Sandfall Interactive recently unveiled crucial details about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 during Xbox's Developer Direct, including its release date, character roster, and innovative combat system. Let's delve into the exciting news!
Unveiling the Mystery: April 24, 2025 Launch Date
Inspired by the aesthetic of Belle Epoque France, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will launch on April 24, 2025. The announcement, made during the Xbox Developer Direct, confirmed the game's arrival on Xbox Game Pass on day one.
Pre-orders are open! Secure your copy for $44.99 (standard) or $59.99 (Deluxe Edition) on the Xbox Store. Steam and PS5 players enjoy a 10% discount ($44.99 and $53.99 respectively), though the PS5 discount requires a PlayStation Plus subscription and is valid until release (3:00 PM local time). The Steam discount ends May 2nd, 2025. An Epic Games Store listing is available for wishlisting.
Meet the New Recruits: Monoco and Esquie
The team expands to eight characters: seven playable heroes and one dedicated to exploration. Joining the previously revealed cast (Gustave, Lune, Maelle, Sciel, Renoir, and Verso) are Monoco and Esquie.
Monoco, a Gestral, is a combat enthusiast who can transform into defeated enemies, leveraging their powers. Gestrals are uniquely immune to the Paintress's influence.
Esquie, an ancient and powerful being, focuses on exploration. He unlocks new areas and abilities by collecting special stones, adding a crucial dimension to the game's open world.
Reimagined Turn-Based Combat and Deep Customization
Sandfall Interactive aims for more than visual appeal. They've revitalized turn-based combat with a reactive system, allowing for real-time dodges and parries for amplified damage. Difficulty settings adjust the timing windows for accessibility.
Deep character customization is key. Each character boasts unique mechanics and skill trees (like Lune's "Stain" mechanic). "Pictos," equipment modifiers, evolve into permanent Luminas (passive effects) after four battles, offering extensive build variety.
With diverse skills, abilities, and Luminas, players can craft hundreds of unique character builds, blending strategy and reflexes in this innovative take on classic turn-based RPG combat.
