Where to Buy Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Gameplay Video
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Unreal Engine 5 |
| Genre | Turn-Based RPG, JRPG |
| Initial Release | 2025-04-24 |
| Developer | Sandfall Interactive |
| Publisher | Kepler Interactive |
| Setting | Belle Époque-inspired Fantasy World |
| Perspective | Third-Person |
| Platforms | PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Game Pass |
| Multiplayer | Single-Player Only |
| Unique Feature | An innovative blend of strategic turn-based combat with engaging real-time actions like parries, dodges, and aim-based targeting. |
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 System Requirements
1080p
tune Minimum (Targets 1080p, Low settings, ~30 FPS) – Low Preset, 1080p resolution, targeting 30 FPS as per official notes.
tune Recommended (Targets 1080p, High settings, ~60 FPS) – High Preset, 1080p resolution, targeting 60 FPS as per official notes.
1440p
tune High (Targets 1440p, High settings, ~60 FPS) – High Preset, 1440p resolution, aiming for 60 FPS. Upscaling (DLSS/XeSS Balanced) is recommended.
2160p
tune 4K Ultra Settings (Targets 2160p/4K, High/Epic settings, ~60 FPS) – High/Epic Preset, 2160p (4K) resolution, aiming for 60 FPS. Upscaling (DLSS/XeSS Performance) is essential.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Laptop Recommendations
memory Intel Core i7-12700H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 140W
storage 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
US $1349
Model: MSI Pulse GL66 with RTX 3070 and i7 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i7-12700H (Score: 900)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 (Score: 6600) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution, targeting 30 FPS as per official notes.).
memory Intel Core i9-13900H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
US $999
Model: Acer Nitro V with RTX 4060 and i9 13th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-13900H (Score: 1058)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution, targeting 30 FPS as per official notes.).
memory Intel Core i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 140W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $1749
Model: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060)
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution, targeting 30 FPS as per official notes.).
memory Intel Core i9-12900H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti 150W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $1397
Model: Asus Rog Strix Scar 15 with RTX 3070 Ti and i9 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-12900H (Score: 1030)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti (Score: 7100) @ 150W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution, targeting 30 FPS as per official notes.).
memory Intel Core i5-12450H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 75W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
US $645
Model: HP Victus 15 with RTX 3050 and i5 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i5-12450H (Score: 628)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution, targeting 30 FPS as per official notes.).
memory Intel Core i5-12500H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 80W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
US $710
Model: Acer Nitro 5 with RTX 3050 Ti and i5 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i5-12500H (Score: 633)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti (Score: 7220) @ 80W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution, targeting 30 FPS as per official notes.).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 75W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $799
Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS (Score: 1655)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution, targeting 30 FPS as per official notes.).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 6800H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $1299
Model: ASUS ROG Strix G15 with RTX 3060 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 6800H (Score: 880)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (Score: 7448) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution, targeting 30 FPS as per official notes.).
memory AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 100W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
US $1489
Model: ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 Ultra with RTX 3080 and Ryzen 9
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS (Score: 820)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 (Score: 7904) @ 100W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution, targeting 30 FPS as per official notes.).
memory Intel Core i7-13620H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $1350
Model: MSI Katana 15 with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core i7-13620H (Score: 843)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution, targeting 30 FPS as per official notes.).
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Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
A 64-bit version of Windows 10 is required. Windows 11 is recommended for optimal performance, especially with newer hardware, to best utilize features like DirectStorage.
- memoryDirectX: DirectX 12
The official requirement is DirectX 12. As an Unreal Engine 5 title, it relies on DX12 for its advanced rendering features like Lumen and Nanite.
- save_altStorage Note: 55 GB available space (SSD Required)
An SSD is listed as a mandatory requirement for both minimum and recommended tiers to handle the high-fidelity assets and reduce texture streaming issues common in UE5 games.
settings_applications Optimization Notes:
Upscaling: The game is built on Unreal Engine 5 and supports NVIDIA DLSS, Intel XeSS, and Epic's native TSR. Notably, AMD FSR is not officially supported at launch, though mods may enable it. Upscaling is highly recommended for achieving stable framerates at 1440p and is essential for 4K.
