Clair Obscur Unveils Release Date and Details at Expedition 33

Unveiling Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – Release Date, Characters, and Gameplay Details

Sandfall Interactive recently showcased Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 during Xbox's Developer Direct, revealing key details including the release date, character roster, and innovative combat mechanics.

Prepare for Battle: Launch Date Set for April 24, 2025

Inspired by Belle Epoque France, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will launch on April 24, 2025. This announcement, made during the Xbox Developer Direct, confirmed the game's arrival on Xbox Game Pass on day one.

Pre-orders are available now! The standard edition is priced at $44.99, while the Deluxe Edition is $59.99 on the Xbox Store. Steam and PS5 players can enjoy a 10% discount, bringing the prices down to $44.99 and $53.99 respectively. Note that the PS5 discount requires a PlayStation Plus subscription and is valid until the game's release. The Steam discount ends May 2nd, 2025. The game is currently wishlisted on the Epic Games Store.

Meet the New Recruits: Monoco and Esquie

The full cast of seven playable characters, plus one dedicated to exploration, has been revealed. Joining the previously announced Gustave, Lune, Maelle, Sciel, Renoir, and Verso are Monoco and Esquie.

Monoco, a Gestral, is described as "friendly and bloodthirsty," transforming into defeated enemies to harness their powers. Interestingly, Gestrals are immune to the Paintress' influence.

Esquie, a legendary being, is the oldest and strongest in the world. While not directly involved in combat, Esquie unlocks access to various locations on the open-world map, requiring the retrieval of his special stones to enhance abilities and explore previously inaccessible areas.

Innovative Turn-Based Combat and Deep Customization

Sandfall Interactive has reinvented classic turn-based combat, incorporating a real-time reactive element. Players can dodge and parry attacks for increased damage, with timing impacting attack power. Difficulty settings adjust the timing window for accessibility.

Deep character customization is a core feature. Each character possesses unique mechanics and skill trees, such as Lune's "Stain" resource. Luminas, passive effects obtained by evolving "Pictos" (equipment modifiers) after four battles, offer further customization options. These Luminas become permanent, providing numerous build possibilities.

The combination of reactive turn-based combat and extensive character customization promises a strategic and engaging RPG experience.