Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a brand-new AAA turn-based RPG by new studio Sandfall Games. As one of the coolest-looking games revealed during the 2024 E3 period, gamers are already looking forward to the Expedition 33 release date.
Revealed alongside games like Perfect Dark and DOOM: The Dark Ages, Expedition 33 is a glorious return to turn-based gameplay like the Final Fantasy games of old. But when does the game release on PC and console?
Expedition 33 Release Date Estimate
While a specific release day has yet to be revealed, the Expedition 33 release date has been confirmed for 2025.
This means that the upcoming AAA RPG could be released at any point during 2025. With the game being the debut title of newcomer Sandfall Games, there’s also no previous history to draw an estimate.
However, considering the busy Fall season of 2025, with games like GTA 6 releasing, it would make sense for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to release during Summer 2025 or even earlier. While its turn-based nature means it won’t necessarily clash with larger titles such as Grand Theft Auto, it would be a smarter move to release during a less busy schedule.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 platforms
Unlike recent Final Fantasy games, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a multi-platform release across Xbox Series X, Series S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Unfortunately, for those on older systems, Expedition 33 is a current-gen release only. This means that the game will not be released for Xbox One or PlayStation 4 systems. Furthermore, considering the game’s Unreal Engine 5 technology, it likely won’t run very well on handheld PCs like the Steam Deck or ROG Ally.
Is Expedition 33 on Game Pass?
For players on Xbox and PC, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will be available as a Day One download on Xbox Game Pass. On PlayStation 5, players will have to purchase the game at full price alongside PC players on Steam.
At the time of writing, it’s not known how long Expedition 33 will be available on the Xbox Game Pass subscription service. However, considering the length of other titles that have been a part of the Game Pass library, we would estimate the game will be playable for six months to a year.
Expedition 33 Characters
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has a number of characters that will make up your party. Check out the full list below:
Gustave – An engineer-turned-expeditioner, Gustave has dedicated his life to protecting the city of Lumiere. With only a year left to live, Gustave aims to defeat the evil Paintress and reclaim a future for the citizens of his city.
Lune – A scholar and page, Lune is the daughter of prominent researchers who has dedicated her life to finishing her parents’ work. She joins the party as a charter whilst looking to unravel the mystery of the evil Paintress.
Sciel – Already at ease with death, Sciel is a powerful warrior who joins the Expedition to defeat The Paintress. Her teasing smile hides a painful past.
Maelle – The youngest member of the Expeditioners, Maelle desperately wants to explore the world outside of Lumiere. Orphaned at the age of 3, she aims to help her foster brother Gustave and forge her own destiny.
Expedition 33 combat system
Unlike the majority of Western RPGs, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a lavish turn-based RPG for modern systems.
Described as a “reactive RPG”, the upcoming game combines real-time gameplay, QTEs and turn-based menus for a wholly unique gameplay structure. Alongside traditional turn-based move selections, you’ll have to use your reactions to perfectly parry attacks, aim moves at enemy weak points and execute button sequences to demolish foes.
Specific moves for the RPG have yet to be revealed, but the first gameplay trailer shows sword combat, magic attacks and gun attacks, the latter of which you’ll have to aim to take full advantage of.