Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an upcoming, visually arresting, and narratively rich RPG by Sandfall Interactive and Kepler Interactive. It takes players into an art-like, lore-heavy world where memory, mortality, and myth intertwine. This upcoming title redefines how surreal storytelling blends with classic action-RPG mechanics.
Plot
Set in a dreamlike, painterly world inspired by French romanticism, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 tells the story of the last hope against a deadly curse. Every year, the Paintress awakens to select an age, and everyone of that age dies instantly. The only resistance against this annual purge is a team known as Expedition 33. This elite group embarks on a final mission to reach the Paintress and end her reign of terror.
Players take on the role of Gustave, the group’s determined leader, who, along with a tight-knit band of uniquely skilled companions — Maelle, Lune, Sciel, Renoir, Verso, Monoco, and Esquie — must navigate in this world that is both wondrous and nightmarish. As players progress, they uncover secrets about the origin of the curse and the enigmatic force behind it.
Gameplay
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 combines traditional turn-based RPG elements with real-time reaction mechanics. Players are encouraged to time button presses during attacks and defenses to maximize damage or reduce incoming harm. This is a classic mechanic that could be seen in games like Paper Mario and Legend of Dragoon. However, this RPG by Sandfall Interactive is wrapped in a more mature and artistic theme.
Each character has their own skill tree, and combat is both strategic and cinematic, blending rich animation with intense action. Exploration is equally rewarding, with environmental puzzles, lore-rich side quests, and hidden paths. The stylized visuals are made using Unreal Engine 5, which enhances every interaction, creating a living, breathing world that feels like a moving painting.
Platform
The game is set to release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, taking advantage of the current-gen hardware to deliver its visually immersive experience. However, it will not be available on last-gen consoles like PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
System Requirements (PC)
Now that we know this game will be releasing on Windows PC, you must have the required hardware to enjoy the game without trouble. So, here are the minimum and recommended system requirements for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33:
Minimum:
OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
CPU: Intel Core i7-8700K / AMD Ryzen 5 1600X
RAM: 8 GB
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6 GB / AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT 6 GB / Intel Arc A380 6 GB
Storage: 55 GB
Recommended:
OS: Windows 11(64-bit)
CPU: Intel Core i7-12700K / AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
RAM: 16 GB
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti 8 GB / AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT 16 GB
Storage: 55 GB
FAQs On Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
A. The main storyline takes around 25-30 hours to complete, while 100 percent completion would potentially need over 40 hours to explore every side quest and lore.
A. Gustave, the leader of Expedition 33, is the protagonist. He’s a former soldier haunted by the past and driven to stop the Paintress at any cost. Moreover, he is voiced and motion-captured by Charlie Cox.
A. It’s a turn-based RPG set in a painting-like world where a cursed entity known as the Paintress kills people of a chosen age each year. Players guide a team on a final journey to end the curse.
A. Yes, the game will be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch, giving subscribers access on both Xbox and PC platforms.
