Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 News

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 News

2025

April 3

The developers have revealed that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will feature comprehensive graphical options for PC players ranging from Low to Epic settings. Console players can opt between Performance and Quality modes. While confirmed as PS5 Pro Enhanced, specific technical details remain undisclosed. Xbox users can now pre-install the game before its worldwide release on April 24 at 12 AM PT / 3 AM ET. The game includes 56 achievements with challenges encompassing boss fights without taking damage and collecting all 33 musical records.

March 24

Sandfall Interactive has clarified that Expedition 33 won't implement a minimap system, choosing instead to utilize a compass-based navigation approach. Producer Francois Meurisse explained this decision enhances the game's exploratory nature and reinforces the narrative premise - players are following failed expeditions into uncharted territory. "No prior expeditions succeeded, so why would there be a map?" Meurisse remarked, emphasizing the intended sense of mystery.

March 21

Game director Guillaume Broche initiated development in 2019 driven by his hunger for fresh turn-based RPG experiences. Drawing from Final Fantasy, Lost Odyssey and FromSoftware titles like Sekiro, Broche sought to blend tactical combat with skill-based mechanics in this passion project.

March 19

Producer Francois Meurisse recently detailed Expedition 33's unique hybrid combat system that fuses turn-based strategy with dynamic enemy attacks. The game's distinctive Belle Époque aesthetic reflects developer Sandfall Interactive's goal of creating a visually and mechanically unique RPG experience, incorporating elements from classic JRPGs, Sekiro's defensive mechanics, and deckbuilding-inspired skill systems.

March 3

Preview builds of Expedition 33 have impressed journalists with its innovative approach to turn-based combat that synthesizes and evolves mechanics from genre classics.

January 30

Sandfall Interactive has partnered with Story Kitchen (known for Sonic and upcoming Dredge adaptations) for a film adaptation. While key creative details remain under wraps, the production team aims to translate the game's rich narrative and characters to cinema.

2024

August 29

Creative director Guillaume Broche cites Final Fantasy VIII-X, Persona, and Octopath Traveler as primary influences for Expedition 33's development. The team aimed to combine high-fidelity graphics with strategic depth, allowing party customization and environmental puzzles. Broche hopes players will discover creative builds that "break" intended systems, inspired by classic RPG experiences.

July 30

Guillaume Broche revealed the game's deep artistic connections to 17th-18th century French art movements and Alain Damasio's novel La Horde du Contrevent. The development takes inspiration from varied sources including Souls games, Devil May Cry, and NieR, with the goal of modernizing turn-based combat through its reactive battle system.