Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 News
2025
April 3
PC players will have access to extensive graphical settings, ranging from Low to Epic presets, while console players can select between Performance and Quality modes. Confirmed as a PS5 Pro Enhanced title, its specific technical details are still under wraps. Xbox users can now pre-load the game before its worldwide release on April 24 at 12 AM PT / 3 AM ET. The game features 56 achievements and trophies, with objectives including defeating bosses without taking damage and collecting all 33 musical 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 announced that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will not feature a minimap, using a compass for navigation instead. Producer Francois Meurisse explained this choice promotes exploration over interface dependency. Beyond gameplay, this decision aligns with the narrative—players join an expedition into uncharted territory, retracing the steps of failed predecessors. "They don’t have a map because every previous expedition failed," Meurisse noted, underscoring the intention for players to share their characters' sense of uncertainty.
Read more: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 won't have a mini map to preserve its sense of discovery, says producer (PC Gamer)
March 21
Guillaume Broche, director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, felt a strong desire for new turn-based RPGs and assumed others shared his interest, prompting him to begin development as a passion project in 2019. Inspired by Final Fantasy, Lost Odyssey, and FromSoftware's Sekiro, Broche sought to combine tactical combat with skill-based mechanics.
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 emphasized Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's unique fusion of turn-based strategy and demanding, off-rhythm enemy assaults. While honoring JRPG conventions, the game stands out with its Belle Epoque-inspired visual design, reflecting French studio Sandfall Interactive's ambition to deliver a distinct aesthetic and gameplay experience. The title draws from classic Final Fantasy games while integrating real-time defensive techniques inspired by Sekiro and action point-driven skills reminiscent of deckbuilders.
Read more: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is Sekiro Meets Belle Époque Meets JRPG (Game8)
March 3
Gaming news outlets received early access to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 demos, with many praising its innovative approach to turn-based combat. Reviewers noted the system evolves and blends elements from acclaimed predecessors, creating a fresh yet familiar 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
A film adaptation of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is already in development prior to the game's launch. Sandfall Interactive has teamed up with Story Kitchen, known for game-to-film conversions like Sonic and the upcoming Dredge adaptation. Although no director or cast members have been revealed, producers Dmitri M. Johnson, Mike Goldberg, and Elena Sandoval are involved. Story Kitchen expressed enthusiasm for bringing the game's intricate story and multifaceted characters to the big screen.
Read more: Clair Obscur is Getting Its Own Live-Action Movie (GameRant)
2024
August 29
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is heavily influenced by classic turn-based RPGs, with creative director Guillaume Broche naming Final Fantasy VIII-X, Persona, and Octopath Traveler as primary inspirations. As a longtime genre enthusiast, Broche aimed to craft a turn-based RPG with high-fidelity visuals, merging reactive real-time combat with strategic complexity. Players can swap party members in the open world and utilize movement skills to overcome environmental puzzles. Broche was deeply moved by the game's warm reception and hopes players will experiment with inventive character builds. The development team aspires for Expedition 33 to resonate with players, similar to how iconic RPGs have influenced them.
Read more:Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Wears Its FF and Persona Influences on Its Sleeves (Game8)
July 30
Creative director Guillaume Broche revealed that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 draws from historical art and literature, with its title alluding to the 17th-18th century French Clair Obscur art movement and its storyline influenced by the novel La Horde du Contrevent. Broche highlighted the game's commitment to high-quality graphics and its original reactive turn-based combat system. Incorporating elements from Souls games, Devil May Cry, and NieR, the project seeks to refresh the turn-based RPG genre.
Read more: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's Historical Roots and Innovations (Game8)
