Sandfall Interactive has unveiled exciting new details about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, including its release date, characters, and gameplay mechanics, during Xbox's Developer Direct. Dive in to discover more about this highly anticipated game!
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 In-Depth Information Unveiled
Put an End to the Paintress's Madness This April 2025
Set in a fantasy world inspired by "Belle Epoque France," Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's release date was revealed by Sandfall Interactive during Xbox's Developer Direct. The game is scheduled to launch on April 24, 2025.
The latest Xbox Direct showcased how Sandfall Interactive's developers meticulously crafted the game, innovating on classic turn-based combat. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will be available on day one with Xbox Game Pass.
Players can pre-order the base game for $44.99 or opt for the Deluxe Edition at $59.99 on the Xbox Store. The Steam and PS5 storefronts offer a 10% discount on both editions, priced at $44.99 and $53.99 respectively. The game is available for wishlisting on the Epic Games Store.
The Steam discount will expire on May 2, 2025, while the PlayStation discount will end at the game’s release date at 3:00 PM (local time). PS5 players need a PlayStation Plus subscription to avail of this introductory offer.
Alongside the release date, Sandfall Interactive shared detailed insights into the game’s characters and its innovative gameplay mechanics.
New Characters of Expedition 33: Monoco and Esquie
The developers have introduced the full cast of the game, expanding the roster to seven fully playable characters and one dedicated to exploration. The mysterious and otherworldly characters joining the 33rd expedition are Monoco and Esquie.
Monoco, described as the team’s "friendly and bloodthirsty Gestral," views combat as a form of meditation. This unique being can transform into defeated enemies, adding a strategic layer to combat by harnessing the powers of fallen foes. Unaffected by the Paintress’ power, Monoco joined the group intrigued by future battles.
Esquie, known as the oldest and strongest being in the world, takes a supportive role in combat. This character grants the team access to various locations across an open world map. By collecting Esquie's special stones, players can unlock new abilities and explore previously inaccessible areas.
The other playable characters, Gustave, Lune, Maelle, Sciel, Renoir, and Verso, were previously revealed on October 16, 2024, via a YouTube video. Despite their diverse personalities and motivations, they have united to break the cycle of death.
Turn-Based Combat Innovation and Deep Character Customization
Sandfall Interactive aims to elevate Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 beyond mere visual appeal by reimagining classic turn-based RPG combat, as highlighted in an Xbox Wire article dated January 23, 2025.
"We didn’t want the game to just be a pretty face," stated CEO and creative director Guillaume Broche. "We wanted it to feel like a real game. Each character has their own distinct playstyle, allowing for diverse strategies and unique mechanics through their skill trees."
To achieve this, the developers integrated real-time elements into the turn-based combat, allowing players to dodge enemy attacks or deliver devastating blows by parrying. Characters can execute more powerful attacks by pressing specific buttons, a system the developers call the reactive turn-based system. For players who may not have "Sekiro-caliber timing," the game offers adjustable difficulty settings to modify the parry and dodge windows, ensuring accessibility at all skill levels.
The game also provides extensive character customization. Each character boasts unique mechanics and skill trees, such as Lune’s ability to accumulate and utilize "Stain" to enhance her abilities. Players can evolve "Pictos," equipment modifiers, into permanent "Luminas" after four battles, offering a range of passive effects to further tailor each character.
With deep customization options, players can experiment with hundreds of different builds, crafting a playstyle that suits their preferences through Luminas, unique skills, and abilities. The reactive turn-based system introduces a fresh twist on classic combat, challenging players' strategic thinking and reflexes alike.
