Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Gameplay Video
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Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Unreal Engine 5 |
| Genre | Turn-Based RPG, JRPG |
| Initial Release | 2025-04-24 |
| Developer | Sandfall Interactive |
| Publisher | Kepler Interactive |
| Setting | Belle Époque-inspired Fantasy World |
| Perspective | Third-Person |
| Platforms | PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Game Pass |
| Multiplayer | Single-Player Only |
| Unique Feature | An innovative blend of strategic turn-based combat with engaging real-time actions like parries, dodges, and aim-based targeting. |
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 System Requirements
1080p
tune Minimum (Targets 1080p, Low settings, ~30 FPS) – Low Preset, 1080p resolution, targeting 30 FPS as per official notes.
tune Recommended (Targets 1080p, High settings, ~60 FPS) – High Preset, 1080p resolution, targeting 60 FPS as per official notes.
1440p
tune High (Targets 1440p, High settings, ~60 FPS) – High Preset, 1440p resolution, aiming for 60 FPS. Upscaling (DLSS/XeSS Balanced) is recommended.
2160p
tune 4K Ultra Settings (Targets 2160p/4K, High/Epic settings, ~60 FPS) – High/Epic Preset, 2160p (4K) resolution, aiming for 60 FPS. Upscaling (DLSS/XeSS Performance) is essential.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Laptop Recommendations
memory Intel Core I7 12700 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3070 140W
storage 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
1349
Model: MSI Pulse GL66 with RTX 3070 and i7 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I7 12700 H (Score: 900)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 (Score: 6600) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution, targeting 30 FPS as per official notes.).
memory Intel Core I9 13900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
999
Model: Acer Nitro V with RTX 4060 and i9 13th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 13900 H (Score: 1058)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution, targeting 30 FPS as per official notes.).
memory Intel Core I9 14900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4060 140W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
1749
Model: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060)
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 14900 H (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution, targeting 30 FPS as per official notes.).
memory Intel Core I9 12900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3070 TI 150W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
1397
Model: Asus Rog Strix Scar 15 with RTX 3070 Ti and i9 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 12900 H (Score: 1030)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 TI (Score: 7100) @ 150W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution, targeting 30 FPS as per official notes.).
memory Intel Core I5 12450 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 75W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
645
Model: HP Victus 15 with RTX 3050 and i5 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I5 12450 H (Score: 628)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution, targeting 30 FPS as per official notes.).
memory Intel Core I5 12500 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 TI 80W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
710
Model: Acer Nitro 5 with RTX 3050 Ti and i5 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I5 12500 H (Score: 633)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 TI (Score: 7220) @ 80W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution, targeting 30 FPS as per official notes.).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7435 HS
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 75W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
799
Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435 HS (Score: 1655)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution, targeting 30 FPS as per official notes.).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 680 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
1299
Model: ASUS ROG Strix G15 with RTX 3060 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 680 H (Score: 880)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3060 (Score: 7448) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution, targeting 30 FPS as per official notes.).
memory AMD Ryzen 9 590 HS
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3080 100W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
1489
Model: ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 Ultra with RTX 3080 and Ryzen 9
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 590 HS (Score: 820)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3080 (Score: 7904) @ 100W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution, targeting 30 FPS as per official notes.).
memory Intel Core I7 13620 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4070
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
1350
Model: MSI Katana 15 with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core I7 13620 H (Score: 843)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution, targeting 30 FPS as per official notes.).
-
Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
A 64-bit version of Windows 10 is required. Windows 11 is recommended for optimal performance, especially with newer hardware, to best utilize features like DirectStorage.
- memoryDirectX: DirectX 12
The official requirement is DirectX 12. As an Unreal Engine 5 title, it relies on DX12 for its advanced rendering features like Lumen and Nanite.
- save_altStorage Note: 55 GB available space (SSD Required)
An SSD is listed as a mandatory requirement for both minimum and recommended tiers to handle the high-fidelity assets and reduce texture streaming issues common in UE5 games.
settings_applications Optimization Notes:
Upscaling: The game is built on Unreal Engine 5 and supports NVIDIA DLSS, Intel XeSS, and Epic's native TSR. Notably, AMD FSR is not officially supported at launch, though mods may enable it. Upscaling is highly recommended for achieving stable framerates at 1440p and is essential for 4K.
