Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the ambitious debut from French indie developer Sandfall Interactive, has officially launched across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC—and it’s already turning heads as one of 2025’s most daring and captivating RPGs. With a hauntingly beautiful world, a strikingly original premise, and an innovative twist on turn-based combat, Expedition 33 is more than a promising newcomer—it’s a potential genre-defining title.
A World Painted in Fear and Elegance
Set in a surreal Belle Époque-inspired world, Expedition 33 immerses players in a society on the brink of extinction. The catalyst for this unraveling is the Paintress, a mysterious woman who paints a single number onto a sacred monolith each year. Anyone of that age instantly vanishes. This year, the number is 33—making the fate of our protagonist, Gustave, and his team of Expeditioners, all the more urgent.
It’s a chilling premise that balances existential dread with painterly beauty. The game’s environments—crafted in Unreal Engine 5—are dripping with dreamlike textures, brutalist architecture, and oil-paint-style skies. Think Bioshock Infinite meets NieR: Automata with a brushstroke of Disco Elysium.
Combat That Blends Strategy With Reflexes
At the core of Expedition 33 is a hybrid combat system that feels both familiar and refreshing. Battles are turn-based in structure, but players must actively dodge, parry, or time attacks in real time. It’s a little Legend of Dragoon, a bit Paper Mario, and entirely its own beast.
Each member of your party comes with distinct roles and customizable skill trees. “Stances” offer tactical flexibility, while systems like “Pictos” (for passive boosts) and “Lumina” (for advanced build crafting) reward experimentation. No two fights feel the same, and no victory is guaranteed without attention and timing.
It’s this system that has drawn comparisons to Persona and Final Fantasy X, though many players argue it surpasses both in sheer moment-to-moment engagement. The game encourages active thinking and reactive play, bringing an adrenaline rush to what is traditionally a methodical genre.
Deep Narrative Roots With Minimal Hand-Holding
Unlike many RPGs, Clair Obscur trusts players to discover the story through exploration and character interactions. There’s little in the way of exposition dumps. Instead, you piece together the tragedy of the world from scattered documents, cryptic NPC conversations, and environmental storytelling—a choice that adds to the mystery and emotional weight.
The cast is brought to life by an exceptional voice ensemble including Ben Starr (Final Fantasy XVI), Jennifer English (Baldur’s Gate 3), Charlie Cox (Daredevil), and Andy Serkis (The Lord of the Rings). Their performances lend gravitas to every scene, elevating what is already a carefully written narrative.
Technical Polish With Some Rough Edges
On current-gen consoles and high-end PCs, Expedition 33 shines. Xbox Series X|S offers two modes: a 30 FPS fidelity option and a 60 FPS performance mode. PC users with an RTX 4080 or higher can comfortably push 4K at ultra settings, though a few have noted oversharpened visuals. On the Steam Deck, the game runs, but is labeled as “Unsupported” and exhibits performance hitches that Sandfall says they’re actively working to fix.
Still, even with these minor hiccups, the technical execution is largely polished—particularly for a debut studio project.
A GOTY Contender? Signs Point to Yes
Critics and players alike are singing the game’s praises. With a 92 Metacritic average and a 93% “Very Positive” rating on Steam, it’s already tied with Hades II and Avowed as one of the highest-rated releases of the year.
In a surprise twist, a live-action adaptation is already in the works, with production duties handled by Story Kitchen, the studio behind the Sifu and Tomb Raider projects. It’s early days, but the announcement signals confidence in the IP’s storytelling strength and cultural appeal.
Verdict: A Bold Vision That Deserves Your Time
Final Score: 9.5/10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an extraordinary debut that succeeds on nearly every front. Its hybrid combat is both innovative and deeply satisfying, the world is richly imagined, and the storytelling feels genuinely fresh. While Steam Deck users might want to wait for further optimization, every other platform delivers a top-tier RPG experience.
Whether you’re a fan of classic JRPGs or new to the genre, this is a journey worth taking. At $49.99 (with a launch discount bringing it closer to $39.99), it’s not only one of the best-reviewed games of 2025—it might also be one of the most important.
Don’t miss this expedition.
