Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an enthralling role-playing game crafted by Sandfall Interactive and brought to life by publisher Kepler Interactive. Launched on April 24, 2025, this title is available on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, offering a single-player experience rated M by ESRB and 18 by PEGI. Built on Unreal Engine 5, the game invites players into a haunting narrative and innovative gameplay set against a backdrop inspired by Belle Époque France.

Overview Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Players take on the role of Expedition 33, a determined group tasked with confronting the Paintress, a mystical entity whose annual act of painting a cursed number on her monolith erases all individuals of that age from existence. The mission is to end this deadly cycle, guiding the expedition through a richly detailed world filled with wonder and danger. The game blends traditional turn-based combat with real-time mechanics, creating a dynamic and immersive adventure.

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Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Creation Process

The concept for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 emerged in 2020 during the global pandemic, born from the imagination of Guillaume Broche, a former Ubisoft designer with a deep passion for classic role-playing games. After developing a promising prototype with help from online collaborators and colleagues, Broche secured funding from Kepler Interactive. This support allowed him to establish Sandfall Interactive, assembling a core team of about 30 members, including several ex-Ubisoft talents. The team later expanded with around 50 outsourced contributors and notable voice actors like Charlie Cox, Andy Serkis, and Ben Starr, enhancing the game’s narrative depth.

Broche aimed to revive the turn-based RPG genre, which he believed had been overlooked by major studios. The game draws inspiration from iconic titles such as Final Fantasy, Persona 5 (noted for its cinematic battles and user interface), Lost Odyssey and Blue Dragon (for their quick-time events), and Final Fantasy VIII, IX, and X. The combat system also incorporates dodge and parry elements influenced by Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Early development featured a steampunk Victorian England setting with sci-fi undertones, codenamed “Project W” and “We Lost,” but this was abandoned after six months following investor input for a grander scope. The final storyline was shaped by a painting and a tale crafted by lead writer Jennifer Svedberg-Yen.

Initially developed with Unreal Engine 4, the project transitioned to Unreal Engine 5 to leverage advanced rendering and animation tools like Nanite and Lumen, necessitating a lighting overhaul. This shift also improved character design, moving away from Reallusion’s Character Creator. The team utilized pre-existing assets for background scenery to prioritize the creation of standout “hero assets,” a decision Broche praised for the accessibility modern engines provide to smaller teams.

Technical Specifications Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Minimum Requirements

• OS: Windows 10
• Processor: Intel Core i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600X
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6 GB, AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT 6 GB, or Intel Arc A380 6 GB
• DirectX: Version 12
• Storage: 55 GB available space
• Notes: SSD required; supports 1080p at 30 FPS on low settings

Recommended Requirements

• OS: Windows 11
• Processor: Intel Core i7-12700K or AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti 8 GB or AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT 16 GB
• DirectX: Version 12
• Storage: 55 GB available space
• Notes: SSD required; supports 1080p at 60 FPS on high settings

Conclusion

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands as a testament to the potential of a dedicated small team, blending nostalgic RPG elements with modern innovation. Its release on April 24, 2025, marks a significant moment for the genre, offering players a chance to explore a cursed world and break the Paintress’s deadly tradition. With its stunning visuals and heartfelt soundtrack, this game is poised to leave a lasting impression.