Key Settings: As a UE5 title using Lumen for global illumination and reflections, these settings, along with Shadows and Post-Processing, will have the most significant performance impact. The game has been noted to have some shader compilation stutter.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: Map Size and Regions
The game features large, explorable zones rather than a single seamless open world. Players lead the expedition through diverse and wonderous regions, including lush forests, scenic cliffs, and bizarre underwater areas where one can walk on the ocean floor. The world is filled with secrets, unique enemies, and traveling merchants.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Skills & Upgrades Overview
Character progression involves leveling up to increase base attributes and earning skill points to unlock active and passive abilities in unique skill trees. A 'Pictos' system allows players to equip items that provide powerful passive bonuses. Once enough battles are won with a Pictos equipped, its bonus can be permanently unlocked for the whole party using 'Lumina' points, allowing for deep build customization.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: Game Editions
The game was released with a Standard Edition and a Digital Deluxe Edition. The Deluxe Edition includes the base game, 'The Flowers Collection' (six outfits and hairstyles for each character), and two exclusive custom outfits: 'Clair' for Maelle and 'Obscur' for Gustave.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: Cross-Platform / Crossplay
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a single-player game, so cross-platform play is not applicable.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Specific Game Elements
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Weapons
- securityGustave's Blade & Pistol (Sword and Firearm Combo)
Gustave wields a one-handed blade for melee attacks and a pistol for ranged attacks. His gameplay revolves around landing hits to charge his 'Overload' ability for a massive single strike.
- securityLune's Elemental Magic (Magic)
Lune is the party's primary magic user. She accumulates elemental 'stains' with her attacks, which can then be consumed to empower other abilities or exploit enemy weaknesses. She is also the main healer.
- securityMaelle's Rapier (Fencing Sword)
Maelle uses a rapier and her combat is built around switching between Offensive, Defensive, and the powerful Virtuose stances, each providing different bonuses to damage and defense.
- securitySciel's Foretell (Magic / Debuff)
Sciel's abilities revolve around applying 'Foretell' stacks to enemies, which trigger delayed magical effects. Her power is enhanced by consuming 'Sun' and 'Moon' charges.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Vehicles
- directions_carNone (N/A)
The game is focused on on-foot exploration as the expedition travels across the continent. There are no controllable player vehicles.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Characters
- personGustave - Playable Character / Engineer (playable)
The leader of Expedition 33. A resourceful engineer dedicated to protecting his people. He feels the immense pressure of the mission. Voiced by Charlie Cox.
- personLune - Playable Character / Researcher (playable)
The daughter of prominent researchers, Lune is the expedition's chief scholar and strategist, driven to solve the mystery of the Paintress. Voiced by Kirsty Rider.
- personMaelle - Playable Character / Duelist (playable)
A shy but formidable orphan who joins the expedition to forge her own destiny. She is the youngest member and an expert with her rapier. Voiced by Jennifer English.
- personMonoco - Playable Character / Gestral Warrior (playable)
A member of the Gestral race, who are immune to the Paintress' curse. Monoco joins the expedition for the thrill of battle, which his people view as a form of meditation.
- personRenoir - Key NPC / Ally
A man relentlessly driven to save his family, who will make any sacrifice necessary for victory. Voiced by Andy Serkis.
- personSciel - Playable Character / Warrior (playable)
A cheerful farmer-turned-teacher who masks a painful past. She is a calm and committed warrior who has accepted the harsh realities of their world. Voiced by Shala Nyx.
- personVerso - Mysterious Stranger
An outsider of unknown origin who closely tracks the expedition's every move for his own mysterious reasons. Voiced by Ben Starr.
Top 3 Characters:
An engineer and the initial leader of the expedition. Resourceful and dedicated, he feels the weight of his city's hopes on his shoulders. Voiced by Charlie Cox. 2. Maelle: A shy but capable young woman who views the expedition as a chance to forge her own destiny away from the home she never felt a part of. She is a skilled rapier duelist. Voiced by Jennifer English. 3. Lune: The expedition's chief researcher and strategist. Driven by a deep thirst for knowledge, she is responsible for charting the path to the Paintress and uncovering the mysteries of their world. Voiced by Kirsty Rider.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Missions / Objectives
- flagCharacter Quests
Objective: Optional side quests that delve into the backstories and personal motivations of each party member, allowing players to get to know them better and unlock unique rewards or abilities.
- flagExploration & Discovery
Objective: Exploring the world to find hidden paths, secret bosses, and powerful 'Pictos' that grant permanent passive bonuses to the party.
- flagThe Final Expedition
Objective: The main story quest follows Expedition 33's year-long journey to find and destroy the Paintress before she can paint the number '32', which would erase them from existence. The narrative is linear and story-driven.