Key Takeaways
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 launched April 24, 2025 on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC for $49.99.
- The game features a 30-hour story with team-building and weapon strengthening mechanics.
- Pre-orders are available now for this old-school inspired RPG published by Kepler Interactive.
Overview of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a groundbreaking turn-based RPG that blends traditional elements with innovative real-time mechanics. The game takes players on a journey through a fantastical world with visual inspirations from Belle Époque France.
Concept and Setting
Clair Obscur takes place in an enchanting realm that draws heavily from early 20th century French aesthetics. This fantasy world serves as the backdrop for the 33rd expedition into a mysterious and ever-changing landscape. The world features an old-school style map reminiscent of classic Final Fantasy games, creating a sense of scope without requiring a massive open world.
The setting blends surreal elements with familiar historical touches. Players traverse through varied environments that shift and transform, sometimes in unexpected ways. This changing landscape ties directly to the game’s central mystery and the entity known as the Paintress.
The visual style captures a dreamlike quality that separates Clair Obscur from other fantasy RPGs on the market.
Narrative and Characters
The story centers around the enigmatic being called the Paintress who plays a crucial role in the game’s world. Each year, this mysterious entity influences the expedition in ways that drive the main narrative forward.
Players follow protagonists Gustave and Maelle as they navigate this strange world filled with surreal adversaries and special companions. These characters develop throughout the journey as they uncover secrets about the world and its inhabitants.
The narrative unfolds through both main story quests and hidden side missions. These hidden quests provide deeper insights into the lore and may significantly impact how players experience the game’s story.
Character relationships evolve based on player choices, adding replayability and emotional depth to the adventure.
Gameplay Mechanics
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 innovates on traditional JRPG turn-based combat by incorporating unique real-time elements. These mechanics make battles more immersive and dynamic than standard turn-based encounters.
The combat system features:
- Standard turns with added real-time actions
- Dodge, parry, and counter opportunities during enemy attacks
- Chain combos that build upon successful maneuvers
- Special companion abilities that complement the main characters
Players can develop complex strategies by mastering these combat elements. The game rewards timing and tactical thinking rather than just selecting options from menus.
Outside of combat, players explore the world map, discover hidden areas, and interact with NPCs. The progression system focuses on both character development and gear enhancement through materials found throughout the expedition.
Game Development and Identity
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 represents a significant achievement in game development, combining classic RPG elements with innovative mechanics. The development team has focused on creating a unique visual identity while leveraging modern technology.
Sandfall Interactive: The Creators
Sandfall Interactive, the development studio behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has established itself as a forward-thinking team committed to reimagining the RPG genre. The studio has assembled a diverse group of developers with experience in both indie and AAA game development.
Their creative vision focuses on blending nostalgic RPG elements with fresh mechanics. As shown in their development videos, the team worked collaboratively to ensure every aspect of the game maintains a consistent artistic direction.
Sandfall aimed to create a game that honors RPG traditions while pushing boundaries. Their development philosophy emphasizes player agency and immersive storytelling. This approach has allowed them to create a game that feels both familiar and innovative.
Art and Design Inspirations
The distinct visual style of Clair Obscur draws inspiration from several artistic movements. The game’s name itself references the light and shadow technique (chiaroscuro) used by Renaissance painters.
The world design incorporates elements of:
- Surrealist art movements
- Classic fantasy literature
- Traditional RPG aesthetics
- Gothic architecture
The character designs blend whimsical and dark elements, creating a unique tone. The Paintress antagonist embodies this approach, with her ability to “paint death” serving as both a narrative and visual motif.
Color plays a crucial role in the game’s identity, with rich contrasts highlighting important gameplay elements. This artistic direction helps distinguish Expedition 33 from other games in the increasingly crowded RPG market.
Utilizing Unreal Engine 5
Sandfall Interactive leveraged Unreal Engine 5’s capabilities to realize their creative vision for Expedition 33. The engine’s advanced lighting system enables the dramatic chiaroscuro effects that define the game’s visual identity.
