Sandfall Interactive has unveiled exciting new details about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, including its release date, characters, and gameplay mechanics, during Xbox's Developer Direct. Dive in to discover everything you need to know about this highly anticipated game!
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 In-Depth Information Unveiled
Put an End to the Paintress's Madness This April 2025
Set in a fantasy world inspired by "Belle Epoque France," Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set to launch on April 24, 2025, as announced by Sandfall Interactive during Xbox's Developer Direct. The game promises a fresh take on classic turn-based combat, with innovative mechanics that have been built from the ground up. Excitingly, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will be available on day one with Xbox Game Pass.
Players can pre-order the base game for $44.99 or opt for the Deluxe Edition at $59.99 on the Xbox Store. Both editions are available at a 10% discount on Steam and PS5, priced at $44.99 and $53.99 respectively. The game is currently available for wishlisting on the Epic Games Store.
The Steam discount will end on May 2, 2025, while the PlayStation discount will be available until the game’s release date at 3:00 PM (local time). PS5 players must be subscribed to PlayStation Plus to avail of this introductory price.
In addition to the release date, Sandfall Interactive has shared detailed insights into the game’s new characters and its innovative gameplay mechanics.
New Characters of Expedition 33: Monoco and Esquie
The game's full cast has been revealed, expanding to seven fully playable characters and one dedicated to exploration. The latest additions to the 33rd expedition are the mysterious and otherworldly Monoco and Esquie.
Monoco, the team’s "friendly and bloodthirsty Gestral," thrives on combat and views competition as a form of meditation. This unique being can transform into defeated enemies, adding a strategic layer to combat by harnessing the powers of fallen foes. Unaffected by the Paintress’ power, Monoco joined the group out of intrigue for future battles.
Esquie, on the other hand, is a living legend, known as the oldest and strongest being in the world. While taking a backseat in combat, Esquie plays a crucial role in exploration, granting the team access to various locations across the open world map. By collecting Esquie's special stones, players can unlock new abilities and reach previously inaccessible areas.
The other playable characters, Gustave, Lune, Maelle, Sciel, Renoir, and Verso, were previously introduced in a YouTube video on October 16, 2024. Despite their diverse personalities and motivations, they have united to break the cycle of death once and for all.
Turn-Based Combat Innovation and Deep Character Customization
Sandfall Interactive is set to redefine the classic turn-based RPG combat with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, as highlighted in an Xbox Wire article dated January 23, 2025. The CEO and creative director, Guillaume Broche, emphasized the game's depth, stating, "We didn’t want the game to just be a pretty face. We wanted it to feel like a real game. Each character has their own playstyle, allowing for a multitude of play options, yet they remain distinct with unique mechanics and skill trees."
The game introduces a reactive turn-based system, blending real-time elements into traditional turn-based combat. Players can dodge enemy attacks or deliver devastating blows by parrying, with the option to adjust difficulty settings to accommodate different skill levels. This system challenges players' strategic thinking and reflexes alike.
Character customization in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is extensive. Each character boasts unique mechanics and skill trees, such as Lune’s ability to accumulate "Stain" to enhance her abilities. Players can also evolve "Pictos," equipment modifiers, into permanent "Luminas" after four battles, offering numerous ways to tailor each character to their preferred playstyle. With hundreds of potential builds, players can experiment to find the perfect setup that suits their strategy and style.
