Sandfall Interactive unveiled exciting new details about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 during Xbox's Developer Direct, including its release date, intriguing characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics. Let's dive in!
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: A Deeper Look
Conclude the Paintress's Reign of Terror: April 24, 2025
Prepare for adventure! Set in a captivating fantasy world reminiscent of Belle Epoque France, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 arrives on April 24, 2025. Announced during Xbox's Developer Direct, Sandfall Interactive showcased their innovative approach to classic turn-based combat, built from the ground up. And even better? It's launching day one with Xbox Game Pass!
Pre-orders are open! Grab the base game for $44.99 or the Deluxe Edition for $59.99 on the Xbox Store. Steam and PS5 players enjoy a 10% discount, priced at $44.99 and $53.99 respectively. Note: The Steam discount ends May 2, 2025, and the PlayStation discount (available until release at 3:00 PM local time) requires a PlayStation Plus subscription. Epic Games Store users can wishlist the game.
Beyond the release date, Sandfall Interactive detailed new characters and the game's unique combat system.
Expedition 33's Newest Recruits: Monoco and Esquie
Expanding the roster to seven playable characters plus one dedicated to exploration, we meet Monoco and Esquie. Monoco, a "friendly and bloodthirsty Gestral," possesses the uncanny ability to transform into defeated enemies, adding a dynamic layer to combat. Gestrals are uniquely unaffected by the Paintress's power. Esquie, a legendary figure considered the oldest and strongest being, plays a crucial support role, granting access to various locations on the open-world map. Collecting his special stones unlocks new abilities and areas.
The other playable characters—Gustave, Lune, Maelle, Sciel, Renoir, and Verso—were previously revealed on October 16, 2024, in a YouTube video. Despite their differences, they unite to break the cycle of death.
Innovative Turn-Based Combat and Deep Character Customization
Sandfall Interactive isn't just focused on visuals; they've reinvented classic turn-based RPG combat (as highlighted in an Xbox Wire article on January 23, 2025). CEO and creative director Guillaume Broche emphasizes the depth of each character's unique playstyle and skill tree.
This is achieved through a reactive turn-based system incorporating real-time elements. Players can dodge, parry for massive damage, and unleash powerful attacks with precise button presses. Difficulty settings adjust the parry/dodge window for players of all skill levels.
Deep character customization is key. Each character boasts unique mechanics and skill trees (like Lune's "Stain" accumulation for ability enhancement). Luminas, passive effects gained by evolving "Pictos" (equipment modifiers) after four battles, offer permanent enhancements, creating hundreds of build possibilities. This blend of strategic depth and reactive combat promises a fresh and engaging experience.