The development team utilized several key UE5 features:
- Nanite for highly detailed environments
- Lumen for dynamic global illumination
- Niagara for particle effects during battles
These technologies allow the game to maintain a high level of visual fidelity while supporting its unique turn-based/real-time hybrid combat system. The engine’s flexibility enabled developers to implement their innovative battle mechanics without compromising performance.
Unreal Engine 5 also facilitated cross-platform development, ensuring consistent quality across PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5 versions of the game. This technical foundation helps Expedition 33 push graphical boundaries while maintaining the accessibility expected of modern RPGs.
Release and Availability
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will launch worldwide on April 24, 2025. The game will be available across multiple platforms with various purchasing options for players.
Platforms and Compatibility
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will release simultaneously on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. The game requires approximately 55 GB of available storage space on PC.
For PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, the standard edition is priced at $49.99. The game appears to be a next-gen only release, with no mentions of PlayStation 4 or Xbox One versions in any of the promotional materials.
PC players can purchase the game through Steam, where it’s currently available for pre-order. Steam may offer regional pricing variations depending on your location.
Region-Specific Release Information
Based on available information, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will have a global release on April 24, 2025. No region-specific delays or early access periods have been announced.
The game is being published by Kepler Interactive and developed by Sandfall Interactive. Both companies appear to be targeting a simultaneous worldwide launch.
Pre-orders are currently available across all platforms. Players can secure their copy through the PlayStation Store, Xbox marketplace, or Steam depending on their preferred gaming platform.
Game Pass and Subscription Services
Xbox Game Pass subscribers will have access to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 on day one of its release. This means Game Pass members can play the full game starting April 24, 2025, without purchasing it separately.
The “play it day one with Game Pass” promotion is highlighted in Xbox’s marketing materials. This adds significant value for existing Game Pass subscribers interested in this turn-based RPG.
No information has been shared about availability on other subscription services like PlayStation Plus. Currently, Game Pass appears to be the only subscription service confirmed to include Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 at launch.
Game Experience
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 offers players a unique blend of turn-based and real-time combat mechanics that set it apart from traditional RPGs. The game focuses on strategic planning while maintaining an engaging pace.
Combat Style and Difficulty Levels
The battle system in Clair Obscur merges traditional turn-based RPG elements with real-time mechanics. Players must identify enemy weak points and exploit them through strategic positioning and timing. This hybrid approach creates a more immersive combat experience than purely turn-based systems.
Combat difficulty scales based on player choices, with multiple difficulty settings available from the start. Players can adjust these settings at any time to match their preferred challenge level.
Battles require players to manage both Action Points and special abilities with cooldown timers. This dual resource system forces thoughtful decisions about when to attack, defend, or use powerful abilities.
Enemy AI adapts to player strategies, making each encounter feel fresh and challenging. Boss battles feature complex mechanics that test players’ mastery of the combat system.
Character Progression and Skills
Characters in Expedition 33 develop through a branching skill system that allows for significant customization. Each team member has unique base abilities that can be enhanced and modified as they level up.
Skills are divided into active and passive categories. Active skills provide direct combat options, while passive skills offer statistical bonuses and special effects that change how characters perform in battle.
The progression system ties directly to the story, with certain plot developments unlocking new skill paths. This creates a natural flow between narrative and gameplay mechanics.
Equipment choices further impact character development by providing stat boosts and special effects. Some rare gear pieces can fundamentally change how certain skills function.
Players earn skill points through combat, exploration, and story progression, allowing for steady character advancement throughout the game.
Unique Builds and Player Agency
The game encourages experimentation with different character builds through its flexible skill system. Players can create specialized team compositions focusing on damage, support, or defensive strategies.
Build viability remains balanced across different playstyles, ensuring players can succeed with their preferred approach. The game doesn’t force a single “correct” way to develop characters.
Respec options become available at certain points in the story, allowing players to adjust their builds if needed. This prevents frustration from early game decisions.
Synergies between characters create opportunities for powerful combo attacks and strategic advantages. Finding and exploiting these synergies becomes a rewarding part of the gameplay experience.
The most effective teams utilize complementary builds that cover different combat situations and enemy types, encouraging players to think holistically about their party composition.
