Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 News
2025
April 3
⚫︎ Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set to offer PC players an expansive range of graphical presets, from Low to Epic settings, catering to diverse hardware capabilities. Console gamers will have the option to choose between Performance and Quality modes for an optimized experience. Notably, the game is confirmed to be PS5 Pro Enhanced, though detailed specifications remain under wraps. Xbox enthusiasts can now pre-load the game in anticipation of its global launch scheduled for April 24 at 12 AM PT / 3 AM ET. Players can look forward to achieving 56 achievements and trophies, with challenges ranging from defeating bosses without taking damage to 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 made the bold decision to exclude a minimap from Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, opting instead for a compass to guide players. Producer Francois Meurisse articulated that this choice was deliberate to foster a genuine sense of exploration and discovery. This design not only enhances gameplay but also aligns with the narrative where players embark on an expedition into uncharted territories, mirroring the uncertainty faced by previous explorers. "They don’t have a map because every previous expedition failed," Meurisse explained, emphasizing the immersive experience of feeling lost and uncertain, much like the in-game characters.
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, embarked on this project driven by his passion for turn-based RPGs, feeling a void in the market. Initiating development in 2019, Broche drew inspiration from iconic titles such as Final Fantasy, Lost Odyssey, and FromSoftware's Sekiro. His vision was to create a game that seamlessly blends strategic combat with skill-based mechanics, fulfilling his and others' desires for innovative turn-based RPGs.
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
⚫︎ In a recent interview, producer Francois Meurisse elaborated on Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's distinctive fusion of turn-based strategy with challenging, unpredictable enemy attacks. Rooted deeply in JRPG traditions, the game sets itself apart with a Belle Epoque-inspired art style, showcasing Sandfall Interactive's commitment to a visually and mechanically unique experience. The game pays homage to classic Final Fantasy titles while incorporating 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, playable demos of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 were provided to gaming news media, who were impressed by the game's innovative turn-based combat system. This system represents an evolution and amalgamation of mechanics from revered JRPGs, offering players a fresh yet familiar combat experience.
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 has secured a movie adaptation. Sandfall Interactive has collaborated with Story Kitchen, the studio behind adaptations like Sonic and the upcoming Dredge movie. Although details such as the director and cast are yet to be announced, producers Dmitri M. Johnson, Mike Goldberg, and Elena Sandoval are attached to the project. Story Kitchen is enthusiastic about bringing the game's rich narrative and complex characters to life on the big screen.
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. As a dedicated fan of the genre, Broche aimed to develop a turn-based RPG featuring high-fidelity graphics, integrating real-time reaction-based combat with strategic depth. Players can switch party members in the open world and utilize traversal abilities to solve puzzles. Overwhelmed by the game's positive reception, Broche hopes players will experiment with creative builds to "break the game," aspiring for Expedition 33 to leave a lasting impact, similar to the RPGs that inspired him.
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 from 17th-18th century France and its story inspired by the novel La Horde du Contrevent. Broche underscored the game's commitment to high-fidelity visuals and its pioneering reactive turn-based battle system. Influenced by Souls games, Devil May Cry, and NieR, the game aims to revolutionize turn-based RPG combat, blending tradition with modernity.
Read more: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's Historical Roots and Innovations
