Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – A first look at 2025’s standout RPG

French studio Sandfall Interactive is bringing a bold new vision to the RPG genre with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. After spending over four hours with an early version of the game, it’s clear that this fantasy RPG blends turn-based combat with action elements in an exciting way. Coupled with an engaging narrative, breathtaking visuals, and immersive sound design, Expedition 33 is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about releases of 2025.

A Journey Begins

The preview allowed us to jump into the adventure shortly after the prologue in Lumière. To provide context, a summary video titled "The Story So Far" was included in the demo (though it won’t be in the final version). Without giving away spoilers, here’s how the journey begins:

Expedition 33, led by Gustave, Lune, and Maelle, suffers a devastating defeat at the hands of a mysterious white-haired figure. Gustave, the sole survivor, awakens in an unfamiliar location, setting the stage for an epic adventure.

Meet the Playable Characters

The demo featured three playable characters, each with distinct abilities and fighting styles:

Gustave – A skilled engineer who utilizes the Overload combat mechanic. Voiced by Charlie Cox (English) and Alexandre Gillet (French).

Lune – A scholarly mage who wields Elemental Blurs. Voiced by Kirsty Rider (English) and Céline Melloul (French).

Maelle – Gustave’s adopted sister, a hermit who specializes in fencing stances. Voiced by Jennifer English (English) and Adeline Chetail (French).

Innovative Combat and Exploration

One of the game’s standout features is its reactive turn-based combat system. Unlike traditional turn-based RPGs, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 requires players to anticipate enemy movements, block attacks, and time counterattacks with precision. Evasive maneuvers and jumping add an extra strategic layer to battles.

Exploration is equally rewarding, with side paths offering hidden treasures, optional gear, and additional challenges. Weapon targeting allows players to exploit enemy weaknesses from the very start, making battles more dynamic and engaging.

A Soundtrack to Remember

From orchestral compositions to crisp sound effects and high-quality voice acting, the audio design in Expedition 33 is nothing short of spectacular. The game will feature English and French voiceovers, with subtitles available in multiple languages, including German, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and more.

Release Date and Platforms

With its captivating story, stunning presentation, and innovative gameplay, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is on track to be one of 2025’s must-play RPGs. The game is set to launch on April 24, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S (Day One on Game Pass), and PC. For RPG fans, this is one adventure you won’t want to miss!