Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is emerging as one of the major sleeper hits of 2025.

      I have been captivated by Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 since it was first revealed at the 2024 Xbox Games Showcase. My anticipation increased as I discovered more about the game in the following months and noted its blend of elements from Japanese RPGs along with Western art and character designs, all framed within a narrative that resonates with contemporary anxieties. I am not alone in my enthusiasm, as I have witnessed considerable buzz surrounding the game online, and I believe it has the potential to become one of the surprising successes of 2025.

      After having a chance to play a portion of Expedition 33 prior to its launch next month, I found that my experience matched my excitement. It offers that exhilarating experience typical of high-budget, turn-based RPGs usually associated with Japanese studios like Atlus and Square Enix. This is balanced by a storyline that revolves around finding the motivation to continue living when everything around feels like it's falling apart. I am eager to see how the adventure of Expedition 33 unfolds further.

      A relevant fantasy narrative

      In the universe of Expedition 33, a being known as The Paintress paints a new number in the sky each year. As the number decreases, everyone above that age dies. To challenge this, expeditions are dispatched to "The Continent" annually in an attempt to defeat The Paintress, though none have succeeded. This game follows the remaining members of the expedition as they journey through The Continent, likely confronting The Paintress more directly than previous attempts.

      The version of Expedition 33 I played begins after the prologue. The number in the sky has decreased from 34 to 33, resulting in the deaths of individuals close to the main characters, prompting them to embark on an expedition. However, upon landing on a beach in The Continent, they are ambushed by an older-looking man, and most of the expedition seemingly meets their demise. My gameplay began as Gustave, played by Charlie Cox from Daredevil: Born Again, wakes up and thinks he is the only survivor.

      He nearly takes his life but is stopped by a fellow member of the expedition, Lune, who persuades him to continue living, assists her in locating other survivors like Gustave’s foster sister Maelle, and ultimately completes the mission that Expedition 33 was tasked with. The limited story elements I experienced felt poignant and resonated with current societal challenges.

      Sandfall Interactive

      As a young person who often feels anxious in a world that seems to worsen daily, I sometimes feel powerless to make a change. While Expedition 33 does indulge in that despair for dramatic effect, it is shaping up to be an ultimately hopeful journey about discovering the will to live and fight back, even when that seems overwhelming and futile. This renders Expedition 33 a timely game, despite its fantasy backdrop, just like Avowed.

      Clearly inspired

      From a gameplay perspective, Expedition 33 draws heavily from RPGs typical of studios like Atlus. It is a turn-based RPG that organizes party and enemy turn orders along a timeline. On a character's turn, they can attack, use an item, activate a skill using AP, or aim and execute a ranged attack. Each party member has a unique flair to their skills; for example, Lune creates different types of “Elemental Stains” with some magical abilities that others can then use to enhance their effects.

      The presentation features an appealing UI reminiscent of Metaphor: ReFantazio, along with action commands comparable to those in Mario & Luigi: Bros. In this system, players can complete QTEs to enhance a skill's effect or dodge and parry enemy attacks. It’s a straightforward interpretation of a classic turn-based RPG model, and the French developer Sandfall Interactive clearly understands what makes these games appealing.

      Kepler Interactive

      The battles are visually impressive yet comprehensible. The action commands feel impactful and rewarding to execute without unnecessarily prolonging playtime, as can often occur in similar games. I can see myself enjoying this battle system throughout the entirety of the game. Expedition 33 does not appear to be set on radically reinventing the RPG genre, but it doesn’t need to.

      The success of titles like Metaphor: ReFantazio indicates a demand for this style of RPG, which both honors traditional RPG gameplay and feels relevant with modern technology. My initial playtime with Expedition 33 has only increased my curiosity; now, I am eager to play more as soon as possible.

      Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set to launch for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S on April 24, and it will be available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on its release day.