Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - release, gameplay, story and more about the great role-playing hope

Clair Obscur has a lot planned. If all of this succeeds, an exciting title could be waiting.

has a somewhat complicated name, but it could be worth remembering - at least if the upcoming role-playing game harmoniously implements everything we've seen in trailers so far.

The titleis based on classic JRPGs, but mixes these elements with a western setting and wants to set graphic standards. Whether the ambitious game from the relatively new developer studio Sandfall Interactive can inspire players and critics remains exciting.

We summarize for you what you need to know about the turn-based RPG with a real-time twist.Here you can go directly to the points you are looking for:

Release: When and on which platforms will Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 be released?

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will be released on24. April 2025forPC, PS5 und Xbox Series X/S.

Price and editions: How much does Clair Obscur cost?

  • Standard Edition on Steam:49.99 euros (offer until May 1st: 44.99 euros)
  • Standard-Edition im PS Store: 49.99 euros (offer with Plus until April 24th: 44.49 euros)
  • Standard-Edition im Xbox Store: 49,99 Euro (Day One im Game Pass)

Deluxe Edition with additional outfits

  • Steam:59.99 euros (offer until May 1st: 53.99 euros)
  • PS Store: 59,99 Euro
  • Xbox Store: 62,99 Euro.

Collector's Edition

There will also be a Collector's Edition, which, in addition to digital goodies, includes an art book and a music box in the shape of a monolith. The base game is included in all three editions.

Developer: Which studio is developing Clair Obscur?

Clair Obscur is being developed by the French studio Sandfall Interactive. According to their own statements, the rather small development team with a focus on single-player experiences was only founded in 2020.

However, CEO Guillaume Broche reported to GameStar colleague Heiko during Gamescom that many team members had already worked on Ubisoft blockbusters. Incidentally, Clair Obscur is developed in Unreal Engine 5.

Story: What do we know about the story of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?

Clair Obscur: Expedition relies on a dramatic story that revolves around protagonist Gustave and his expedition members. The small group has made it their mission to break a brutal cycle of death and wants to take on a powerful opponent.

The people in the world of Clair Obscur have to bow to the whims of a goddess called “the painter”. This paints a number once a year - and everyone of this age simply disappears into smoke.

Setting: What is known about the game world of Clair Obscur?

Although Clair Obscur is based on JRPG hits, its fantasy world relies on a western setting that is inspired by the French Belle Époque. The Steam page describes the locations as "surreal", which corresponds well with the impressions from the trailers. For example, an underwater world and mysterious creatures could be seen here.

By the way, we don't expect an open world, but rather a more linear gaming experience.

You can also find out more in the Gamescom preview of GameStar:

What is the gameplay of Clair Obscur?

The battles in Clair Obscur are turn-based, but also have a real-time element. This allows us to dodge, parry, counterattack and execute combos at the right timing. We can also specifically attack enemy weak points.

What impression do you have of the RPG so far? Have you already noted it or are you still undecided?