Sandfall Interactive recently unveiled crucial details about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 during Xbox's Developer Direct, including its release date, character roster, and innovative combat system. Let's dive into the exciting news!
April 2025: Confront the Paintress's Madness
Set in a Belle Epoque France-inspired fantasy world, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 launches on April 24, 2025. The announcement, made during the Xbox Developer Direct, confirmed the game's arrival on Xbox Game Pass on day one.
Pre-orders are open! The standard edition is priced at $44.99, while the Deluxe Edition is available for $59.99 on the Xbox Store. Steam and PS5 players enjoy a 10% discount ($44.99 and $53.99 respectively), though the PS5 discount requires a PlayStation Plus subscription and expires at 3:00 PM local time on release day. The Steam discount ends May 2nd, 2025. The game is currently wishlisted on the Epic Games Store.
Meet Monoco and Esquie: New Faces in the Expedition
The full character roster has been revealed, boasting seven playable characters and one dedicated to exploration. Joining the expedition are Monoco and Esquie:
- Monoco: A bloodthirsty yet friendly Gestral, capable of transforming into defeated enemies, adding a unique combat dimension. Gestrals are immune to the Paintress's powers.
- Esquie: A legendary, powerful being who primarily assists with exploration, unlocking new areas and abilities using special stones collected throughout the game's open world.
The remaining playable characters – Gustave, Lune, Maelle, Sciel, Renoir, and Verso – were previously introduced in a YouTube video on October 16, 2024.
Reactive Turn-Based Combat and Deep Customization
Sandfall Interactive has reinvented classic turn-based combat, adding a real-time reactive element. Players can parry and dodge attacks for increased damage or defensive maneuvers. Timing is key, but difficulty settings adjust the timing window for accessibility.
Deep character customization is a core feature. Each character boasts unique mechanics and skill trees. Lune, for example, utilizes "Stain" to empower her abilities. "Pictos," equipment modifiers, evolve into permanent Luminas (passive effects) after four battles, offering extensive build variety. Hundreds of build combinations allow for personalized playstyles.
