Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a 2025 turn-based role-playing game developed by Sandfall Interactive and published by Kepler Interactive. Set in a dark fantasy world inspired by France’s Belle Époque era, the game follows a group of volunteers on a mission to stop the Paintress, a mysterious entity responsible for the annual disappearance of people above a certain age.
Story Premise: The Fight Against Fate
In the world of Clair Obscur, the residents of Lumière are subject to the Paintress’s brutal rule. Every year, she writes a number on a rock pillar, and everyone who has grown to that age disappears. This unique event, known as the “Gommage,” has been taking place for 67 years, and each year the designated age gets lower.
The story revolves around Expedition 33, the most recent batch of Lumière volunteers who go out on a deadly quest to face and eliminate the Paintress in an effort to break the cycle of death. The group consists of Sciel, a composed and upbeat warrior; Lune, a gifted scholar and wizard; Maelle, his foster sister; and Gustave, a thirty-two-year-old engineer with just a year to live.
A Belle Époque-Inspired Dark Fantasy World
The Belle Époque period of France, which was marked by its creative and cultural blossoming, had a significant influence on Clair Obscur’s world. The game’s settings are defined by elegant architecture, stunning environment, and a sombre ambiance that captures both the elegance of the time period and the underlying hopelessness brought on by the Gommage.
The adventure begins in the city of Lumière, which features a warped replica of the Eiffel Tower. Players encounter a variety of locations as the Expedition goes on, such as the fantastical town of the Gestrals, which are tiny, oddball animals that lighten the generally grim tone of the game.
Gameplay: Turn-Based Combat with Real-Time Mechanics
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a distinctive fighting system that combines real-time components with conventional turn-based gameplay. Battles become more tactical and engaging when players are able to execute timed parries and dodges.
In addition to having unique skills, each character can equip “Pictos” for passive buffs that can be activated as “Luminas” for extra bonuses. In order to defeat difficult enemies, the game encourages players to try out various character builds and strategies.
Characters: A Diverse Cast with Deep Backstories
The game’s well-developed characters, each with unique motivations and histories, enhance the story. A captivating tale that examines issues of death, sacrifice, and the human will to fight fate is told through Gustave’s will to change his fate, Maelle’s mysterious visions, and Lune’s intellectual insights.
Notably, the game features voice performances by renowned actors such as Charlie Cox (Gustave), Jennifer English (Maelle), and Andy Serkis (Renoir), adding depth and emotion to the characters’ journeys.
Reception: Critical Acclaim and Commercial Success
Following its release on April 24, 2025, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 received widespread critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay, rich storytelling, and artistic design. The game achieved a Metacritic score of 92 and sold over one million units within three days of launch.
By combining classic gameplay elements with innovative improvements, the game was hailed by critics for reviving the turn-based role-playing game genre. The game’s strategic combat, emotional depth, and rich world-building have cemented its status as a 2025 Game of the Year contender.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is playable on Windows PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5. It is a must-try for fans of the role-playing genre due to its distinctive fusion of engaging action, art-inspired visuals, and a compelling storyline.
