"Expedition 33 Unveils Release Date and Combat Details"

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 into the world of this upcoming game set in a fantasy universe inspired by Belle Epoque France!

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 In-Depth Information Unveiled

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

Mark your calendars for April 24, 2025, as Sandfall Interactive has officially announced the release date for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Revealed during Xbox's Developer Direct, this eagerly anticipated game will immerse players in a beautifully crafted world. The developers at Sandfall Interactive have reimagined turn-based combat, promising a fresh and innovative experience. Excitingly, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will be available on day one with Xbox Game Pass.

Pre-orders are now open, with the base game priced at $44.99 and the Deluxe Edition at $59.99 on the Xbox Store. Both editions come with a 10% discount on Steam and PS5, setting the prices at $44.99 and $53.99 respectively. On the Epic Games Store, you can wishlist the game. Note that the Steam discount ends on May 2, 2025, while the PlayStation discount is available until the game's release at 3:00 PM local time, exclusively for PlayStation Plus subscribers.

In addition to the release date, Sandfall Interactive has shared detailed information about the game's characters and gameplay mechanics.

New Characters of Expedition 33: Monoco and Esquie

The full cast of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been revealed, featuring seven playable characters and one dedicated to exploration. Meet Monoco and Esquie, the latest additions to the 33rd expedition.

Monoco, a "friendly and bloodthirsty Gestral," thrives on combat and sees competition as a form of meditation. This unique character can transform into defeated enemies, harnessing their powers to enhance combat strategies. Unaffected by the Paintress' power, Monoco joined the team eager for the battles ahead.

Esquie, known as the oldest and strongest being in the world, plays a crucial role in exploration. While not directly involved in combat, Esquie enables the team to access various locations across the open world map by collecting special stones. These stones unlock new abilities and previously inaccessible areas, enriching the game's exploration aspect.

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

Turn-Based Combat Innovation and Deep Character Customization

Sandfall Interactive is set to redefine the turn-based RPG genre with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. According to an Xbox Wire article dated January 23, 2025, the game aims to offer more than just visual appeal.

"We didn’t want the game to just be a pretty face," stated Guillaume Broche, CEO and creative director. "We wanted it to feel like a real game. Each character has a distinct playstyle, allowing for diverse strategies, yet they all feel unique with their own mechanics and skill trees."

The game introduces a reactive turn-based system, blending real-time elements into traditional turn-based combat. Players can dodge enemy attacks or parry to deal significant damage. For those who might not have "Sekiro-caliber timing," difficulty settings can be adjusted to widen the parry and dodge windows, ensuring accessibility for all players.

Character customization is another highlight, with each character boasting unique mechanics and skill trees. For instance, Lune can accumulate a resource called "Stain" to enhance her abilities. Players can also evolve "Pictos," equipment modifiers, into permanent "Luminas" after four battles, offering extensive ways to tailor each character's abilities.

With deep character customization and a novel reactive turn-based system, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 promises to challenge players' strategic thinking and reflexes, offering a rich and engaging gameplay experience.