Pre-Launch Insights
As Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 approaches its April 24, 2025 release date, excitement continues to build among RPG fans. The innovative turn-based RPG with real-time elements has generated significant buzz in gaming communities.
Anticipation and Community Engagement
Sandfall Interactive has maintained an active presence on social media, sharing development updates and gameplay snippets that highlight the unique combat system. The studio’s transparency has fostered a growing community of eager fans.
Developer livestreams have showcased the game’s distinctive art style, which blends light and dark elements as suggested by the “Clair Obscur” title. These presentations have revealed more about the narrative, where players lead Expedition 33 members on their quest to defeat the Paintress.
Fan forums are buzzing with theories about the storyline and the mysterious world inspired by classic RPGs. Community managers have been responsive to questions, creating an inclusive atmosphere for newcomers and RPG veterans alike.
Pre-Order Options and Benefits
Pre-orders for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 are currently available across multiple platforms:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- Windows PC
Early purchasers receive several exclusive bonuses, including a digital artbook featuring concept designs of the Expeditioners and the game world. The “Painter’s Palette” cosmetic pack gives players unique character customization options not available in the standard edition.
The Deluxe Edition includes the season pass, granting access to two planned story expansions scheduled for late 2025. Collectors can opt for the physical Expedition Kit, which contains a detailed figurine of the main protagonist and a replica of the in-game journal.
Pre-order pricing starts at $59.99 for the Standard Edition, with the Deluxe and Collector’s Editions priced at $79.99 and $129.99 respectively.
Marketing and Promotions
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has launched several key marketing initiatives to build excitement ahead of its April 24, 2025 release. The game’s publisher has invested in a multi-platform strategy targeting RPG enthusiasts.
Advertising Campaigns
The marketing team behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has created an extensive advertising campaign across digital and traditional media. Video trailers highlighting the game’s unique turn-based RPG mechanics with real-time elements have been featured on major gaming websites and social media platforms.
Television spots began airing in February 2025, focusing on the immersive battle system and distinctive art style. These commercials typically run during programming popular with the 18-35 gaming demographic.
Digital advertising has been particularly strong, with targeted ads appearing on streaming platforms and gaming forums. The campaign emphasizes the “ground-breaking” nature of the combat system that blends traditional turn-based RPG elements with more action-oriented mechanics.
Pre-order bonuses have been promoted heavily, including the “Flowers Collection” featuring six special outfits and hairstyles plus additional “Gommage” outfit variations.
Presence at Gaming Conventions
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 made significant appearances at major gaming events throughout 2024 and early 2025. The game was prominently featured at the Xbox Games Showcase with a dedicated booth allowing attendees to experience hands-on gameplay.
Demo stations at PAX East gave players their first opportunity to test the innovative battle system. Developer panels provided insights into the game’s creation and design philosophy.
The title also appeared at several international gaming exhibitions, with custom-designed booth spaces that reflected the game’s unique aesthetic. These convention appearances included meet-and-greet opportunities with the development team.
Gameplay demonstrations highlighted both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X versions of the game, showing off the technical capabilities on both platforms. Special convention-exclusive merchandise was distributed to attendees who played the demo.
Collaborations and Sponsorships
The publishers of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 have secured several strategic partnerships to expand the game’s reach. A collaboration with a popular energy drink brand created limited-edition cans featuring artwork from the game and promotional codes for in-game items.
Gaming influencers and streamers received early access codes in February 2025, generating preview content across YouTube, Twitch, and other platforms. These partnerships helped build organic buzz among core gaming audiences.
The game has sponsored several esports events in the lead-up to release, with tournament winners receiving advance copies and exclusive digital content. Cross-promotional deals with gaming peripheral manufacturers have resulted in themed controllers and headsets.
Platform-specific marketing efforts include featured placement in the PlayStation Store and Xbox marketplace digital storefronts. Both PlayStation and Xbox social media channels have highlighted the game in countdown posts leading to the April 24 launch.
Critical Reception and Expectations
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has generated significant buzz in the gaming community ahead of its April 24, 2025 release. Critics and fans alike have been analyzing early gameplay footage and developer information to form initial impressions of this anticipated JRPG.
