Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Announces Release Date, Unveils Combat Mechanics

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 into the world of this eagerly anticipated game!

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 In-Depth Information Unveiled

Put an End to the Paintress's Madness This April 2025

Set in a mesmerizing fantasy world inspired by "Belle Epoque France," Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has officially announced its release date. Sandfall Interactive revealed during Xbox's Developer Direct that the game will launch on April 24, 2025.

The latest Xbox Direct showcased how Sandfall Interactive's developers have crafted the game from the ground up, breathing new life into the classic turn-based combat system. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will be available on day one with Xbox Game Pass, ensuring immediate access for subscribers.

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. While the game can only be wishlisted on the Epic Games Store at this time.

The Steam discount will end on May 2, 2025, and the PlayStation discount will be available until the game’s release date at 3:00 PM (local time). PS5 players need to be subscribed to PlayStation Plus to take advantage of this introductory offer.

Alongside the release date, Sandfall Interactive shared in-depth information about the game's new characters and its innovative gameplay mechanics.

New Characters of Expedition 33: Monoco and Esquie

The developers have now revealed the full cast of characters, expanding the roster to include seven fully playable characters and one dedicated to exploration. The mysterious and otherworldly additions to the 33rd expedition are Monoco and Esquie.

Monoco, the team’s "friendly and bloodthirsty Gestral," embodies beings that relish combat and view competition as a meditative practice. This character can transform into defeated enemies, bringing a unique dynamic to combat by harnessing the abilities of fallen foes. Drawn by the prospect of future battles, Monoco joined the group. Interestingly, Gestrals are immune to the Paintress’ powers.

Esquie, on the other hand, is a living legend, known as the oldest and strongest being in the world. Despite his formidable reputation, Esquie takes a more supportive role in combat, enabling the team to access various locations on an expansive open-world map. By collecting Esquie's special stones, players can unlock new abilities and reach previously inaccessible areas.

The other playable characters were previously introduced on October 16, 2024, in a YouTube video. These include Gustave, Lune, Maelle, Sciel, Renoir, and Verso. Despite their differing personalities and motivations, these characters have united to break the cycle of death once and for all.

Turn-Based Combat Innovation and Deep Character Customization

Sandfall Interactive aims to elevate Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 beyond its stunning visuals by revitalizing the classic turn-based RPG combat system, as highlighted in an article from Xbox Wire on January 23, 2025.

"We didn’t want the game to just be a pretty face," stated CEO and creative director Guillaume Broche. "We wanted it to feel like a real game, with every character offering a distinct playstyle. Players can explore numerous ways to play each character, each with unique mechanics and skill trees."

To achieve this, they integrated a real-time element into the turn-based combat, allowing players to dodge enemy attacks or deliver devastating blows by parrying. Characters can unleash more powerful attacks by pressing specific buttons. This system, known as the reactive turn-based system, ensures that players can adjust difficulty settings to suit their skill level, expanding the parry and dodge window at lower difficulties.

The game also boasts extensive character customization. Each character has unique mechanics and skill trees, such as Lune’s ability to accumulate a resource called "Stain" and use it to enhance her abilities. Additionally, players can gain Luminas, or passive effects, by evolving "Pictos," which are modifiers linked to equipment, after four battles. Converting Pictos into Luminas makes these effects permanent, offering a multitude of ways to tailor each character.

With deep character customization, players can experiment with hundreds of different builds, crafting a playstyle that matches their preferences through Luminas, unique skills, and abilities. The reactive turn-based system introduces a fresh twist on a classic mechanic, challenging both strategic thinking and player reflexes.