Top 3 Missions/Objectives:
the Paintress: The single, overarching objective that drives the entire narrative. The success or failure of Expedition 33 in this one-year timeframe determines the fate of their world. 2. Follow the Trail of Past Expeditions: A recurring objective where the party discovers the fates of the 32 previous expeditions, learning from their failures and gathering clues. 3. Unravel the Mystery of the Gommage: The central narrative mystery. The expedition must not only defeat the Paintress but also understand why the death cycle began and what the true nature of their world is.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Companions / Summons
- groupParty Members (Various (Human, Gestral, etc.))
Ability: The game revolves around a core party of characters who travel and fight together. Up to three characters can be active in combat at one time, and players can swap them in and out at camp sites. Their different abilities and mechanics create complex synergies.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Collectibles
- collections_bookmarkColours of Lumina
Location/Use: A special collectible currency found throughout the world. These can be given to a character called 'The Curator' to increase the party's total Lumina points, allowing more Pictos bonuses to be activated.
- collections_bookmarkLogs of Past Expeditions
Location/Use: Found in abandoned camps and ruins. These journals and audio logs detail the journeys and ultimate fates of the 32 previous expeditions, providing lore and clues.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Armor
- shieldCharacter-Specific Outfits
Focus/Stats: Armor is primarily cosmetic in the form of different outfits for each character. The Deluxe Edition provides the 'Flowers Collection' and two unique outfits. Defensive stats are primarily managed through character attributes and the 'Pictos' system rather than traditional armor pieces.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Clothing / Appearance
- checkroomDefault Expedition Gear
Details: Each character has a unique default outfit that reflects their personality and role (e.g., Gustave's engineer attire, Maelle's practical duelist gear).
- checkroomDeluxe Edition Outfits
Details: The Deluxe Edition includes 'The Flowers Collection' (providing six floral-themed outfits and hairstyles for each character) and two exclusive outfits, 'Clair' for Maelle and 'Obscur' for Gustave.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Other Features & Info
- labelMultiplayer Modes
The game is a strictly single-player experience and does not have any multiplayer or co-operative modes.
- labelUser Interface
The combat UI clearly displays the turn order on the left side of the screen, allowing for strategic planning. Real-time defensive prompts appear during enemy attacks. Outside of combat, the UI is clean, with a focus on immersive exploration. Menus for skills, equipment, and the Pictos system are stylized and easy to navigate.
- labelSound and Music
The game features a full, emotional orchestral score composed by Lorien Testard, designed to enhance the beauty and tragedy of the world. It also has a full English and French voice cast featuring prominent actors like Charlie Cox, Andy Serkis, and Ben Starr.
- labelGraphics and Visuals
Developed in Unreal Engine 5, the game boasts a breathtaking and unique art style inspired by Belle Époque France and surrealist art. It features stunningly beautiful landscapes, fantastical creature designs, and highly cinematic combat animations.
- labelAccessibility Features
The game includes three distinct difficulty modes (Story, Expeditioner, Expert) that adjust enemy power and the timing windows for real-time defensive actions. It also features fully customizable subtitles and support for various upscaling technologies to ensure smooth performance across a range of hardware.
- labelStory and Setting
The game is set in the world of Lumière, a land inspired by Belle Époque France. Once a year, a being called the Paintress paints a number on a monolith, causing everyone of that age to vanish in a phenomenon called the Gommage. The number decreases annually. As the game begins, the number is about to become '33', giving the members of Expedition 33 one final year to embark on a desperate quest to find and destroy the Paintress.
- labelTop 3 Gameplay Mechanics
- 1. Reactive Turn-Based Combat: The core of the game is its evolution of turn-based combat. While players strategically choose actions, enemy turns become interactive, requiring real-time dodges and parries to negate damage and gain advantages. Mastering these defensive actions is crucial. 2. Real-Time Offensive Inputs: Player attacks are also enhanced with real-time mechanics. Chaining combos requires mastering attack rhythms, and a free-aim system allows players to target enemy weak points for extra damage or to disable specific attacks. 3. Character Stances & Synergies: Each playable character has unique systems, such as Maelle's offensive/defensive stances or Lune's elemental 'stains'. Success in combat relies on understanding these individual mechanics and creating powerful synergies between party members.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Frequently Asked Questions
- help_outline What kind of game is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?It is a turn-based RPG with a unique combat system that incorporates real-time actions, such as parrying, dodging, and aiming for weak points. It is set in a new fantasy world inspired by Belle Époque France.
- help_outline Is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 an open-world game?No, it is not a seamless open world. The game is structured around exploring large, linear levels and zones as the expedition progresses on its quest.
- help_outline What makes the combat unique?Unlike traditional turn-based RPGs, players must actively defend during enemy turns by timing dodges and parries. On offense, players can chain combos with rhythmic button presses and use a free-aim system to target specific enemy body parts.
- help_outline Is the game on Game Pass?Yes, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was available on day one on Xbox Game Pass.