Initial Reviews and Critiques
Early previews suggest Clair Obscur may challenge genre expectations. Several gaming journalists have noted that while marketed as a turn-based RPG in the vein of classic JRPGs, the game incorporates more action elements than initially expected. IGN’s preview highlighted the game’s unique combat system, which blends traditional turn-based mechanics similar to Persona with more dynamic action sequences.
The art direction has received particular praise, with critics noting its distinctive visual style. The developer’s social media presence has maintained steady engagement with potential players, addressing questions about gameplay mechanics and storytelling approaches.
Some previews have expressed concerns about potential pacing issues, though most remain optimistic about the final product.
Comparison with Previous Titles
As Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 appears to be a new IP rather than a sequel, critics are evaluating it against established JRPG franchises rather than previous entries. Many comparisons draw parallels to Persona’s social systems and Final Fantasy’s narrative depth, positioning it as a potential fresh voice in the genre.
The game’s apparent blend of turn-based strategy with more action-oriented elements places it in an interesting middle ground between traditional JRPGs and more modern action RPGs. This hybrid approach has excited fans looking for innovation within familiar frameworks.
Reddit discussions in r/JRPG reveal considerable anticipation, with several commenters marking it as their most anticipated RPG of 2025. The game’s multi-platform release across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam has been received positively by the community.
Additional Information
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 comes with several technical specifications and distribution details that players should know before its April 2025 release.
Technical Details and Requirements
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will be available on multiple platforms including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. The game is designed to take advantage of current-generation hardware, featuring turn-based RPG gameplay with innovative real-time mechanics that aim to make battles more immersive.
The game will require an online account on respective platforms and is subject to terms of service agreements. Players should ensure they have sufficient storage space for this fantasy RPG inspired by Belle Époque France.
Special editions of the game will include the “Flowers Collection,” featuring six outfits and hairstyles inspired by the Flowers of Lumière, along with six additional “Gommage” outfit variations for character customization.
Publisher and Distribution
Kepler Interactive Limited serves as the publisher for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, handling the game’s global release across all platforms. Bandai Namco Entertainment is also involved in the distribution network for the title.
Pre-orders are currently available across PlayStation Store, Xbox Marketplace, and Steam. Players who pre-order may receive special bonuses or early access to certain content, though specific pre-order incentives vary by platform and region.
Digital distribution will be the primary method of release, with the game appearing in online storefronts for each platform. Physical editions may also be available through select retailers, though availability might differ by region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Players have been eagerly awaiting more details about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 since its announcement. The game has generated excitement with its innovative turn-based RPG gameplay that incorporates unique real-time elements.
What are the different editions available for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will be available in a Standard Edition and a Deluxe Edition. The Standard Edition includes the base game, while the Deluxe Edition offers additional content.
The Deluxe Edition comes with exclusive character skins, a digital artbook, and the game’s soundtrack. Players who purchase this version will also receive 48-hour early access before the official launch.
When can we pre-order Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?
Pre-orders for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 are currently available on Steam and other digital platforms. The pre-order campaign began in February 2025 following the Xbox Developer Direct presentation.
Steam is offering a 10% discount for players who pre-order the game before its April 24 release date. This discount applies to both the Standard and Deluxe Editions.
Will Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 be available on PlayStation and Xbox platforms?
Yes, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game will release simultaneously across all platforms on April 24, 2025.
There are currently no plans for PlayStation 4 or Xbox One versions. The developers have focused on leveraging the capabilities of current-generation hardware.
What is the expected price range for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?
The Standard Edition of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is priced at $39.99. The Deluxe Edition with additional content will cost $59.99.
Regional pricing may vary slightly. The 10% pre-order discount brings the Standard Edition down to approximately $35.99.
Who is the developer behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?
Sandfall Interactive is the development studio behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. This marks a significant release for the studio, which has been working on the project for several years.
The team consists of industry veterans with experience in both RPG and strategy games. Sandfall has described this as their most ambitious project to date.
How much storage space is required to install Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 requires approximately 45GB of free storage space on all platforms. This includes the base game and day-one updates.
Players with slower internet connections should prepare for a substantial download. The PC version supports pre-loading 48 hours before release.
