33 to leave a lasting impact, much like 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 story influenced by the novel La Horde du Contrevent. Broche emphasized the game's commitment to high-fidelity visuals and its innovative reactive turn-based battle system. Influenced by Souls games, Devil May Cry, and NieR, the game seeks to modernize turn-based RPG combat.
Read more: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's Historical Roots and Innovations