Key Settings: As a UE5 title using Lumen for global illumination and reflections, these settings, along with Shadows and Post-Processing, will have the most significant performance impact. The game has been noted to have some shader compilation stutter.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: Map Size and Regions
The game features large, explorable zones rather than a single seamless open world. Players lead the expedition through diverse and wonderous regions, including lush forests, scenic cliffs, and bizarre underwater areas where one can walk on the ocean floor. The world is filled with secrets, unique enemies, and traveling merchants.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Skills & Upgrades Overview
Character progression involves leveling up to increase base attributes and earning skill points to unlock active and passive abilities in unique skill trees. A 'Pictos' system allows players to equip items that provide powerful passive bonuses. Once enough battles are won with a Pictos equipped, its bonus can be permanently unlocked for the whole party using 'Lumina' points, allowing for deep build customization.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: Game Editions
The game was released with a Standard Edition and a Digital Deluxe Edition. The Deluxe Edition includes the base game, 'The Flowers Collection' (six outfits and hairstyles for each character), and two exclusive custom outfits: 'Clair' for Maelle and 'Obscur' for Gustave.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: Cross-Platform / Crossplay
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a single-player game, so cross-platform play is not applicable.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Other Features & Info
- labelMultiplayer Modes
The game is a strictly single-player experience and does not have any multiplayer or co-operative modes.
- labelUser Interface
The combat UI clearly displays the turn order on the left side of the screen, allowing for strategic planning. Real-time defensive prompts appear during enemy attacks. Outside of combat, the UI is clean, with a focus on immersive exploration. Menus for skills, equipment, and the Pictos system are stylized and easy to navigate.
- labelSound and Music
The game features a full, emotional orchestral score composed by Lorien Testard, designed to enhance the beauty and tragedy of the world. It also has a full English and French voice cast featuring prominent actors like Charlie Cox, Andy Serkis, and Ben Starr.
- labelGraphics and Visuals
Developed in Unreal Engine 5, the game boasts a breathtaking and unique art style inspired by Belle Époque France and surrealist art. It features stunningly beautiful landscapes, fantastical creature designs, and highly cinematic combat animations.
- labelAccessibility Features
The game includes three distinct difficulty modes (Story, Expeditioner, Expert) that adjust enemy power and the timing windows for real-time defensive actions. It also features fully customizable subtitles and support for various upscaling technologies to ensure smooth performance across a range of hardware.
- labelStory and Setting
The game is set in the world of Lumière, a land inspired by Belle Époque France. Once a year, a being called the Paintress paints a number on a monolith, causing everyone of that age to vanish in a phenomenon called the Gommage. The number decreases annually. As the game begins, the number is about to become '33', giving the members of Expedition 33 one final year to embark on a desperate quest to find and destroy the Paintress.
- labelTop 3 Gameplay Mechanics
- 1. Reactive Turn-Based Combat: The core of the game is its evolution of turn-based combat. While players strategically choose actions, enemy turns become interactive, requiring real-time dodges and parries to negate damage and gain advantages. Mastering these defensive actions is crucial. 2. Real-Time Offensive Inputs: Player attacks are also enhanced with real-time mechanics. Chaining combos requires mastering attack rhythms, and a free-aim system allows players to target enemy weak points for extra damage or to disable specific attacks. 3. Character Stances & Synergies: Each playable character has unique systems, such as Maelle's offensive/defensive stances or Lune's elemental 'stains'. Success in combat relies on understanding these individual mechanics and creating powerful synergies between party members.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Frequently Asked Questions
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help_outline What kind of game is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?It is a turn-based RPG with a unique combat system that incorporates real-time actions, such as parrying, dodging, and aiming for weak points. It is set in a new fantasy world inspired by Belle Époque France.
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help_outline Is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 an open-world game?No, it is not a seamless open world. The game is structured around exploring large, linear levels and zones as the expedition progresses on its quest.
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help_outline What makes the combat unique?Unlike traditional turn-based RPGs, players must actively defend during enemy turns by timing dodges and parries. On offense, players can chain combos with rhythmic button presses and use a free-aim system to target specific enemy body parts.
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help_outline Is the game on Game Pass?Yes, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was available on day one on Xbox Game Pass.