Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 News
2025
April 3
⚫︎ PC players of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will have access to extensive graphics settings, ranging from Low to Epic, while console users can select between Performance and Quality modes. The game is officially confirmed as a PS5 Pro Enhanced title, although specific technical details remain undisclosed. Xbox players can pre-load the game now before its worldwide release on April 24 at 12 AM PT / 3 AM ET. This release will feature 56 achievements and trophies, including difficult tasks such as 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 officially stated that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will not feature a minimap. Instead, a compass will guide players through the world. According to Producer Francois Meurisse, this choice was made to emphasize environmental exploration over UI dependency. This design philosophy is also deeply connected to the game’s storyline—players are members of an expedition journeying into uncharted territory, retracing the steps of failed predecessors. "There is no map because every prior expedition ended in failure," Meurisse explained, reinforcing the game’s theme of uncertainty and discovery.
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, the director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, felt a deep desire for fresh turn-based RPGs. Believing others shared this feeling, he began developing the game as a personal project in 2019. Drawing from inspirations like Final Fantasy, Lost Odyssey, and FromSoftware's Sekiro, Broche focused on combining tactical combat with skill-based action.
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 combination of turn-based strategy and unpredictable enemy attack patterns. While clearly honoring JRPG traditions, the game stands apart with its Belle Époque-inspired art direction. French developer Sandfall Interactive sought to create a unique visual and gameplay experience, blending influences from classic Final Fantasy, defensive action inspired by Sekiro, and deckbuilder-like skill systems.
Read more: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is Sekiro Meets Belle Époque Meets JRPG (Game8)
March 3
⚫︎ Gaming news outlets were granted early access to demos of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, with many praising its evolved approach to turn-based combat. Reviewers noted the game feels like a refined synthesis of many great titles that came before it.
Read more: How Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s turn-based combat pays homage to all-time great JRPGs (Epic Games Store News)
January 30
⚫︎ Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set to receive a film adaptation even before the game's official launch. Developer Sandfall Interactive has teamed up with Story Kitchen, the production company behind game-to-film projects such as Sonic and the upcoming Dredge adaptation. While no director or cast members have been revealed yet, producers Dmitri M. Johnson, Mike Goldberg, and Elena Sandoval are confirmed to be involved. Story Kitchen expressed enthusiasm about bringing the game's deep 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 iconic turn-based RPGs, with Creative Director Guillaume Broche naming Final Fantasy VIII-X, Persona, and Octopath Traveler as major inspirations. As a longtime genre enthusiast, Broche aimed to create a high-fidelity turn-based RPG that blends reaction-based combat mechanics with deep strategy. Players can swap party members in the open world and utilize movement skills for puzzle-solving. Broche was deeply moved by the game's warm reception and encourages players to experiment with unique builds. The development team hopes Expedition 33 will leave a lasting legacy, similar to the classic RPGs that shaped their own gaming journeys.
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 real-world art and literature. The game's title references the Clair-Obscur art movement of 17th–18th century France, and its narrative is partly shaped by the novel La Horde du Contrevent. Broche highlighted the game’s dedication to high-quality visuals and an innovative turn-based combat system that incorporates real-time reactions. With additional influence from Souls titles, Devil May Cry, and NieR, the team aims to bring a modern edge to traditional turn-based RPG combat.
Read more: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's Historical Roots and Innovations (Game8)
