Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 News
2025
April 3
⚫︎ Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set to offer PC players a variety of graphical presets, ranging from Low to Epic, ensuring a customizable visual experience. Console gamers can select between Performance and Quality modes, with the game being optimized for the PS5 Pro, although specific enhancements remain undisclosed. Xbox enthusiasts can now pre-load the game in anticipation of its worldwide launch on April 24 at 12 AM PT / 3 AM ET. The game will feature 56 achievements and trophies, challenging players to accomplish feats such as defeating bosses without taking damage and collecting all 33 music records.
March 24
⚫︎ Sandfall Interactive has confirmed that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will forgo a minimap in favor of a compass to guide players, promoting a deeper sense of exploration. Producer Francois Meurisse explained that this decision aligns with the game's narrative, where players join an expedition into the unknown, following in the footsteps of those who did not return. "They don’t have a map because every previous expedition failed," Meurisse noted, enhancing the feeling of uncertainty and discovery for players.
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 his passion for turn-based RPGs, starting development in 2019. Inspired by titles like Final Fantasy, Lost Odyssey, and FromSoftware's Sekiro, Broche aimed to blend strategic combat with skill-based mechanics, filling a niche he felt was lacking in the genre.
March 19
⚫︎ Producer Francois Meurisse highlighted Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's innovative approach, combining turn-based strategy with challenging, off-rhythm enemy attacks. Rooted in JRPG traditions, the game stands out with its Belle Epoque-inspired art style. Sandfall Interactive's vision is to deliver a visually and mechanically unique experience, drawing from classic Final Fantasy titles while integrating 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
March 3
⚫︎ Ahead of its release, gaming media had the opportunity to experience playable demos of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the game's turn-based combat as a refined evolution of the genre, paying homage to the great JRPGs of the past.
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 slated for a movie adaptation. Sandfall Interactive has partnered with Story Kitchen, known for their work on Sonic and the upcoming Dredge movie. While details such as the director and cast are yet to be announced, the project is under the guidance of producers Dmitri M. Johnson, Mike Goldberg, and Elena Sandoval. 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
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 major influences. A fan of the genre, Broche's goal was to craft a turn-based RPG with high-fidelity graphics and a mix of real-time reaction-based combat and strategic depth. Players can switch party members in the open world and use traversal abilities to solve puzzles. Broche expressed his delight at the game's warm reception and hopes players will experiment with creative builds, leaving 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 is inspired by real-world art and literature, with its title referencing the 17th-18th century French artistic movement, Clair Obscur, and its narrative influenced by the novel La Horde du Contrevent. The game emphasizes high-fidelity visuals and introduces an innovative reactive turn-based battle system. It draws influence from Souls games, Devil May Cry, and NieR, aiming to modernize the traditional turn-based RPG combat.
Read more: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's Historical Roots and Innovations
