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 in to discover everything you need to know about this highly anticipated game!

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 In-Depth Information Unveiled

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

Set in a fantasy world inspired by "Belle Epoque France," Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set to launch on April 24, 2025, as announced by Sandfall Interactive during Xbox's Developer Direct. The game promises a fresh take on classic turn-based combat, with innovative mechanics that have been built from the ground up. Excitingly, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will be available on day one with Xbox Game Pass.

You 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. The game is currently available for wishlisting on the Epic Games Store.

The Steam discount will end on May 2, 2025, while the PlayStation discount will be available until the game’s release date at 3:00 PM (local time). Note that PS5 players need a PlayStation Plus subscription to avail of this introductory price.

In addition to the release date, Sandfall Interactive has shared detailed insights into the game’s new characters and its innovative gameplay mechanics.

New Characters of Expedition 33: Monoco and Esquie

The game's full cast has been revealed, expanding to seven fully playable characters and one dedicated to exploration. The latest additions to the 33rd expedition are the mysterious and otherworldly Monoco and Esquie.

Monoco, the team’s "friendly and bloodthirsty Gestral," thrives on combat and views competition as a form of meditation. This unique being can transform into defeated enemies, adding a strategic layer to combat by harnessing the powers of fallen foes. Unaffected by the Paintress’ power, Monoco joined the group out of intrigue for future battles.

Esquie, on the other hand, is a living legend known as the oldest and strongest being in the world. While taking a backseat in combat, Esquie plays a crucial role by granting the team access to various locations across the open world map. Collecting his special stones unlocks new abilities and allows access to previously unreachable areas.

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

Turn-Based Combat Innovation and Deep Character Customization

Sandfall Interactive is set to redefine the classic turn-based RPG combat in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, as highlighted in an Xbox Wire article dated 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, where every character has their own playstyle and can be played in numerous ways, yet each feels distinct with unique mechanics and skill trees."

To achieve this, the game introduces a reactive turn-based system, blending real-time elements into traditional turn-based combat. Players can dodge enemy attacks or deliver massive damage through parrying. Additionally, characters can unleash more powerful attacks by pressing specific buttons. The system is designed to be accessible, with adjustable difficulty settings that allow players to modify the parry and dodge windows to suit their skill level.

The game also offers extensive character customization. Each character boasts unique mechanics and skill trees, such as Lune’s ability to accumulate "Stain" to enhance her abilities. Players can also gain Luminas, passive effects, by evolving "Pictos," equipment modifiers, after four battles. Once Pictos are turned into Luminas, they become permanent, offering even more ways to tailor each character.

With such deep customization options, players can experiment with hundreds of different builds to find a playstyle that suits them best. The reactive turn-based system not only challenges strategic thinking but also tests players' reflexes, making Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 a truly engaging and innovative RPG experience.