Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Latest Updates

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 News

2025

April 3

⚫︎ Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will offer PC players a wide range of graphical presets from Low to Epic, ensuring that players can tailor their experience to their system's capabilities. Console gamers will have the choice between Performance and Quality modes, optimizing gameplay for either smooth performance or stunning visuals. The game has been confirmed as PS5 Pro Enhanced, although specific details on the enhancements remain under wraps. Xbox players can now pre-load the game in anticipation of its global launch scheduled for April 24 at 12 AM PT / 3 AM ET. The title will feature 56 achievements and trophies, challenging players to complete 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

March 24

⚫︎ Sandfall Interactive has decided that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will not feature a minimap, instead opting for a compass to guide players. This choice, as explained by producer Francois Meurisse, is designed to foster a genuine sense of exploration and discovery. The absence of a minimap aligns with the game's narrative, where players join an expedition into unknown territories, following the paths of failed explorers. Meurisse highlighted that the lack of a map underscores the theme of venturing into the unknown, mirroring the uncertainty felt by the in-game characters.

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

March 21

⚫︎ The director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Guillaume Broche, embarked on this project driven by a personal passion for turn-based RPGs. Having felt a void in the genre, Broche started development in 2019, inspired by classics like Final Fantasy, Lost Odyssey, and FromSoftware's Sekiro. His vision was to create a game that combines strategic turn-based combat with skill-based mechanics, catering to fans who share his enthusiasm for these elements.

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 shed light on Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's innovative approach to turn-based strategy, integrating challenging, off-rhythm enemy attacks. While the game is deeply rooted in JRPG traditions, it sets itself apart with a Belle Epoque-inspired art style. Sandfall Interactive's goal is to deliver a visually and mechanically unique experience, drawing from classic Final Fantasy titles while incorporating real-time defensive mechanics reminiscent of Sekiro and action point-based skills inspired by 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 has been overwhelmingly positive. Critics praised the game's turn-based combat system, which they described as an evolution and a masterful blend of elements from iconic JRPGs.

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

January 30

⚫︎ Even before its official release, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has secured a movie adaptation. Sandfall Interactive has teamed up with Story Kitchen, known for their work on game-to-film adaptations such as Sonic and the upcoming Dredge movie. While details such as the director and cast are yet to be announced, producers Dmitri M. Johnson, Mike Goldberg, and Elena Sandoval are set to bring the game's rich narrative and complex characters to the big screen. Story Kitchen is eager to translate the game's compelling story into a cinematic experience.

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

2024

August 29

⚫︎ Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is heavily influenced by classic turn-based RPGs, with creative director Guillaume Broche citing Final Fantasy VIII-X, Persona, and Octopath Traveler as significant inspirations. A passionate fan of the genre, Broche set out to develop a turn-based RPG with high-fidelity graphics that blends real-time reaction-based combat with strategic depth. The game allows players to switch party members in the open world and use traversal abilities to solve puzzles. Broche has been overwhelmed by the game's positive reception, expressing a desire for players to experiment with creative builds and "break the game." 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. The game's title references the Clair Obscur artistic movement from 17th-18th century France, while its story is 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. The game incorporates influences from Souls games, Devil May Cry, and NieR, aiming to modernize the turn-based RPG combat genre.

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