Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – A New Dawn for Turn-Based RPGs
In a time where fast-paced action games dominate the spotlight, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 arrives as a breath of fresh air. Developed by Sandfall Interactive, this upcoming title pays homage to the golden era of turn-based RPGs, while confidently pushing the genre forward with a blend of real-time mechanics, deep storytelling, and next-gen visuals.
The Story: A Race Against Time
Set in the beautifully haunting city of Lumière, the game tells the story of the Paintress—a mysterious figure who each year paints a cursed number. Those of that age vanish into smoke, their existence wiped from the world. As the cursed number turns to 33, a determined group known as Expedition 33 sets out on a desperate journey to confront the Paintress and end the cycle of erasure.
The story weaves themes of memory, fate, and resistance into a unique narrative structure, drawing players into a poetic yet tragic world.
Combat Reinvented: Reactive Turn-Based Battles
One of the most innovative aspects of Clair Obscur is its “reactive turn-based” combat system. While combat begins with the familiar tactics of turn-based decision-making, enemy turns bring real-time elements into play—players can actively dodge, parry, and counter. This system adds tension and interactivity, demanding both strategic planning and sharp reflexes.
It’s an approach that modernizes turn-based RPGs without losing their cerebral roots.
A Visual Masterpiece
Built using Unreal Engine 5, the game showcases stunning environments and characters, thanks to Nanite geometry and Lumen lighting. The visual style draws from Belle Époque-era France and Baroque art, delivering a painterly world that feels both surreal and grounded.
Each area is carefully crafted, with dramatic lighting, intricate architecture, and moody palettes that reinforce the game’s dreamlike atmosphere.
A Cast Full of Depth
The members of Expedition 33 aren’t just party members—they’re people with personal stakes and emotional depth. From Gustave, an idealistic engineer striving to save his city, to Lune, a scholar obsessed with unlocking the mystery of the Paintress, every character has a rich backstory. Others like Sciel, a stoic warrior with a tragic past, and Maelle, a spirited orphan carving her own path, bring variety and heart to the narrative.
Their stories intertwine, evolve, and ultimately shape the outcome of your expedition.
Launch and Platforms
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set to release on April 24, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. It will also be available day one on Xbox Game Pass, making it more accessible to players eager to dive into its rich world.
Final Thoughts
With its hybrid combat, rich storytelling, and standout visual presentation, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is shaping up to be one of 2025’s most intriguing releases. It respects the legacy of classic RPGs while confidently forging its own identity—one where art, gameplay, and emotion intersect.
For fans of narrative-driven adventures and thoughtful gameplay, this is one game to keep your eyes on.